Fasion Camp UK was set up by Susanna Kelly – it’s a story which goes to show that when you put your mind to achieving something you can make it happen. Read her story below and get inspired.
www.fashioncampuk.co.uk
0161 969 3937
What does your business do?
Right now my focus is on my new weekend and holiday eco fashion school for 8-18 year olds! Its called Fashion Camp UK and my aim is to re-shape how this new generation think and act around fashion. I’m passionate about showing them how they can create their own unique personality and confidence and save a fortune in the process by re-working, re-designing, customising, sewing, making and wearing! They’ll get access all areas to the fashion world too creating their own ranges and then learning how to PR them, blog about them, photograph them and then exhibit/showcase them with their very own fashion show. Its the dream of any tweenie fashion follower!
What made you decide to start your own business?
Honestly? I was just fed up of towing the corporate line. Having children makes you see the world in a very different way and I realised that the long long hours commuting and working was making me miserable. I wanted more freedom and choice and I also wanted to do something that rewarded me for the work I put it in terms of passion and money.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Accessing finance. I’m reluctant to get funding and so juggling cash flow is always interesting. But there’s always a solution to every challenge and I certainly wont let it stand in my way – you just have to turn up the creative side in you!
How did you overcome these challenges?
By marketing cleverly – I’m also a marketing consultant for small passion-driven businesses and so I know that with the right mix you can get what you need and want.
What advice or tips would you give to other business owners?
Be persistent in your belief that you will succeed. As long as you’ve planned properly and have worked things through to the end then your sheer passion and determination will ensure that you keep moving.
The other thing I cant encourage enough is, make decisions and don’t procrastinate! It’ll stall if not close down your motivation and your success.
Don’t be shy – in the early stages of your business, your shop front should be your mouth! Talk to everyone and anyone about it – spread the word and the passion. The power of referral cant be underestimated.
Cash is king so make sure you always have your eye on your bank balance. Being in control of it will give you the confidence to manage your business from a standpoint of prosperity rather than fear.
What’s your favourite quote?
“The man who has no imagination has no wings.” Muhammad Ali.
Who inspires you?
My mum. She’s amazing. She taught me from a very early age that I’m totally responsible for who I am and to never rely on anyone else for that. We grew up with very little money but she was always selling stuff she’d get from markets and second shops for a small profit which she always kept in her ‘secret’ account (the bottom of a drawer!) so that we never went without the essentials. She is my entrepreneurial guru!
