Todays episode of Start Scale Succeed Nicole is Joined by UK knitwear designer and brand founder Genevieve Sweeney.
Some of the areas we chat about are
Challenges of UK Manufacturing in an industry that is disappearing & her dreams and plans of revitalising the UK knitwear industry.
What Genevieve learnt from stepping away from the Fashion Norms when running a fashion business & The power of staying true to your business brand values.
Building community through social media and how it has scaled with in-person at her studio in Hertfordshire.
Being sustainable at the core whilst growing.
Key highlights include
- Launching a Brand:
The pivotal moments and challenges that led Genevieve to start her own knitwear brand. - Sustainability Practices:
Genevieve’s approach to sustainable manufacturing, including ethical sourcing, minimizing waste, and making timeless pieces. - UK Knitwear Industry:
The evolution of the industry over the past decade and the current landscape for UK-based manufacturers. - Business Milestones:
The significance of being stocked at Fortnum & Mason and the recent expansion to a new studio in Hertfordshire. - Community Engagement:
How Genevieve engages with her local community through her studio, including workshops and tours. - Challenges and Aspirations:
- Current challenges such as seasonality and future plans for creating a micro-factory and offering apprenticeships.
- Advice for Entrepreneurs:
Genevieve shares valuable advice for those looking to start their own brands, emphasizing resourcefulness and creativity.
https://www.genevievesweeney.com
https://www.instagram.com/genevievesweeney
Genevieve Sweeney is committed to preserving and revitalising this corner of the industry.
Working with hand-selected mills and factories around the UK.
Genevieve is driving British manufacturing forward by embracing innovation whilst also celebrating tradition; keeping time-honoured craftsmanship relevant and capturing the beautiful, refined touch of the artisan. Her signature yarn blends evoke a unique and contemporary mood, while limited batches promise unrivalled originality, lasting quality and attention to detail.
Host Nicole Higgins
Nicole has worked as a buyer and head of buying for over 18 years for retailers such as Primark, M&S and Debenhams. She now uses her expertise and knowledge to help entrepreneurs start and scale their product businesses and continues to work on projects with corporates to increase bottom line sales and profits.
She established her own business The Buyer And Retail Coach™ to help give entrepreneurs the confidence and knowledge to bring products to market. Her expertise covers many areas from product development to sourcing and strategy across multi-product categories
The Buyer and retail coach
Nicole Higgins Links
https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk
https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com
https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up
https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call
https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog
Sponsor
Neon Digital Clicks
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