Friday 13 June 2014

The Plan

I get a lot of people asking me about the name of my blog and business.  To be really honest, it just happened, a long, long time ago.  I knew I wanted to work in retail/fashion but back in my early twenties, I didn't really have much of a plan.  My middle name is Rose and the Glam bit just came to me one night.  So that's where the name came from.  What was I actually going to do?  Well that wasn't so easy.  I wanted to write (as I can talk a lot and sometimes I feel like I'm being listened to more when I put pen to paper).  I also desperately wanted to work with clothes.  I spent a long time working in Buying, it worked at the time but I knew the travel and hours weren't for me long term, plus I wanted a family.  Along came the first daughter, then number two.  School runs commenced and with my husband being the bread winner, working long hours and being an hour away from home, corporate life wasn't going to work for me anymore.


The original plan in-between having the children somewhere was to write a little, style a little (I decided to go to London College of Fashion and do a course on it) and sell a little.  The writing started with the blog back in 2010 (with a very brief, random post here).  Then after being successful at the auditions/interviews for Mary Portas as a Stylist when she was opening her first range in House of Fraser, I knew that styling was where I wanted to be.  However to cut a long story short, I didn't accept and after my second child I decided to 'wing it' all on my own.  It's been nearly two years now and although I'd say the road hasn't been an easy one, it is so worth it.  I love the freedom of working one on one with clients, writing my blog, working with brands who want to be featured on my blog and being invited to press days.  Variety really is the spice of life for me.  

The only area I have 'neglected' (for want of a better word) was the selling side.  I am forever finding amazing bargains and wanted to be able to buy and sell on with a small amount of profit for me but still a huge saving for my customer.  One of the main reasons for not doing it yet is having that initial capital to start with.  I do dabble on and off with eBay but we aren't talking large amounts here.  If however I did have some investment money sat there, I would definitely be buying everything I knew was a steal.  When this was all a dream many years ago, I didn't even think about a business loan or a mentor as no one mentioned anything like this to me.  That is where I feel it's changed now, there is help out there.  Virgin Start Up is a non-profit, government backed loan scheme to help young entrepreneurs get on with their dreams.  There is also a mentor and free business advice.  It's not a decision to take lightly, but if you do have a business plan, it's something that may just help you on your way a lot quicker than if you didn't have any backing.  So where does this leave me?  Well, for now, I am very content with the clients I have and the writing I do.  Maybe in the next few years when the youngest starts school I will re-think and maybe venture down the shop route but for now, I will carry on as I am.

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13 comments:

  1. Oh my word, that is just fascinating!! I didn't know about the Mary Portas link (I'm a huge fan - prepare for me to ask you a million questions when we next meet!!!) I think you'd be amazing as a retailer/shop - because I don't know anyone who finds better bargains than you!

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    1. Ah thanks Helen. It was part of the original plan many moons ago, who knows. At the moment I feel I have enough. The whole Mary Portas episode really was an experience, I loved every minute of it! x

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  2. This is great sounds very similar to me I was a junior buyer for John Lewis (just about to become a buyer) when I fell pregnant and agree, for me, the travelling and super long hours were not sustainable with two little ones! I miss the buzz it was my dream job but you have done such a great job of building up your own business, well done you, it takes drive and determination and you have done a fab job xx

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    1. It is such a buzz isn't it Frances and I do miss it but I really enjoy working for myself now and being so flexible around the kids, especially while they are so young. I am so not there yet, there is still lots to be done but it's a work in progress and takes time whilst being a full time Mum too! Thank you for your lovely comment x

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  3. You have achieved loads Natalie....you should be really proud of yourself!! You will be successful in whatever you do! I wish you the best of luck with your plans xx

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  4. I am sure your' dreams will turn into great successes. I love the Mary Portas link as I remember watching her collaboration, with HofF, on the telebox. I think you are quite right to wait until the little ones are bigger ones. I loved selling, in our shop, and loved the buying even more. Are you thinking of an actual retail space/shop? If so I can give you a few tips. H xx

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    1. A while ago yes, the shop space was a plan, along with a friend but in reality in the short term, no. More buying and selling on one off items I find. I was well hidden when on the TV, I hated that part!x

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  5. Oh to have a plan and actually get on and do it! Well done on yours honey, it's always good to hear a success story and styling would be my dream job, shame I didn't realise this when I was younger and living the corporate life! x

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    1. I so wouldn't call it a success story - yet! It's a small work in progress, along with general day to day life. I love helping people with their clothes, I really do enjoy it. I am all for plans though, I plan a lot !!x

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  6. Loved reading this, you have achieved so much already! I left corporate life after my second baby and he has just started school this year, I couldn't make it work with all the long hours! I now have lots of different jobs including writing for a magazine and so glad I was able to be at home when the boys were little!
    Abbi x

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    1. Ah thank you so much. It is so hard isn't it, such a juggle. I do like the variety, sometimes it's a little overwhelming but ultimately when I think about corporate life, I know I would be miserable as sin, just wasn't for me. I did a little stint in it last year for 3 months full time. Loved it so much but then I knew it wasn't forever, I was back to school runs after. x

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  7. Its so lovely to hear some of your story Natalie! I hope your plans for a shop come to fruit too! You've done so well & should be so proud for yourself! Ax

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