I certainly have faced many many challenges over the past 4 years, times where certain things have made me very upset, angry and frustrated but those feelings are to be expected when running a business. Things go wrong, people do try to take you down but you have to ignore it and keep going. My brand is my life and is what makes me happy. Starting my brand helped my mindset so much, even with general life problems! I never stress out too much now over little things as I know there will always be a solution to the problem!
2. HOW TO OVERCOME THE FEAR OF OTHER PEOPLE'S PERCEPTION/OPINION OF YOU?
When I was at school wasn't part of the popular group, I was picked on a lot, had lots of fake friends who took advantage of me or left me out of things and used to always worry about what others thought about me etc. I'm now a completely different person, I literally don't care what others think , if you hate me whatever. I have such a laid back approach now and I think this does come with time. You have to believe in yourself and adapt a confident attitude even if you have to fake it! You just have to fake it until you make it as they say!
3. WHAT/WHO INSPIRES YOUR DESIGNS?
This has changed over the years as my brand has evolved so much. Usually when designing a collection, I will come up with a theme and concept and then build the collection around that. I then tend to pick up inspiration throughout the designing process usually through Pinterest or Instagram. Once I start sampling thats when I change elements of the designs, for example the BINKY silk dress was originally going to be a midi length with a scoop neckline but once I tried on the sample I wasn't sure on the whole concept. That's when I came up with the idea of changing different elements of the dress, it's always a work in progress and trial and error!
4. HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT ALL THE ELEMENTS OF RUNNING A FASHION BRAND, LIKE MATERIAL SOURCING AND WORKING WITH FACTORIES?
I learnt as I went along! As I've gone along on my journey, I have planned every single decision which has certainly helped me to get to where I am today, certainly lots of trial and error. Even if I hadn't taken that first step, I would never have started! You just have to make a start even if you have no idea what you're doing! In terms of working with factories, I was so nervous to do this in the beginning especially at only 19. I had no idea where to even begin looking for factories, I did so much research and contacted so many suppliers. I have worked with a few different factories over the years and encountered many different experiences. I never even thought I would work with suppliers overseas as the whole idea of it really daunted me but I needn't have worried as after again lots of research, I found my perfect supplier!
If you have a question for me, make sure to drop me an email and I will make sure to answer it in a future post/video: info@frarlibeth.com
