We caught up with Emily Holmes-Naden about her brand Spirit & Grace - now available to rent on the app.
First thing you do in the morning?
My cat Lola wakes me up so I give her a huge snuggle before anything else and then make a cup of English Breakfast tea.
What inspired you to start Spirit & Grace?
I previously worked in luxury fashion PR and despite loving being surrounded by beautiful fashion all day, I felt like my passion for creativity was put on the back burner. I had wanted to create a brand that celebrated femininity and was ultra romantic yet playful for years but felt like I wasn’t capable so talked myself out of it. But then I watched Girl Boss on Netflix about the inspirational Sophia Amouroso starting Nasty Gal from literally nothing and I had this lightbulb moment that went ‘Why don’t I bite the bullet and stay?!’ Sounds super cheesy but honestly that Netflix series was the push I needed!
Coolest thing that's happened since starting your business?
I mean I pinch myself every day that I am even running my own business but the coolest thing is just hearing lovely messages from customers who love their dresses. I’ve had a couple even pick the Celestite dress as their Wedding dress so thats an honour I am proud of.
Biggest challenge since starting?
I would say juggling everything. I am a one woman show so I do everything from designing my website, emails, updating stock inventory, social media, customer service, marketing to packing up each order. I have anxiety anyway and am a perfectionist so at times I do get a bit overwhelmed but I am learning that it’s ok to ask for help sometimes.
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Best business advice you've ever received?
Delegate when necessary! This advice is from my mum and her voice rings in my head when I start panicking about something I am that is totally alien to me and I can’t do - it’s taken me a long time to realise that asking for support from other people isn’t a failure.
Favourite item in your closet?
Its my leopard print Ganni faux fur bomber jacket - I am obsessed. I bought it about 4 years ago after seeing it on a blogger and just fell in love. It was in the sale too so I felt it was meant!! I never stop wearing it and its something I will keep in my wardrobe forever.
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Must follow Instagram accounts?
@leoniehanne, @carodaur, @n a a o i m i, @rosemaryferguson_, @rebeccacorbinmurray, @evachen212, @pernilleteisbaek
Hearted items on By Rotation?
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