Last week I had a photo shoot for the Lella brand featuring their adult sweatshirt range. Catherine, the creative woman behind the brand, had found the most amazing location. I came away with total house envy. Just check out that Cinzano sign. Oh how that took me back to the mid 90s!! We went for a fun, girls hanging out vibe and I'm so pleased with how the shoot turned out. The girls all brought their A-game and we had a genuine giggle - as you can see.
Catherine was kind enough to give us some insight into her business experience so far in my 5 for 5 questions - see below.
Do check out the Lella website, as well as these amazing sweats being available they also
feature a great range kids clothes as well as art and accessories.
check out their website here https://www.lella.co.uk
1. How and why did you get started running your own business?
The concept and name Lella came about while I was on mat leave 8 years ago with my daughter Lottie Ella. I dreamed of jacking in my job in HR to work from home making baby and kids clothes while looking after Lottie, however the lure of a secure well paid job was too enticing and I went back to work. Fast forward 7 years and things have changed at work, I’m not enjoying it anymore and the idea of Lella is growing in my mind. It was a very stressful time for me and eventually I left my HR job, I very quickly got a wonderful part time job in an Arts and Crafts centre and being in a creative environment spurred me on with Lella. I still work 2 days a week there and love it. It didn’t take much to start the business up I just needed a few pieces of equipment and a good supplier of sweatshirts and I’m very lucky that my husband is a web designer so I got a fantastic website for free!
2. What does running your own business mean to you?
Freedom. Simple as that. I can do what I want when I want (within reason!). I can drop Lottie off at School and pick her up. I can see friends and family. I can work in the evenings and weekends and not feel like it’s a chore. I have to be organised and sadly that’s not one of my strengths but I enjoy everything about running Lella.
3. What’s been your proudest moment in your business journey so far?
The fact that people like my products! When I get good feedback and see pictures of happy customers. There’s always a little doubt in the back of your mind when you create something – ‘will people like this’ and they do! That’s such a motivator. Also our Rave-ing sweatshirt being on the front cover of Little Flea Magazine- that was a wonderful feeling.
4. Do you have any words or wisdom or advice you would give someone thinking of starting their own business?
It’s hard. I’m not really making any money! (I’m obviously hoping that will change but i'm only 8 months in). You have to love what you do otherwise you will become resentful and won’t succeed. However I'm ALL for following your dreams – so if you have a dream, go for it.
5. If you were to write your life story, what would be the title of the book?
I got there in the end.