Brand Series - The Little Worne Store
1.Tell us a little bit about yourself and your working background. And does it fit with what you're doing now or have you made a pivot?
I studied Fashion at Hull College and London College of Fashion but decided to work in food after university. This turned into owning my first business doing cheese platters and food styling. When the pandemic hit, obviously everything got cancelled and I found myself jobless! So I did in a way pivot into creating TLWS but it really lent itself going back to my early career in the fashion industry and what I had learnt there.
2. When and how did you first get the idea for TLWS?
During the first lockdown with not much to do, I was feeling a bit lost so I got my sewing machine out, started crafting again making masks etc.. A few of my school friends were having babies and requested a 'name cardigan' like I had made back in 2018 for my best friend so I started buying knits and doing names and it just sort of rolled on from there.. The Little Worne Store was actually a vintage store to begin with but then the cardigans really took over and it's just been hand embroidery from there.
3. What one business decision or tactic would you say really grew your business? I'm guessing there may be a few but if you had to name just one that helped your success what would it be?
I think having a fresh take on personalised baby wear. It was something new that hadn't been seen before and people seemed to really engage with it!
4. What was your main stumbling block when it came to scaling?
There are many factors but probably the fact my business has been built in a lockdown and I'm a bit of a control freak. I do plan on bringing some people in to help but I'm so particular with how everything looks it's so hard to let go! I'm sure a lot of people can relate who have their own businesses.
5. How have you dealt with copycats along the way?
Trying to protect my brand the best I can and hopefully providing a great product and service.
6. Your cardigans have been worn by lots of famous little babies, was this ever part of your strategy? And if so is there any advice you could give other small business owners who are trying to pursue a similar strategy?
It was never 'the plan' at all, it just sort of happened.. My advice when it comes to working with content creators is to work with those whose content you like and follow yourself, don't just go for those with lots of followers.
To follow The Little Worne Store over on Instagram or to learn more click here.