April 26, 2013
Madeleine St. Claire is an exceptionally talented professional designer who came to School for Startups to learn how to turn her skill and passion to work building a business of her own.
What’s the name of your business and what promise does it make to customers?
My late Mother was a successful Fashion and Jewellery Designer named Lorraine St.Clair. she named me Madeleine, so Madeleine St. Claire is my homage to her and her work. Her work is one of my great fashion influences.
I design luxurious Handbags and Jewellery that are very luxurious. Every handbag is made of the finest leather, fully lined in skily to ensure it retains it shape. My Jewellery is made from the finest Triple plated 18 ct gold and I only use Swarovski Crystal from Austria.
I design for women like me, who love fashion and beauty. They don’t buy based on labels or wear brands that advertise themselves because they know how to recognize stunning, classically elegant and very well made, accessories all by themselves. They create the trends others follow.
What made you decide to start your business?
I decided to launch my business in 2010 after I had my 4th child.
I wanted to go back to work again, however it was very important to me that I be able to focus on something I felt passionate. I wanted to use all the expertise I’d developed over the years working as a designer for others.
What made you decide to enroll in School for Startups?
I decided to enroll in S4CS because I had never been to university. Everything I have done in business throughout my entire career has been based on gut instinct. I wanted to get the training and support I needed to ensure my business venture would be successful.
What meaningful answers did you discover in working with Doug Richard and the experts he’s brought in to advise and mentor you?
I learnt about keeping your company lean because it helps you become more profitable more quickly. I also took away the notion that every business person faces challenges. To be a success in business you have to help other people out so they will help you out in return. Every business is a shared success.
What meaningful answers did you discover in working with Doug Richard and the experts he’s brought in to advise and mentor you?
Both Doug and Medeia were amazing speakers. Doug is very passionate about business and helping people succeed. He was patient enough to listen to and answer everyone’s questions, no matter how big or small they were. He was very honest to people and he has had so many business experiences that he was not afraid to share both his failures and his successes.
Medeia was also wonderful. She’s like the captain of the ship and she is not afraid to say her mind. She is an amazing networker. She took the time to know everyone on the course very well and made efforts to connect them to people that could help them and their business.
When ever I had a thought or idea, if I contacted Medeia she would listen to me and advise me straight away.
I also very much enjoyed a talk from Natalie Massenet, the founder of Net-a-Porter, in her amazing offices. She is an incredible speaker. She talked about how her company started, what worked and what she could have done better in her early years. She also talked about juggling a career and a young family. I have 4 children myself so this was very interesting.
Which School for Startups activities have been most influential in helping your business to evolve and grow?
The showcase at the end of the program was a fantastic way to see if my business really had legs and also to learn how I can improve what I sell so its even easier to sell in the months and years to come.
How has having access to business support and mentoring day in and day out helped you and your business?
Having access to full time mentoring support has been great asset to my business. Mentors, unlike your personal friends, are very honest with you and can see issues more clearer than friends and family who are very caught up in the day to day running of the business.
Which of your products are you proudest of? Why?
I am the most proud of the handbag collection I’ve created.
My favorite handbag in the collection is called Catherine and it is made from Embossed Leather and fully lined in Nappa leather. It has a large stunning Swarovski Crystal clasp a gold or silver Buckle. It is my WOW bag.
Do you feel you’ve developed relationships through this program that will help you in the months and years to come?
I have developed great relationships with the School for Startups team and also my fellow classmates.
In fact I have changed my swing tickets on all my jewellery and handbags to hand embossed ones designed and produced by the wonderful Pia at Biplane Press.
I have also commissioned a Hat to wear to Royal Ascot by Rachel Dwyer Millinery. We designed the hat together using the trim from my Emily in Black Plume handbag.
What do you look forward to in the months ahead?
I am looking forward to watching my company go from strength to strength with all the important pieces of information and new skills I’ve acquired.
I also very much appreciate knowing knowing that, after I graduate and become and alumni, the S4CS team will be available when I need to ask their advice.