May 6, 2013
Pip Howeson joined School for Creative Startup in 2012. Her startup has made a name for itself by providing impeccable tailoring and beautiful clothing to incredibly discerning people.
What’s the name of your business and what promise does it make to customers?
My Name is Pip Howeson and I am the founder of the bespoke tailoring company Pip Howeson London Ltd. We create tailored garments and accessories using the finest fabrics here in London.
What made you decide to start your business?
I had worked for other designers and was frustrated by their approach to creating bespoke garments. I thought it should be accessible to more people. Bespoke garments are, and should be, an affordable luxury.
We have an island full of great textiles and talented tailors and we can use this home grown talent to create beautiful garments that really fit. High street companies spend far more on marketing than they do on the clothes they sell.
What made you decide to enroll in School for Startups a year ago?
I read an article in the Telegraph that made total sense to me. It quelled my fears about becoming a “lonely entrepreneur”.
What meaningful answers did you discover in working with Doug Richard and the experts he’s brought in to advise and mentor you?
I have learnt so much though School for Creative Startups. As well as the facts and figures behind my business, and group discussions that have addressed problem areas for businesses like mine, I’ve learnt to have more confidence and believe in my ideas.
What meaningful and useful knowledge have you acquired over the last year through School for Creative Startups?
For me, the discussions about marketing and branding have been very helpful. Being introduced to potential problems I might face as my company grows has been handy as well.
Which speakers have had the biggest impact on you and your business?
Nataile Massenet was amazingly positive and full of “girl power”.
The speakers who addressed exactly how to make social media work for your business were fascinating.
One statistic I particularly remember was how many people look for jobs on a Monday morning after their holidays! I love Mondays now!
Paul Smith blew me away he lives and breaths his brand this passion is captivating.
Which School for Startups activities have been most influential in helping your business to evolve and grow?
The School for Creative Startups showcase at Somerset House gave me lots of leads as well as confirmed orders. It was great to show of my products and guage consumer reaction.
Through School for Creative Startups I also got to go to Buckingham Palace where I met Prince Andrew who was surprisingly knowledgeable about fabrics.
How has having access to business support and mentoring day in and day out helped you and your business?
I recently met a Titan who was very helpful in advising me about my business direction and addressed areas that I really hadn’t considered previously. So much time can be saved and so many mistakes can be avoided just by listening to someone else’s experiences.
Which of your products are you proudest of? Why?
It’s been very exciting to see all my collection take off. In particular, I’ve been working with a beautiful cashmere herringbone fabric for this winter as well as putting the finishing touches on a perfect outdoors ‘Seymour jacket’ in dark green loden fabric. I also just succeeded in raising additional investment in the company, so we’re excited to create some more beautiful designs for our wonderful clients.
Do you feel you’ve developed relationships through this program that will help you in the months and years to come?
The School for Creative Startups team is great. So supportive and understanding of the problems new businesses face. They are so positive! I also have made some great friends on the course and we do help each other out. There’s a great team spirit that comes with joining the programme.
What do you look forward to in the months ahead?
I’m looking forward to exhibiting at the Best of Britannia Show in October at Clarkenwell. I’m also opening up a pop up shop in November and December at Bloomsbury. We’re going to be running lots of events and are hosting interesting folks to come talk about fabrics, fashion, and timeless elegant dressing, so be sure to come by and say hi!