BoBelle London's HQ at Somerset House

We have been super busy over the last few weeks as we have finally started to settle into our new home, at Somerset House.

Somerset House is the home of all things fashion and design related. It is the perfect match for the BoBelle London brand and we are thrilled to be based here among the likes of Corrie Nielsen, the British Fashion Council, London Fashion Week and more. Read about out exclusive interview with The Industry by clicking here.

Above: Somerset House in all its glory - what a stunning, stunning building.

Above: Claire Watt-Smith enjoying a well-deserved glass of champers during the move

Above: Claire Watt-Smith with some of the new BoBelle London collection at our new home at Somerset House

Above: A beautiful autumn evening just by our office

The new collection is set to launch very soon next month. Showroom appointments can be made by emailing us HERE.

Glitter heaven!

During LFW Claire Watt-Smith, the founder of BoBelle London, was spotted with the brand new glitter ipad case and matching iphone case which are hitting our new e-boutique and stores this October. We have been trying to keep them a secret, but people just love them! Here are a couple of fabulous bloggers, The Online Stylist and Feathers and Frills mentioning them:

Above: The new Glitter ipad and iphone cases from BoBelle London, launching October 2012

"These luxurious accessories belonged to Claire because her company, BoBelle London, produced them. To be honest, when I first saw the iPad and iPhone case, I thought they were Jimmy Choo, which I hope is a compliment to both parties. You may be shocked to know that I don’t own an iPad, but after seeing this case, I feel its becoming an essential piece of equipment which surely would increase my blogging efficiency. Whatever excuse I can find to get my hands on one of these cases, I will find it", Victoria, Frills and Feathers

If you’d seen these stunning glittery covered iPad and iPhone cases then you’d have been distracted too. These are definitely going on my Christmas list!" Amanda, The Online Stylist

Keep up-to-date with our launch by registering your details HERE.

Women in Business

This past couple of weeks have been super busy, not just with getting the launch of our BoBelle handbags ready, but also for our founder, Claire Watt-Smith, going to lots of 'Women in Business' events.

Women in Business is a topic that keeps on being discussed; whether in a positive or negative way. Claire Watt-Smith, having founded BoBelle London, is often asked for her views on issues such as quotas, flexible working, funding, finance and more. Just in the last 2 weeks alone she has attended the Evening Standard's 'A Seat at the Top Table' with Cherie Booth and others, an event at the Said Business School on Women Leadership and then last night with The Sorority having been seen in The Times for their Women Mean Business supplement.

A Seat at the Top Table with the Evening Standard

The Sorority event for women in business - Claire Watt-Smith was even interviewed for their live streaming 

The Women Mean Business supplement that Claire Watt-Smith was featured in exclusively for The Times

Claire Watt-Smith attends the Women in Leadership at the Said Business School

Claire Watt-Smith is an excellent example of a young woman in business who every day is getting both her name out there and her brand, BoBelle London.

Shortlisted for 2 FABULOUS awards....

Hello all,

I wanted to let you know that I have been shortlisted for 2 major awards this week.....I pray I win both!! They are both fabulous and to win would mean so much to me.

First off is the Women of the Future Awards: http://wof.realbusiness.co.uk/2011-shortlist - I am so thrilled to be in with a chance of winning as Thea Green (founders of Nails Inc) won the same award last year. To be associated with her is just so flattering. She is a real inspiration.

The second is the Red Hot Women Awards: http://www.redonline.co.uk/red-women/red-s-hot-women-awards/red-s-hot-women-awards-2011/red-s-hot-women-awards-2011-shortlist - and winning this would be astounding as it could potentially open so many doors for BoBelle and I. Belinda Earl (the talent behind Aquascutum) won last year, as did Emma Sinclair who started her own company, Target Parking. Hopefully not only would winning this help boost my brand, but also I could potentially meet so many other media types and other ladies in the same field as myself.

Please keep all of your fingers and toes crossed for me! If you haven't already, please see BoBelle London on Facebook and Twitter and please do forward onto your friends and family as there is no better way to grow a business than by word of mouth.

Thank you so much for your support,

Claire x

Yesterday I read something that, to be honest, I normally avoid....the Metro. It's not that I don't like the newspaper, it's just that I would rather spend my time reading something more substantial, or spend my time plain old thinking (I think a lot as an entrepreneur - sometimes resulting in severe brain-ache).

However, one article caught my eye and it was that regarding Richard Branson's Centre of Entrepreneurship. This is going to be based in Montego Bay and the man (one of my true inspirations), yet again, is pioneering for young entrepreneurs to follow their creative juices and set up on their own.

Being an entrepreneur isn't easy - many people ask me how I manage to fit everything into a working day/week/month/year. Half the time I don't know how I do it! I guess being motivated is a start, and believing 110% in what you are doing. Branson advises that although we all make mistakes, will that/those errors 'bring the house crashing down around you?' The answer is normally 'no'. So in short, learn from your mistakes and plough on. I think you have to be a certain character to do what I and countless other entrepreneurs do. Firstly, we are all slightly mad (not in a scary way, obviously, just so motivated and driven it is quite strange.....), we have guts, we think strategically about everything and we constantly mull over how to better ourselves and our business; we never miss an opportunity. This then begs the question again of being slightly mad - running a business and getting credit for it can take years and years - it is a long, drawn-out process that can cause a lot of frustration and pain along the way, but is so 100% worth it, in my opinion.

Branson includes a wonderful example of how his help and assistance brought life, money and a career to one lucky man. By offering intense mentoring and direction Branson helped a young designer to go from owning a tiny fashion design operation to being a big brand label showing at LFW and opening a string of retail outlets. I am salivating with awe and amazement. This is what this country needs (Branson, if you are reading this, please do contact me, Claire Watt-Smith!!), and indeed every country needs; mentors who provide a strong network of support for young talented business people. Without it, in this highly competitive and easily accessible global world, how can one young person do it on their own? We all need people to look up to and to contact when needed. Heather Wilkinson at Striding Out is a fantastic business coach. I was lucky to have won the Inspire and Mentor with Marie Claire, so see the talented Kate Bostock. Lastly, Craig Martin from DediPower is a true inspiration to me - my network might be varied, but I think that is the best way. Don't forget also your friends and family; they provide something so special, it is beyond words.

Running a business may be far from easy, but as Lesego Malatsi Mzansi quotes: "If entrepreneurs are well-equipped, well funded and supported then they will be able to contribute to the growth of the country by paying taxes, helping alleviate unemployment and fighting poverty". I think let's start - heck, we could all do with some mentoring! Cameron (and Mary Portas), come on!!

Claire Watt-Smith

Founder, BoBelle London

Marketing, PR and networking....

Good morning everyone,

I hope you are all well. I have been away for a week and it has been bliss!

Back now to the real world and growing my brand, BoBelle London.....as you know from all of the posts below, I am a budding entrepreneur and what is fundamental in any industry is publicising yourself/your brand. Whether you work for yourself, work for a multi-national or have an idea in the pipeline, you must first and foremost believe in yourself. If you don't, then why should anyone else? Confidence is certainly key here and you can only grow it through experience.

I have done a few presentations now to varying audiences, one of which was to over 1000, very intimidating....I am the keynote speaker on Thursday 7th July for the Marketing Conference with Start Up Britain and I am honoured to be part of such a fantastic campaign. I don't think there are many people in the world who really love public speaking, but just think of it as spreading your brand name! It is important to articulate well, get your message across to your audience succinctly and effectively and to project positive body language and confidence. Don't bore the audience with every last detail, but engage with them - have your overall message you wish to convey, and have bullet points to get you there.

Networking is another key word in today's marketing activities. Again, it is intimidating walking into a large room full of people chatting; you think everyone is staring at you, but they are not. They too have done it! My advice is to turn up early - that way when someone else comes in you have to speak with them - problem solved. Again, confidence is key here - something a lot of women tend to lack especially - but if you go to an event with one goal in mind, go and get it! Perhaps it is to appraoch the key speaker at the end - whatever it is, make sure you achieve it before you leave.

Attending such events is great for your confidence building, brand exposure and general marketing. The more you spread your brand name, the better! So have a look at events in your local area and see if you can find 2 to attend over the next 3 months - you'll reap the benefits in due time.

Right, off now to prepare for my presentation....

Speak soon!

Claire

The decline of women in business

A lot of people contact me for business advice and I always endeavour to help. I think that it is so important in today's society to promote women in business and to encourage a more entrepreneurial stance. It is very shocking that in the past 3 years, the number of women launching their own empire has not grown even 0.1%. Why? For a number of factors but namely: the high costs involved, the negative connotations attached to being a female entrepreneur, the difficulties in juggling the work/life balance, raising the finance, getting the publicity, lacking confidence and more. I have vowed this year to try and make a difference. So far I have done the following:

1. Become an Ambassador for UK Female Entrepreneurship - a fabulous charity that aims to inspire more women into enterprise. Have a look at their website - it is pretty in depth and certainly looks promising. There are only 50 Ambassadors in the coutry (you have to be asked) and there is a lot to do - including present/assist with 6 events a year. If you are a woman who is looking to set up her own business, get in touch!

2. Been nominated for Britain's Top Real Role Model - I am really chuffed with this as it would certainly help my profile to say the least! I think this idea is a fabulous one - enough of the Essex Girls/Big Brother/Britain's Next Top Model - let's bring about some real role models instead - those that are still working incredibly hard to build their name/brand. It's not all about celebrity status and copying who's wearing what!

3. Being seen in the Mail on Sunday and FMWF for my entrepreneurial flair - again, I was so thrilled to be featured in the newspaper and it certainly helps get BoBelle's name out there. I hope that my features really help inspire others to believe in themselves.

4. Being asked to speak at the Start Up Britain Marketing Conference - I'll keep you posted on how this goes....I hope well!! Fortunately I have done quite a few presentations now, but you still always have those nerves....if you would like to attend, it is free, visit the link above and register your details. There's no time like the present to kick start your action plan.

5. Finding more groups/individuals via Twitter/Facebook - in doing so I came across Inspirational Woman Magazine, and they have featured me (very pleased!) - click on the links to read more.

I will keep you updated on how things go - if you have any questions or comments, please do feel free to post! The recession has brought about a lot of sadness, uncertainty and difficulties; let's try to get back on track and encourage more independece, growth and entrepreneurial activity. Remember, support your local shops and labels as without them, we cannot develop as a nation.

Have a great week!

Best wishes,

Claire

Marie Claire Inspire and mentor

Last week I attended the wonderful Inspire and Mentor events which Marie Claire hosted. Inspire and Mentor is the special campaign that Marie Claire magazine founded - the goal is to get some of the most influential women in the UK to offer their advice and experiences with lucky mentees. The campaign only launched in 2010, with a massive number of women entering to be mentored by 17 inspirational businesswomen. Myself, Claire Watt-Smith, was one of those lucky readers who won mentoring with one of the UK's finest businesswoman, Kate Bostock of Marks and Spencer.

Marie Claire have been the first to pioneer such a campaign, and what a campaign it is. I cannot express how amazing it is to have a mentor who gets you. To have a mentor who believes in you. To have a mentor who inspires you. To have a mentor who gives up their precious time and who is just as passionate about your brand. I cannot thank Marie Claire and Kate Bostock enough for this amazing opportunity.

Growing a brand is exceptionally hard. I get asked by so many women "how I do it" and whether they indeed can do it. My advice? Research, work and research more. There is no set formula to growing a brand, I wish there was! Instead, you have to roll with it - stick at it and let that passion shine through.

This week those at the fabulous Marie Claire arranged for three famous businesswomen to give up an hour of their time to answer Q&A's from editors and the audience. On Tuesday it was Jane Shepherdson - wow, what a lady. She knows her customers. She knows her industry. She knows her competition. She not only turned Topshop around, but is currently doing the same for Whistles; a huge challenge, but she sure is succeeding (how many times have you seen the pink pleated skirt this season?! A testament to her skills).

On Wednesday the lady in question was the beauty guru Liz Earle (FYI, the most fabulous skin I have ever seen. I am now a true convert). Liz was cool, composed and honest. What I loved asbout her was the fact that she has done exactly the same as what I am trying to do with BoBelle London - grow a brand from scratch. Her tips were priceless and it has given me extra motivation to carry on doing what I am doing and to keep growing organically. It was amazing to meet such wonderful women at this event in particular.

The last event of the week was Q&A's with Carole White. Carole was everything I thought she would be; cheeky, quirky yet tough. She was frank in her answers, but in a good way. She has had an amazing career and Premeier Models is her baby - she is not fazed by Naomi's suing....Carole offered an insight into the modelling world and explained it is not as glamorous or as "easy" (her words, never would I use the word "easy" in the same sentance as growing a business) as it looks.

All in all, Marie Claire's Inspire and Mentor events have been a huge success and I am thrilled that the campign is growing daily. There are so many creative women out there and it is reassuring to know that there is some guidance on offer.

Right, back to work for me now - I have to tell the rest of the country about BoBelle's collaboration with Marks and Spencer Autograph.

Enjoy the rest of the day!

Claire x

Claire Watt-Smith in Red Magazine!

Claire Watt-Smith, the Founder of BoBelle London, has been featured in April's Red Magazine as one of the Top 20 Under 30 Red Hot Women - what an achievement!

The Red Hot Women competition hosted by Red Magazine is conducted to find the most inspiring and fabulous women in England. Claire Watt-Smith is over the moon to be selected as one of the 'Top 20 under 30' and is so honoured to be amongst such awe-inspiring women.

BoBelle London is the retailer of ethical hand made fashion accessories. Currently we use the luxurious eel skin leather; a by-product of the food industry in Asia. It is so soft, sumptuous and incredibly desirable. Incorporating ethics with high-end yet affordable fashion is at the heart of BoBelle London.

Click HERE to read the feature online, or buy your copy of Red Magazine today and see Claire Watt-Smith on page 72.

Congratulations to all those fantastic ladies!