Passion is everything

When growing BoBelle London, so many people ask me what my drive is - I say 'passion'. Don't ask me how to get it, you either have it or you don't. Nothing is too much for your business; be it learning to use new accounting packages, speaking in public, attending events where you know no one or doing the mundane day-to-day tasks. You get on and do it because you know you have to, you know it will ultimately make your business better. Putting yourself out there is really tough - you have to have serious doses of courage and self-belief. If you have a great product/service, then it should just come naturally.

I 100% whole-heartedly believe in BoBelle. The quality, service and styles are what make my brand work. It has taken time, don't get me wrong, and there is still a long way to go, but everyday something happens and it is a humbling feeling to know that it is because of me that things evolve. I am not too sure I would get that same feeling working for someone else.

I have some exciting developments in the pipeline; new ranges, new website, new tradeshow, new collection for Marks and Spencer Autograph....it is all happening and sometimes it's tough because I want it all NOW! However, I remember my mantra "you have to walk before you can run - and crawl before you can walk" - baby steps need to be taken before giant leaps. This doesn't stop me from pushing for more though!

I have some great events lined up and starting today I have a coffee catch up with a lovely journalist! I hope you are all having a lovely start to the week and do remember to keep loving what you are doing :-)

Claire x

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