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

Keeping up appearances

I have a lot of people contact me regarding growing their business and getting their name out to the masses. I wish I had a magic answer that made the process easy, believe me. Unfortunately that is not the case. How have I grown BoBelle, and how am I still doing it? It is through sheer determination and hard work. The thing is, when you are growing a brand you become so engrossed in its being, that you forget the one thing that takes time - TRUST.

That little word is so overpowering and is more valuable than most entrepreneurs realise. Look at what you are wearing - you chose those clothes because you know the brand. What computer are you typing on? I bet you chose it because of its brand credentials. What mobile do you have? I bet your friends have either a BlackBerry or an iphone. Why? Branding and Trust. Do you know how long it took Apple to reach the stage that it is at? Over 20 years. Do you know that Primark had been trading for over 30 years before they came over to the UK and took the country by storm? Did you know that Cath Kidston, Emma Bridgewater and others started out the same way I did; on market stalls? In the words of the infamous Anya Hindmarch, " you have to hit through those brick walls and bash them down".

Growing BoBelle has been the hardest thing I have done - but the most invigorating. Trust really is everything. You have to believe in yourself and your brand in order for that trust to follow. Trust only comes in time...but it needs constant daily nurturing in this climate. It will be worth it though - when I think back to where I was 2 years ago, I smile as it is me who has made all of the changes and developments with my brand, and it makes me incredibly proud and determined to keep going (especially when you get great press, such as the below):

"Whatever your autumn uniform, know thyself, sort it - then add a satchel", Hannah Betts, The Telegraph, writes famously about her love of BoBelle London's new Brackenbury Satchel. Buy HERE.

Saving our high streets - needs YOU

Growing a brand is certainly the hardest task I have ventured on, not to mention starting mid-recession. Getting people to desire your product, to generate feedback, to put yourself out there, never to say 'no' to any opportunity....it is incredibly tough. Mix that in with soaring costs, the public's desire for 'fast, cheap fashion', difficulties in getting press and small retailers buying fewer products, we end up in the current mess that we find today.

Mary Portas is set to help our fledging high streets (about time someone did) and we at BoBelle London are 100% behind her. Our high streets are turning into generic, homogenous places where all we see are Starbucks', Costa's, Tesco's, Primark's, Dorothy Perkins's and such like. One word. BORING. What happened to individuality? What happened to fashion that wan't fast and disposable, yet was loving and long-lasting? Everything is so quick today that we are kicking ourselves and are going to bear the consequences. Small retailers cannot cope with the high rental costs, rates, employee costs and such vast amounts of red tape. They buy fewer bits of stock which then in turn hurts the wholesaler. This hurts the manufacturer at the bottom of the chain. We need YOUR support! How? Here are some tips:

1. Your daily habit might be getting a coffee or the newspaper. Instead of Costa and Sainsbury's, grab the paper from your local newsagent and a coffee from your local cafe. They will appreciate your support!

2. If it's your friend's birthday or you just fancy giving yourself a treat, why not look at small labels rather than the high street? There are some great finds out there that won't necessarily cost the Earth.

3. If you have a good experience with an online retailer/shop, tell your friends about it! Put a link up on your Facebook and tell people - it's how businesses grow and survive.

4. If you really are passionate, write to your favourite magazine and ask them to feature more smaller labels rather than just the giants - they need to know what you want afterall!

5. Going shopping with the girls? Ignore Westfield, Oxford Street and the obvious cheap shopping magnets, go for a wander and stumble across somewhere unique. Crouch End, Portland Square, Camden Passage, Westobourne Grove - all of these places and more have fab shops, yummy cafes and guess what, a SOUL! Be advised by shop assistants who know, make a difference to a retailer who appreciates it and keep our small pockets thriving.

It doesn't take much to have a great effect - just a little bit of effort here and there. The fact is, if we don't make the changes now, the results will be at our own perril.

We wish Mary Portas every success and hope that we really do see change on our high streets (and smaller streets) for the better.

ps, I have been nominated for Britain's Top Real Role Model and would love your support! Please vote for me by creating an account (takes 10 seconds) and then on the nominees section hover over my name, Claire Watt-Smith, and click 'vote'. Thank you!

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

BoBelle London Christmas and New Year update

Wishing all of our valued customers a wonderful New Year! We hope that 2011 brings you everything you wish for.

2010 has certainly been an intersting year; massive growth for BoBelle London including winning the Marie Claire Inspire and Mentor programme, being Red magazine's Top 20 Red Hot Women under 30, winning Management Today's Top 35 businesswomen under 35, launching new styles, gaining new stockists, sourcing a new logistics firm and more. We have achieved a massive amount and 2011 looks no different. We have our first international trade show, The Box at Pret a Porter, in Paris (22nd-26th January). I am super excited and trying desperately to get everything organised for our wonderful stand. After that we then have the largest London fashion trade show, Pure London.

People have asked me so many times about growing a business; what is 'success' down to? Is it the drive and ambition? Is it the product and service? Is it maintaining a strong cash flow? More...? Really, it is a mixture of all of the above. Today I heard on Radio 4 a lady who set up an entrepreneurs network. According to the interviewer, there has been a flurry of entrepreneurs in the UK, particularly in the rural countrysides. This may be true, but being an entrepreneur is more than just setting up a business. That is the easy part. Entrepreneurs do much more than that; they see it through; they passionately put their all into growing their baby for however long it takes. They take risks. They invest. They fall; they tumble; they pick themselves up.

Some of my most notable entreprenurs who offer me courage and perseverence when things are tough include Anya Hindmarch, Natalie Massenet, Sarah Curran, Richard Branson, Alan Sugar, just to name a few. All of them improvise, grow organically and constantly re-brand and grow. Being an entrepreneur is never static and certainly is hard work, but is the most invigorating experience ever.

I hope that you all love watching BoBelle London grow and if you have any feedback or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Here's to a fabulous 2011!

Claire x

Putting yourself out there....

Along my travels of growing and nurturing BoBelle, I have met an awful lot of budding entrepreneurs and aspiring fashion retailers. They generally have a common theme to their questions, mainly 'how do I make my business grow faster'. This, I believe, is a star question with not just one answer to it. My answer each time incorporates common sense with putting yourself out there.

What do I mean by 'putting yourself out there'? I mean take advantage of all opportunities and make things happen. However, don't expect it to be all plain sailing. When I first started I did the market stalls in the rain, wind and snow. I handed out leaflets. I posted flyers through peoples doors. I called up newspapers and bloggers, desperate for features for BoBelle. I participated in small shows. It was tough then and it is tough now. However, if you are passionate about your product/service, it is not such a chore. What is there in your field that you can grow or learn from? Do you have a mentor? Have you contacted your local Business Link? Do you attend seminars by like-minded businessmen and women? Are there any competitions you can enter?

A few months ago I read Marie Claire's 'Win Inspire and Mentor Programme'. With these sorts of things I always go by the mantra, 'nothing ventured, nothing gained'. With this in mind, I entered. Prior to that I put myself forward for the DediPower Digital Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Despite BoBelle London not being solely digital, I won the runner-up prize with Craig Martin, the CEO. From that I then was put forward for the Top 35 Women under 35 Award with Management Today, and indeed Red magazine's Top 20 Red Hot Women of 2010. I have met the most amazing people at these various events, and keep in contact with them. That is key. It is not always about 'what can they do for me' attitude, but rather, 'how can I nurture this relationship long term'.

The key to putting yourself out there is realising also to crawl before you can walk. Of course, you may dream of supplying your product globally to every large national and international retailer in the world. Don't lose sight of that dream, but don't ignore all of the small steps along the way. Build up your portfolio of contacts. Exhibit at small and large events and communicate with as many people as possible to tell them about your brand. This is vital - remember, people love to talk!!

It is not always easy growing a business. It can be a lonely time and is generally a 24/7 job. However, montior your growth and have small goals written down of what you want to achieve and when, this always helps and keeps you going when things get tough. Above all though, enjoy what you do and make sure this above all else shows when speaking to people - nothing is stronger than pure passion.

Claire Watt-Smith, Founder of BoBelle London
www.BoBelle.co.uk

Inspire and Mentor with Marie Claire and M&S

This past few weeks have been super crazy, so apologies for the late update; I shall get back to normal this week!

The mentoring with Kate Bostock has really taken off and is charging at super speed which is amazing, I couldn't have asked for anything more. We had a lovely feature on Marie Claire's website, see HERE for details. The inspire and mentor is just that, inspiring me and mentoring me to achieve my aims for BoBelle. Growing a business is such hard work, and sometimes when opportunities arise like this one has for me, you grab hold of it with all of your might and do not let go. It hasn't been easy though, you have to constantly put yourself out there and work, work, work.

I entered for the competition months and months ago now. I didn't hear anything and supposed I was unfortunate and not won. Little did I know that they just had a mountain of entries and so had to sieve through them all with a fine tooth comb! Marie Claire actually called me in July and asked if I could go for an interview as I was in the final two for winning Kate Bostock as a mentor. The interview was on my boyfriend's birthday at the Blue Finn Building in Southwark. Although nerves clearly kicked in, I was in awe of Kate Bostock and Kasie Davies; they have both achieved so much and are so talented, I was fascinated. They loved the BoBelle London brand, loved how I had grown the business and loved the potential the brand has for the future. I had won!! I couldn't believe it and was over the moon!

My first meeting with Kate took place at the HQ of M&S in Paddington. Kate wanted to crack on with achieving my objectives and we devised an action plan straight away. More will be revealed in the next month, but in the meantime, it is HUGE!

I have been desperately trying to get ready for Christmas now....our new Apollo iphone case has just launched, and we have the matching ipad case coming soon. Rich Mocha, stunning Ravishing Red, classic Black and a splashing of Turquoise and Purple hit BoBelle this season. Register your interest now by contacting the Sales Team - we shall send you out a newsletter on where to get yours from, or to order online. Elys of Wimbledon, Fenwick Brent Cross and Fenwick Newcastle are all going to be stockists of this limied edition accessory - ideal for Christmas gifts!

Sneek a peak here....

We have a busy week now as we have taken part in the Yummy Mummy event with Fenwick Brent Cross and have a meeting about another marketing collaboration with a certain superstar....

Have a good rest of the day and do contact us if you have any questions or comments!

Best wishes

Claire