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

LFW (en route via M&M's world....)

Having had a fabulous newtworking lunch with those wonderful ladies from Kleinwort Benson, I thought I would stroll the 2 and a something miles through Mayfair and central London to view some of the collections at LFW. It was a glorious day and whilst ambling through the crowds at Regent Street down to Piccadilly and beyond, what do I stumble across but the biggest M&M's shop ever - in fact its proper name is 'M&S's World'. Wow. I used to love M&M's as a child! Just in case you hadn't seen this chocolate haven, have a peek here:

Isn't it amazing what a brand can do? The layout was oh-so-clever as you had to go downstairs to get to where the actual sweets are, thus having to walk through the cushions, mugs and toys in order to get there (increasing your chances of buying something on the way). Not to mention passing the lady at the front who asks if you'd like a basket. Really, very clever layout.

Having satisfied my chocolate fix without actually purchasing any (I may be a fan of business and strategies, but paying over £2.00 for 100g of M&M's is just robbery! As if they advertised the price anyhow, that was only divulged when you got to the till and realise your child has totted up a £20 bag of chocolate...) Anyway, I was off to LFW to enjoy the exhibitions and to enjoy a cheeky cocktail or two with a friend of mine (who is so lucky as not only does she go to the Burberry and Mulberry shows, she also received a personal invite from Erdem. I was not jealous....obviously).

The day was stunning with bright blue skies and wonderful, wonderful fashion:

I haven't yet been to New York fashion week, so I cannot really comment, but all I can say is 'wow' to the setting for LFW - where else is simply more breath takingly eye catching than Somerset House? Truly stunning. BoBelle London has some gorgeous new accessories launching for the Christmas period and our new website (launched NOW!) is set to be a real winner with you all, I think.....Fashion is very important to us Brits and I hope my London label is loved by you all for its sleek and classic designs, amazing quality finishing and subtle branding. The economy might be a little wobbly right now, but invest in all things long-lasting, such as those accessories from BoBelle London, and you will thank yourself in years to come. Great Britain has to nurture new businesses and designers to help push through this tough time - LFW is so monumental and deserves all of the fabulous attention it gets. Long let it reign.

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.

Rich Rioja Red....

Hello all,

Apologies for the lack of writing recently; we had Pure (the biggest fashion tradeshow in the UK) and now it is just 10 days until I get married.....all very exciting, as you can imagine!

I thought you might like a sneek preview at our stand at Pure this season:

We really went all out with the 'London' theme, and it proved a massive hit! Our new Brackenbury set - satchel, wallet and clutch - was incredibly popular and we are just thrilled. It is perfect for autumn and is the softest eel skin and cow hide you will find. This beauty launches with our new site, next week!!

One of the biggest colours set for autumn is burgundy wine red. And of course, we have a splashing of this fabulous colour in our new collection. The Brackenbury satchel not only comes in this divine colour, but also we have the Chiswick and the Chloe to match:

What is great about this rich shade is that it suits all skin tones. It looks just divine paired with rich plums and muted mustards. You will be amazied at the versatility and werability of this scrumptious shade.

Now, our new website is set to launch THIS MONTH! I know I mentioned it a while ago, but it really is happening....it just took us longer than planned. I hope you love the new site - it has certainly got my personality stamp to it and we are offering a 'refer a friend scheme' when it's live - more details nearer the time.

I will keep you posted when the new site goes live, and then really I will have to leave writing for a bit to go and realx before my wedding!! Then the honeymoon....bliss....

With best wishes to all my readers and followers,

Claire x

Flash Sale

Good morning everyone,

Apologies for not writing much lately - things have really picked up again and I have been so busy preparing for Christmas!! (not to mention my wedding which is now in less than 3 weeks....!!)

I wanted to let you know of the FLASH SALE that is for today - see http://www.bobelle.co.uk/ for details. Have a browse online and the products on sale are those that say 'flash sale' next to them. When they're gone, they're gone!

We are also looking for ideas from YOU, our valued customers. If there is anythig you think we could improve on or develop, please respond here or email us at sales@bobelle.co.uk.

Our new stunning website is set to launch in the next 2 weeks and I cannot wait. It has been a work-in progress for so long now, a very personal project that I know will get the BoBelle London brand name out there. I will let you know when the new collection launches, I am so excited! I know you will love it....

Anyway, for now that is our news but please do forward on the flash sale details - I will keep you posted on the new website launch and let you know how our tradeshow, Pure, goes.

In the meantime enjoy the sunshine!

Claire

BoBelle in Woman and Home and Look magazine

Hello all,

Last week I wrote about the importance of marketing and press for brand recognition. All brands need press to increase exposure and to gain trust from shoppers. I thought you might like to see my brand, BoBelle London in the UK press:



BoBelle London in LOOK magazine - our unique leather ipad2 sleeve for Marks and Spencer Autograph can be seen above and can be purchased HERE.




BoBelle London is also seen above in this month's Woman and Home magazine - our fabulous eel skin leather ipad 2 case, Apollo iphone case and Athena eel skin leather purse is part of the Editor's 'Favourite Things' and we are thrilled!

Please do keep us updated with your thoughts and we hope to hear from you soon.

Best wishes

Claire Watt-Smith

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