We’ve recently had an opportunity to talk with an incredibly inspiring woman. A mother of two little people and an owner of Mimi’s Edit. Her story is quite unique and may become an example for many other mums out there.

Can you tell me a few words about your business, please? 

Mimi’s edit is a brand that brings together a hand picked selection of stylish clothing and accessories. I personally choose everything myself and only have it as part of the Mimi’s edit collection if I would wear it myself. Mimi’s edit aims to be versatile, affordable and stylish.  

What inspired you to start your own company? 

 

I’ve always had an interest in fashion and retail. I have worked in the fashion industry for brands such as Selfridges, Louis Vuitton and Karen Miller. I know what excellent customer service looks like and this is a key element of Mimi’s edit ethos. A few changes in our personal circumstances meant I had to leave my job as a secondary school food and nutrition teacher to look after my son. He had been diagnosed with leukemia at 3 and 1/2 years old and it tore our world apart. It was a tough and trying time for us as a family but we stuck together and with help and support we are making it through. My son is an inspiration to me. About a year after the initial diagnosis I sat with my husband and we decided it was time to make a change and I explained I wanted to start my own business. Hand curating and collection of gorgeous clothes and accessories. My husband was so supportive. We started thinking of an action plan, website domains and looking up fashion designers.

What are the pros and cons of running your own business? 

It’s amazing being my own boss-I decide my hours, which pieces will make up the collection and I get to go to amazing fashion shows to choose the next seasons pieces. I get to play dress up everyday and choose what I want to keep from the collections as well as being able to showcase the versatility of our pieces. Through the power of social media I have connected with some fabulous women and fashionistas! It is however tough being the sole person behind all of the cogs that operate Mimi’s Edit. I sometimes occasionally second guess myself and don’t really have anyone to ‘bounce ideas’ around with if I was working in a larger organisation. It can be a little isolating too as I work from home. But I also get to drop my children off at school and be there at pick up, I can be there for my son whenever he needs me, be there at all his appointments and spend time with Mia who is only 2. 

These days will not last forever I’m lucky I get to do this. 

What are your goals for your business? 

My goal is to leave a legacy and grow Mimi’s edit into an established trusted brand. Where women turn when they want to buy something new but also get ideas on how to style their pieces and get more from their clothes. I want to raise awareness on children cancer and raise more and more funds for the research though the ‘charity edit’ at Mimi’s Edit where we’re raising money for the North England children’s cancer research- an organisation close to my heart. 

Women, mums, friends shouldn’t make each other feel guilty for making an effort and looking good. All too often you see women shaming each other for not making an effort or making too much of an effort. I’ve had women message me saying this and I just tell them they need to do what’s right for them and if they want to look good and feel good they need to ignore the negativity. My motto- ‘don’t save it for best!’

What would you tell a mum considering to open her own business? 

I would say sit down, make a plan and start today. Make a vision board, bring it to life and follow your dream. Nobody can make your dream come true but talking about it isn’t what will bring it to life...only YOUR actions will. 

 

To follow Mimi’s Edit, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/mimiseditonline/
https://www.instagram.com/mimisedit/