Boss Babe: Vicki Hall
Company: Vicki Hall Designs
Website & Social: www.vickihall-designs.com| @vickihalldesigns
Tell me a bit about your business.
I design and make Women’s clothing. Everything is made by me, in the UK, and is custom made to order. So super handy for taller / shorter people who struggle with lengths, or just anyone who struggles with sizing.
What made you decide to start it?
I moved home from Dubai, cosssss coviddddd *snore*, and with a heavily hospitality focused background, I really struggled to find work as everyone was being cautious about taking on new staff at the time. I began making clothes just for myself to keep me semi-sane through the first lockdown, then began getting messages from people asking if they could buy my stuff. So I finally plucked up the courage to start selling my clothes.
What’s a typical day/week like in your shoes?
Typically, I will be working 7 days a week from about 10am-10pm (ish). I try to organise my days to do some marketing in the morning (PR searches / photos of the clothes), go for a walk with a friend in the afternoon, then start on my orders which takes me through to bedtime. At the minute, it doesn’t feel like I’m working loads as there isn’t much else to be doing, but once life goes back to normal I’m hoping to take someone on to help with the marketing side of things so I can have a slightly more normal work life balance.
What’s been the most difficult thing to get your head around when you started up?
The hardest thing for me is when people don’t like their order. For example, one customer ordered an outfit and when she received it she said ‘I don’t think the colour really suits me’. Ummmmmmmmm ok, but you ordered that colour? Anyway, I struggled with this and just offered her a refund *eye roll*! I’ve learnt along the way that I have to be a bit more confident in what I’m offering. Of course, there’ll be genuine issues where I’ll try my best to fix. Oh, and keeping receipts! Also, not everyone around you wants to see you succeed. It’s quite hard having friends that won’t do the basics of liking or commenting or sharing your posts. You just have to focus on all the other friends really cheering you on and not the few miseries.
Have you encountered any hiccups along the way?
I’ve not had any major hiccups so far *touch wood*, but the odd set back like running out of tags/labels and not realising; which will delay sending to the customer.
How do you stay motivated?
I struggle with motivation when orders are low. I make a weekly schedule of what I need done by the end of the week. Then each night before I go to bed I make a daily schedule of what needs done in order - I find it keeps my head a bit clearer. Also, seeing my customers in my sets REALLY helps as it’s the finished product and they’re happy with us. So really appreciate customer pictures.
What’s your main marketing took/social media platform? Are there any you want to try out that you haven’t had a chance to yet?
Instagram is what I use the most, in the hope that people will then go and browse the website. I’d love to start a Tik Tok account for my designs but I’m cringe enough as it is!!!
What’s next for your business?
I’m currently playing around with designs for a summer collection. Just had the most amazing fabric samples delivered which I ADORE so want the designs to compliment the fabric.
Do you have any advice for other women looking to start their own business?
The only advice I could give would be to make sure you absolutely love whatever it is that you’d be offering. You’ll live and breath the business so it can’t be something you’ll get bored of months and years down the line. Also, just be confident in whatever it is you’re doing. I was always dead embarrassed telling people what my plan was as I thought everyone was laughing at me or rolling their eyes at me. If you have a strong product or service and are dedicated, it can’t fail.
What do you do to relax?
To relax at night I have a glass of red wine and watch trash TV. I also love children’s colouring in books for when I’m feeling a bit anxious and overwhelmed.
And lastly, what did you have for breakfast?
For breakfast I had 3 coffees and a snickers ice cream (oops).
Thanks Vicki! Great getting to know a bit about your life as a boss babe! If you're interested in getting your hands on some of Vicki's amazing pieces, head over to her Instagram page @vickihalldesigns for all the info you need. x
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