Aga Segurana | ASV

Jenny Holloway: Paving the Way for Ethical Fashion Manufacturing

Aga Segurana — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 08:00:56 +0000

At ASV, we’re making it our mission to share as much information with our incredible ASV Collective as we possibly can. BUT we can’t do this alone, so we’ve roped in some amazing female entrepreneurs to help us out, offer advice, and provide some inspiration to all of us.

This week we have reached out to Jenny Holloway, founder of Fashion Enter and Fashion Capital.

A few months ago, we held our first ASV Collective panel talk, which focussed on funding and scaling a fashion business. One of our incredible guest speakers was Jenny Holloway, who offered some completely invaluable and inspiring advice for our group of female fashion founders.

But with such good advice on how to reach out to buyers, how to write funding proposals, and how to sustainably and ethically scale production, we didn’t think it was fair that other fashion founders missed out.

So we reached out to Jenny, who kindly agreed to summarise some of the points discussed at the event.

Where did the idea behind Fashion Enter and Fashion Capital come from?

I had lost my brand after ten years hard work to an unscrupulous fashion person who I had foolishly trusted. I ended up losing everything – including the house that was tied into the business. I felt a complete fool! I vowed that I would help designers to not make the same silly mistakes that I had made and hence FEL was born in 2006. FashionCapital.co.uk was actually created in 2001 and was my first job after I had lost my brand. I was working for the Government and supported new designers by creating a site that would provide all information free of charge to help creatives.

You’ve had over 25 years of experience in the fashion industry. How do you think the industry has evolved over that time?

These last two years have been a dramatic transformation towards digital technologies – everything is changing at pace, and it’s important to embrace the new ways, but remember that skills are still so important such as pattern cutting and stitching.

And where do you think the fashion industry is heading?

Definitely, I’m seeing a major step away from mass consumerisation and far more concern regarding who made my clothes and if they were ethically made. Recycling and upcycling is now a major growing area, and seeing designs in 3D technologies before making final samples is increasing in popularity.

With your experience in buying, what is the number one mistake designers make when approaching buyers for the first time?

Being unprepared to give “absolute” and “full” information. You need to go into that meeting to know what price you want to sell at and what price is your absolute minimum. Also, not being prepared to know the buyer and their full range of responsibilities.

What advice would you give to designers who are reaching out to manufacturers?

Go and visit and feel the factory. Do you have a good buzz from it? Trust your instincts here.

What are the main things to focus on when increasing production size?

Are you really going to sell each size and quantity? Reduce to a minimum, then fast repeats. Cash flow is King!

How important do you think it is for designers to keep sustainability in mind when increasing production? And what would your advice be for this?

It’s totally imperative to know the ethos of your brand, and heritage, and this means ethics as well as sustainability. It’s absolutely fine to say the ranges are made from end-of-rolls or deadstock fabrics, but don’t be something you are not. Think about how the consumer perceives it, and watch your grammar!

What would your advice be for fashion founders who are looking to secure funding to support their businesses?

Absolutely go for everything you can and go for the max. This is where you need to review your ten-point plan and have a variety of USPs to understand the business tools such as Boston Matrix and 7ps of marketing. Be on it. Live and breathe your brand.

What would be your number one piece of advice to fashion brand founders?

You need to be the master of all trades not the jack of all trades, and be resilient. This is a tough journey ahead, but it can also be so rewarding. Believe!

A huge thank you to Jenny for taking the time to answer these questions so thoughtfully. We hope you found our interview as inspiring as we did!

For more inspiration, be sure to follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter.

Speak soon,

Your ASV family xx

The post Jenny Holloway: Paving the Way for Ethical Fashion Manufacturing first appeared on ASV.

The 3 free PR tools we use every day

Aga Segurana — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Looking for ways to boost your PR without breaking the bank? We’ve got you covered! This week we are sharing our favourite free PR tools, the ones we use daily, and that can help you get the coverage you need without spending a dime. Yes, you read that right. Because they are FREE.

1. Google

One of the most powerful search engines out there, Google can help you find everything you need to know about your industry and competitors. Set up Google Alerts to stay updated on the latest news and trends in your industry. You can also track your brand mentions to see what people are saying about your business.

2. HARO (Help a Reporter Out)

Want to get your business featured in major publications? HARO connects you with journalists who are actively seeking sources for their stories. Sign up for their daily emails and pitch your ideas to reporters who are looking for expert opinions in your niche.

3. Twitter

And, of course, Twitter is a goldmine for finding media opportunities. Follow relevant journalists and keep an eye out for the #journorequest and #prrequest tags, where reporters share what they’re looking for in a source. Pitch your business to them, and you might just get featured in their next article.

So there you have it, the three free PR tools that we use on a daily basis to help us get our clients noticed. Give them a try, and let us know how they work for you!

We hope our blog post helps you on your journey to increasing brand visibility and awareness! For more tips, be sure to follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter.

Speak soon,

Your ASV family xx

The post The 3 free PR tools we use every day first appeared on ASV.

Meet Rachel Harris, Founder of Accountant She

Aga Segurana — Sun, 23 Jul 2023 08:34:44 +0000

At ASV, we’re making it our mission to share as much information with our incredible ASV Collective as we possibly can. BUT we can’t do this alone, so we’ve roped in some amazing female entrepreneurs to help us out, offer advice, and provide some inspiration to all of us.

This week we have reached out to Rachel Harris, founder of Accountant She, because when starting a business, one of the things that can be the most scary to understand is the finances.

Rachel Harris is disrupting what it means to be an accountant, a business owner and an employer in 2023. She is a TEDx speaker, content creator, author, business owner and, most importantly… an accountant! Rachel adds value to her audience of 30,000 by creating completely free long and short-form content delivering financial education. She is passionate about free financial education for everyone, she is the founder of @accountant_she, striveX accountants, striveX audit, striveX consulting and striveX mortgages.

Yes. She’s pretty qualified to help us out with a few questions we had about helping our community of fashion founders conquer their finances…

What are your top tips for financial organisation?

1. Separate Personal and Business Finances
Open a separate bank account for your business and use it exclusively for business transactions. This separation will simplify record-keeping, ensure accurate financial reporting, and make tax preparation easier.

2. Implement a Bookkeeping System
Establish a consistent bookkeeping system to track income and expenses. This can be done manually or with the help of accounting software. Regularly update your records and reconcile bank statements to ensure accuracy.

3. Maintain Organised Records
Keep all financial documents, such as receipts, invoices, and bank statements, in an organised manner. This will facilitate easy retrieval of information for audits, tax filings, and financial analysis.

4. Develop a Budget
Create a budget that outlines your projected income and expenses. This will help you set financial goals, track your spending, and make informed decisions about resource allocation.

5. Monitor Cash Flow
Regularly monitor your cash flow to ensure you have enough funds to cover expenses and identify potential cash shortages. Cash flow management is essential for maintaining liquidity and meeting financial obligations.

6. Control Expenses
Review your expenses regularly and identify areas where you can reduce costs. Negotiate with vendors for better pricing, consider alternative suppliers, and evaluate the necessity of each expense item.

7. Invoice Promptly and Follow up on Payments
Send invoices promptly and establish a system for following up on unpaid invoices. Encourage timely payments from customers to improve your cash flow.

8. Plan for Taxes
Stay informed about tax obligations specific to your business and plan for them throughout the year. Set aside funds for taxes and maintain accurate records to facilitate tax preparation.

9. Seek Professional Advice
Consider consulting with an accountant or financial advisor to get expert guidance on financial matters. They can help with tax planning, financial analysis, and provide valuable insights to improve your financial management practices.

10. Review Financial Reports
Regularly review financial reports such as profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Analyse key performance indicators (KPIs) and use them to make informed decisions about your business’s financial health and future strategies.

What's the biggest myth about accounting for small businesses that needs to be squashed?

Accounting is not just about recording financial transactions and submitting tax returns. It provides so many amazing insights into the financial health, performance of a business and the financial wellbeing of the founder!

What's the most common mistake small businesses make in regards to finance?

One of the most common mistakes small businesses make in regards to finance is small business owners failing to keep their personal and business finances separate. Separating your business finances from your personal finances is one of the quickest, easiest and most impactful changes you can implement into your business from the very beginning!

What number one tool would you recommend to small business owners to look after their finances?

I would recommend using accounting software to really lean into your numbers and take control of your business! Accounting software provides numerous benefits and can streamline financial management processes. This can cover bookkeeping and expense tracking, financial reporting and time efficiency. We teach all of our clients to use accounting software to conduct a monthly financial wellbeing routine within their business which includes planning for cash, tax planning and setting goals for their business!

At what point should a small business owner reach out to an accountant such as yourself for help?

There are many points in your business journey when it’s important to reach out to an accountant. This could be when you’re setting up a business or changing company types. Tax Planning and Compliance.

An accountant can help optimise your tax position, ensure compliance with relevant tax laws, identify potential deductions and credits, and file accurate tax returns. But most importantly, an accountant can change the way you feel about your finances. You should get an accountant when you want one, is my best advice!

What made you decide to take the leap and start your own company?

Ooh juicy question! I wanted to do better. I trained at a top 75 accountancy practice, so I was technically qualified at a very high level, but I wanted to take that top-tier service and apply it with people at the centre of everything. Financial education is something that is not taught at schools, and so for me, my content and my business is the way that I can do that on a scale!

As an entrepreneur yourself, what advice would you give to those looking to start their business? And for those looking to scale up?

My main advice would be to define your vision and have clear business goals in mind.

Streamline Operations and Processes
Review your existing operations and identify areas where you can improve efficiency and productivity. Automate repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and leverage technology to optimise your processes.

Invest in Marketing and Sales
Develop a robust marketing strategy to reach a wider audience and attract new customers. Utilise various marketing channels, including digital marketing, social media, content marketing, and targeted advertising. Invest in sales initiatives, customer relationship management, and lead generation to drive growth.

Build a Strong Team
As your business scales, focus on hiring and retaining top talent. Assess the skills and expertise needed to support growth and fill key roles in your organisation. Foster a positive work culture, provide opportunities for professional development, and empower your team to contribute to the business’s success.

You've also gained a great following online - how did you build this community?

I have! Our community is now 30,000 small business owners who want to feel better about their finances! Consistency, community and clarity around my audience and goals has been the secret for me. I’ve always been crystal clear on who my audience is, how I can add the most value to them and what my role is within the industry.

A huge thank you to Rachel for taking the time to answer these questions so thoughtfully. We hope you found our interview as interesting and helpful as we did! Give Rachel a follow on Instagram.

If you’d love to read more interviews with amazing individuals, head to the blog. For more inspiration, be sure to follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter.

Speak soon,

Your ASV family xx

The post Meet Rachel Harris, Founder of Accountant She first appeared on ASV.

How Pinterest is the underdog of Social Media

Aga Segurana — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 08:00:00 +0000

When it comes to social media, the usual suspects almost always come to mind. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & TikTok. But one platform that often gets overlooked is Pinterest. With over 400 million monthly active users, Pinterest is the true underdog of social media platforms.

To understand Pinterest the most important thing to note is that it has a unique purpose when compared to other platforms. So why is that? Well rather than being a platform for social interaction and networking, Pinterest functions more as a visual search engine. Users go to Pinterest to search for ideas, inspiration, and solutions to their problems.

Whether it’s planning an outfit, decorating a home, or finding recipes, Pinterest has become the go-to platform for people looking for inspiration. Essentially, Pinterest allows users to discover and save content that speaks to their interests and needs.

So, the big question is: why should I use Pinterest as part of my social media strategy?

1. Pinterest is great for product discovery and purchase decisions

According to a survey by Cowen and Company, Pinterest is the second-highest platform for product discovery and is the top platform for influencing purchase decisions. This means that Pinterest users are more likely to make a purchase based on what they see on the platform.

2. Pinterest rewards high-quality, relevant, and engaging content

Pinterest is a platform that prioritises organic growth. Unlike other social media platforms that heavily rely on algorithms and paid advertising (looking at you, Instagram). Pinterest rewards content that is high-quality, relevant, and engaging. This means that brands can grow their audience and reach without spending large amounts of money on ads. They can do this by creating content that resonates with Pinterest users instead.

3. Longevity of content

Unlike other social media platforms where content can quickly become buried in a feed, Pinterest content has a longer lifespan. Pins can continue to be discovered and saved over time. This means that brands can continue to get exposure and engagement from their content long after it’s been posted. We’ve seen this with our clients, that despite having a more relaxed posting schedule, the brand still manages to see fantastic results due to its content constantly being re-exposed to new audiences.

It’s clear, with its growing user base and increasing relevance for businesses, it’s time for brands to recognise Pinterest as a valuable platform for social media marketing.

So, what are some next steps that brands can take to use Pinterest to their advantage? Here are a few tips:

Tip 1) Set up a business account

Firstly, If you haven’t already, set up a business account on Pinterest. This will give you access to features like analytics, promoted pins, and rich pins. What are rich pins I hear you ask? Rich Pins are a type of organic Pin that automatically syncs information from your website to your Pins. This means if something changes on the original website, the rich Pin is updated to reflect that change. Amazing, I know.

Tip 2) Utilise high-quality visuals

Secondly, since Pinterest is a visual search engine, it’s essential to use high-quality, visually appealing content. This means using high-resolution images, having clear typography, and a consistent aesthetic.

Tip 3) Use keywords

Of course, to improve your content’s discoverability on Pinterest, use relevant keywords in your descriptions and titles. This will make it easier for users to find your content when searching for related topics.

Tip 4) Focus on creating valuable, informative content

To build trust with your audience and establish your brand as an authority in your industry, focus on creating valuable, informative content. It should solves your audience’s problems and provides them with inspiration and ideas.

Tip 5) Use analytics to track your results

Finally, use Pinterest analytics to track your performance and see which pins and boards are getting the most engagement. By using this information, you’ll be able to optimise both your content and strategy over time.

We hope our blog post inspires the beginning of your Pinterest journey and happy pinning! For more tips, be sure to check out the blog, follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter.

Speak soon,

Your ASV family xx

The post How Pinterest is the underdog of Social Media first appeared on ASV.

Collective Conversations: Scaling and Funding a Fashion Brand | June 23

Aga Segurana — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 13:28:42 +0000

Ever wanted to scale up your fashion brand but were unsure where to start? Think you need funding to take your business to the next level but don’t know how to obtain this? Well, we have the event for you, scaling & funding a fashion brand!

Get ready for a powerful event moderated by Aga Segurana, founder of ASV, and our esteemed panellists, Phoebe English, the mastermind behind her namesake brand and Jenny Holloway, CEO of Fashion Capital, who will be on hand to provide invaluable insight into how they’ve built their businesses to where they are today, the challenges of scaling up a sustainable brand and securing funding as a woman.

There’ll be time to ask questions, so whether you’re just getting started with your fashion brand or ready to take it to the next level, our panel talk will provide you with a deeper understanding of how you can too grow your brand by learning from the best in the biz.

Key Details

Topic: Scaling a brand and finding funding for your fashion business
Speakers: Phoebe English and Jenny Holloway
Date: Tuesday 27th June 2023
Time: from 7 PM until 8:30 PM (doors will open at 6:30 PM)
Location: Southwark, London, SE1 (full address will be sent with ticket confirmation)

Limited spaces, so don’t let this be the one that got away.

About Phoebe English

Phoebe English is a recognised sustainable fashion designer who is included in the British Fashion Council’s Positive Fashion collective. Her brand was founded in 2011, and she has since become a regular at London Fashion Week, showcasing her designs that aim to explore less extractive fashion systems. In 2022 Phoebe won The Marie Claire Sustainability Award for Best Sustainable Designer Brand.

About Jenny Holloway

Jenny Holloway is a former buyer and fashion entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the industry. For almost ten years, Jenny was Director of her successful business Retro UK Ltd which included retail boutiques and wholesaling to major retailers such as John Lewis, Principles and independents. In 2000 Jenny commenced a consultancy business and was approached to be an Industry Advisor on Government funded initiatives.

About Us

Founded by Aga Segurana, ASV Collective is a community founded to create a space for female fashion founders to come together and support like-minded women. We know how isolating running a business can be, so we are dedicated to providing opportunities and resources for female entrepreneurs to help you run and grow the brand of your dreams.

Part of the ASV Collective Event Series

The post Collective Conversations: Scaling and Funding a Fashion Brand | June 23 first appeared on ASV.

5 Steps To Write Your PR Strategy Plan

Aga Segurana — Fri, 19 May 2023 11:23:49 +0000

Creating a solid PR strategy plan is essential for the success of ANY business. Not only does it help get your brand message across to the right people, but it also is key to building and growing a solid reputation. But where do you start?

This week we are sharing the 5 steps to help you create a PR strategy that delivers results.

Step 1: Set Your PR Goals

Start by defining what you want to achieve through your PR efforts. Are you looking to increase brand awareness, generate more leads, or improve your reputation? Once you have a clear idea of your goals, it’ll be easier to create a plan that aligns with them.

Step 2: Know Your Target Audience

It’s important to understand who you’re trying to reach. Do you know who your ideal customers or clients are? Are you aware of their pain points, interests, and behaviours? Knowing who you’re targeting will help you tailor your messaging and outreach that will resonate with them.

Step 3: Create a Budget

PR can be costly, so it’s important to create a budget that aligns with your goals and resources before getting carried away with incredible ideas. Determine how much you can afford to spend on things like media outreach, content creation, and events and consider how you can maximise your budget by leveraging free or low-cost PR tools.

Step 4: Brainstorm Ideas & Determine Your Channels

Time to get creative! This is without a doubt our favourite moment when creating PR strategies for clients. Bearing in mind your goals, your audience and your budget, think of different ways you can get your message out there. Brainstorm ideas for newsworthy stories, events, or campaigns and determine which channels you’ll use to reach your audience, such as social media, email marketing, or press releases.

Download our Pitch Perfect bundle.

Step 5: Define How To Measure Your PR Strategy Plan

Finally, it’s important to be clear how you’ll measure the success of your PR efforts so you can continuously improve and refine your strategy. As we like to say, strategies are alive so they should constantly be updated. Determine how you’ll measure things like media coverage, website traffic, and social media engagement. Use these metrics to assess the impact of your PR efforts and adjust your strategy accordingly.

We hope you found our blog post helpful in learning how to create a PR strategy that is tailored to your business and delivers results. For more tips and resources, be sure to follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter. Finally, if you’d like to learn more about PR strategy, visit the PR section on the blog or find out about out PR services here.

Speak soon,

Your ASV family xx

The post 5 Steps To Write Your PR Strategy Plan first appeared on ASV.

How to Write an Attention-Grabbing Email

Aga Segurana — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 08:14:53 +0000

We’ve been asked on several occasions how to pitch to the media, influencers and even retailers, and the truth is: it’s easier than you might think. All you have to do is write an attention-grabbing email that packs a punch.

So this week, we are sharing the five tips that will help you write an attention-grabbing email that will make your brand stand out:

1) Write an Attention-grabbing Email Subject Line

Firstly, I know what you are going to say here. That you are busy. That you don’t have time. That there are more important things to do… And of course, maybe that’s true. At least to an extent.

However, it’s here where you need to remember that coming up with a compelling subject line can really make someone open your email. One you have spent some time writing.

2) Personalise Your Email

Always, always, always tailor your emails. Nobody wants to receive something that feels like a template. This is your chance to start making genuine connections, so take the time to personalise your emails.

For example, are you emailing an influencer? Tell them how much you love their style and why. A retailer? Explain why your brand would be a great addition to their current offering. Or is it an editor? Then go ahead and let them know how much you enjoyed reading their last article.

3) Use an Approriate Tone

I’m all about injecting some personality into emails. However, I also know that not everyone will be pleased to see my emails with exclamation marks, a few emojis here and there or memes (I’ll never understand that).

This is why I make sure to check the voice and tone they use on Social Media and within their writing – especially when I’ve never spoken with that person before. Because at the end of the day, how you say it is as important as what you say.

4) Keep it Short and Sweet

Yep. You read that right. We are not at uni, so nobody wants to read an essay.

People now barely spend a couple of seconds scanning their emails, which is why it’s so important that you make sure what you are saying is relevant, interesting and exciting. This is your time to rave about your business, but keep it snappy!

5) End With A Clear Call To Action

Lastly, what is it that you want from this? What are you expecting to get in return?

Is it getting your brand featured in the press? Or meeting a buyer to potentially discuss selling your brand there? Whatever that is, make it clear.

We hope you found our blog post helpful in learning how to write an attention-grabbing email! For more tips, be sure to follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter. But, if you’d like to carry on learning, check out this article on planning your PR Strategy.

Speak soon,

Your ASV family xx

The post How to Write an Attention-Grabbing Email first appeared on ASV.

Collective Minds | January 23

Aga Segurana — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 10:20:48 +0000

January 26th at 7PM

Warren Centre, Basement 1-8, Northumberland House, London, W1T 5JU

Ready to solve all your business problems? Then this event is for you

Ever heard the saying “two heads are better than one”? Well, we have too, which is what inspired this event…

A coming together of female fashion founders to share their problems and work together to come up with new and exciting solutions. Because two (or twenty) brains are surely better than one!

Key Details

Thursday 26th January 2023
From 7PM until 9PM
Warren Centre, Basement 1-8, Northumberland House, London, W1T 5JU

Join us on a very powerful evening filled with creative solutions and inspiring women talking about anything and everything to do with the fashion industry.

If there’s one thing we can promise you, is that you’ll leave feeling inspired and ready to take your business to the next level.

Because when women support women, beautiful things happen.

Limited spaces, so don’t let this be the one that got away.

Part of the ASV Collective Event Series

The post Collective Minds | January 23 first appeared on ASV.

The Collective Breakfast | Nov 22

Aga Segurana — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 10:05:24 +0000

Ever wondered what it feels like to be part of an empowering community of female entrepreneurs like yourself?

Well, this is it! The chance to meet other fearless fashion founders, enjoy delicious food and make connections.

Key Details

Thursday 24th November
From 9:30AM until 12PM
Mildred’s Kings Cross, 200 Pentonville Rd, London, N1 9JP.

Join us to meet other incredibly talented women on a very empowering and exciting morning talking about anything and everything to do with the fashion industry.

We promise you that you’ll leave feeling inspired and ready take your business to the next level. Because when women support women, beautiful things happen.

Limited spaces so don’t let this be the one that got away.

Part of the ASV Collective Event Series

Company

Social

The post The Collective Breakfast | Nov 22 first appeared on ASV.