Love ur Look

Business Name: Love ur Look

Location: London

Website: http://www.loveurlook.co.uk/

Vintage inspired and ethically sourced, Love ur Look is a brand designed to enhance and embrace the fuller female shape. Taking its cues from the 1940’s and 50’s, the collections offers exclusive prints and designs.

We spoke to founder, Ronke Fashola, about making the transition from employee to following her passion and starting her own brand.

What inspired you to set up Love ur Look?

I worked as a fashion buyer for high street brands such as New Look and BHS, before turning my life dream of starting my own brand into a reality in 2011.

With my love for vintage and knowledge of working in the industry it felt like a natural progression. I felt confident about what a real women’s body was like and wanted to make a fun, unique and ethically conscious range.

Tell us more about Love ur Look

The majority of Love ur Look’s collection is produced in specialist factories located in India, where I source materials from upcycled markets contributing to the ethical and sustainable efforts of the business.

I spend a few months every year in India working directly with suppliers and designing my latest collections. As I have direct contact with the factory and work with my team in India the working environment is ethical and all workers are paid fairly.

How has the London Small Business Centre supported you?

Already gathering interest from customers, I first came to the London Small Business Centre in 2013, looking for capital to help expand my collection and push the company forward.

I wanted to expand my collection as I was getting a great deal of interest from people and did not have enough stock to sell.

With support from the Centre, I secured a loan to bolster my business and drive forward the development of my collections. It’s great as I know I can contact LSBC whenever I need that extra help or advice.

How has the business developed and what have been your highlights?

In May 2013, I won the opportunity to have a two week pop up shop in House Of Fraser’s new pop up market, POP at HOF. During the two weeks, Love Ur Look was stocked in the retailer’s flagship Oxford Street Store and online at houseoffraser.co.uk.

The opportunity proved to be a great success and I welcomed so many visitors that I ended up selling out of stock in the second week.

The competition not only opened the door to working with a major high-street retailer, but also gave me brand national recognition and credibility.

What does the future hold for Love ur Look?

My ambitions include being distributed internationally and offering children’s wear, accessories, curvaceous range, signature fabrics, as well as competing on a level alongside brands such as Orla Keily and Cath Kidston.

Do you have any advice for other budding entrepreneurs?

Never give up and keep going. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and those on similar paths to you.

Love ur Look

Love ur Look

“With support from the Centre, I secured a loan to bolster my business and drive forward the development of my collections. It’s great as I know I can contact LSBC whenever I need that extra help or advice.”

Images: Copyright Love ur Look

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