How Olivia Rose, the Label went from quaint studio in Scotland to getting stocked in Fashion Retailers like Selfridges.

In this blog post, we'll unravel the threads of Olivia's business story, exploring her passion for sewing, the essence of her brand aesthetic, having little money to start and venturing into TikTok.

Sewing Seeds: From Grandma's Living Room to a Studio in Scotland

Olivia Rose's journey into the world of fashion began in the warm embrace of her grandma Beryl's living room.

The cozy setup, complete with a sewing machine and a treasure trove of fabrics, sparked Olivia's creative spirit from a young age.

The Friday night sleepovers at grandma's became a playground for imagination, dancing, and the birth of lasting memories. It was in this nurturing environment that Olivia discovered her love for crafting beautiful pieces.

The Art College Chronicles

Post-secondary school, Olivia's path led her to a specialized art college in Middlesbrough, where she reveled in two years of artistic freedom and self-expression.

These years were pivotal in shaping her creative identity. The transition to a bustling art scene in London for university, however, brought unexpected challenges.

The shift from being a big fish in a small pond to a small fish in a vast ocean left Olivia feeling disconnected.

A Serendipitous Break in Dorset

After completing her university stint in London, Olivia found herself at a crossroads, unsure of her next move. A serendipitous suggestion from her mother led her to work at a hotel in Dorset.

Little did she know that this move would become a pivotal chapter in her life. It was during this time that Olivia reconnected with her love for sewing, inherited from her grandma.

The Birth of Olivia Rose, the Label

Equipped with her grandma's sewing machine and a desire to create, Olivia made the bold decision to embark on a creative journey.

The birth of Olivia Rose, the Label, wasn't meticulously planned; rather, it unfolded organically. A break from her job, a return home, and the first creation—the Libby top—marked the beginning of Olivia's foray into fashion entrepreneurship.

Selling on platforms like Etsy and Depop, she experienced an unexpected surge in demand.

Navigating the Business Landscape

As Olivia navigated the early days of her business, pricing became an interesting challenge.

In the beginning, she priced her creations based on what she, as a customer, would pay, overlooking the value of her time.

The learning curve was steep, but Olivia soon understood the importance of factoring in her time and expertise when setting prices.

The Instagram Effect and the Selfridges Encounter

Olivia's Instagram presence played a crucial role in the growth of her brand. The platform served as a visual diary of her creations, resonating with a community that appreciated her unique aesthetic.

The turning point came when Selfridges, a renowned retail giant, reached out to Olivia. Despite initial hesitations and logistical challenges, the brand's ethos and Olivia's authentic storytelling won over the Selfridges team.

Crafting a Brand Aesthetic and the Power of Repurposing

One of Olivia Rose, the Label's distinctive features is its strong brand aesthetic. Olivia's meticulous attention to detail, from design to presentation, sets her creations apart.

The brand's visual identity, characterised by puff sleeves and unique patterns, has become synonymous with Olivia Rose. Additionally, Olivia recognizes the importance of repurposing content, efficiently sharing her brand story across various platforms.

Breaking into TikTok and the Art of Valuing Your Craft

In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, Olivia Rose, the Label, has successfully ventured into TikTok.

Olivia shares insights into the platform, emphasizing the need to tailor content to its unique audience. Amidst the challenges of managing a growing business, Olivia underscores the importance of valuing one's craft.

As the brand expands, Olivia remains committed to the hands-on approach, resisting the allure of mass production.

Navigating the Labyrinth of Inventory Management

The enigma of inventory misinterpretation unfolded as Olivia had to close the shop, not due to lack of stock but a strategic pause.

The confusion emanating from customers who expected perpetual availability underscored the need for transparent communication in the ever-evolving landscape of handmade fashion.

Listen to the full episode of the podcast here

The Price of Craft: An Artistic Evolution

Olivia's pricing journey emerged as a canvas painted with the hues of growth and adaptation.

From the necessity of price adjustments due to elevated material costs and intricate designs to weathering criticism, Olivia's experience provided insights into the delicate art of pricing.

This became a testament to the balance between justifying value and maintaining accessibility.

Conclusion: A Stitch in Time

The journey through Olivia's experiences stitched together a narrative rich with lessons, challenges, and inspiration.

From the nuances of inventory management to the delicate dance of pricing, audience cultivation, and the power of authenticity, Olivia Rose the Label's story serves as a tapestry of guidance for those navigating the intricate landscape of handmade fashion.

In every thread, there lies a lesson, and in every stitch, a story of triumph in the ever-evolving world of fashion entrepreneurship.