The interview with Hatti was really valuable and we came away from it with new insight into running a business. I was unable to actually attend the interview but I listened to the recording. Hatti spoke about the different interactions she had with manufacturers and stockists, the importance of pricing, advertising and other such things, but I think the most important question we asked was ‘what advice would you give to someone creating a startup business?’
Hatti said it was really important to research, seek advice and delegate. Under the heading of research she recommended keeping an eye on what other designers and businesses were doing, to influence your own work
Seeking advice was a theme that popped up a few times throughout the interview, Hatti mentioned how important it is to have a good relationship with your manufacturing companies as they have a vast knowledge of what you are doing and can make suggestions. She also said how helpful it was moving into the studios, having so many artist and designers around to influence and help each other out. People generally surprise you with their will to help.
And finally delegating, it’s really important, particularly in the market Hatti is in, to produce really high quality products and if you are not the best at sewing or assembling and so on it really is best to get someone else to do it. Hatti gets her fabrics digitally printed elsewhere as X has already mentioned as well as getting her cushions made by someone else. She also outsources her graphic and web design. Her business cards and logo were designed by a graphic designer she befriended at uni, who also helped her to start up her website. A friend she made in Edinburgh, a photographer and web designer is helping her to update her website and create a fuller online presence. This goes back again to asking people for help, if you know someone who has a skill that you maybe don’t they will be happy to help, and you can get a better deal than you would normally. You can also be sure about getting a definite reply, whereas with emails you might have far less less luck. Following from that, another important part of running a business which Hatti didn’t mention but has evidently benefited from is networking. Many of her clients and the people who help her run her business are contacts she made through networking.
This advice seems to pop up repeatedly in talks from guest lectures, alongside encouragement to try new things, take risks, and seize every opportunity that comes your way.
Marigold 