We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lena Timmons a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lena, thanks for joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
I actually came up with the idea of starting my own brand my last year in college. That was back in 2013. I used that entire year to build a fashion design portfolio and “prepared” myself for life after college. In the beginning I didn’t think I know if I would use my degree to look for employment or start my brand. I quickly decided to start my brand after working my merchandising internship. I knew I wanted to be my own boss. So, in 2014 in got my business license and started working on sketches for the collection. I picked 8 final looks. I then chose my models and creative team and got the looks photographed and added them to my website. My husband is my graphic/web designer so, I didn’t have to worry about those things. But, after that, the rest is history.
Lots of ups and lots of downs. The first two years and every year after is work, work and more work. Marketing and advertising will become your next title. You have to learn how to attract people to your brand and know who you are targeting in order to make it work for you and make money. I had to learn and still am…. that you have to think of your brand as “no one knows you or your brand” ( words from my husband ). So, when you approach it that way, you will always be thinking of what you can do next to get a loyal customer, who will love your brand and respect your aesthetics as a designer in the fashion industry.
Lena, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Lena M. was established in 2014. Lena M. is a women’s, High-End Ready-to-Wear clothing brand that’s a luxurious take on sophisticated clothes designed for a woman’s everyday life. Our goal is to make women feel confident and empowered while wearing our clothing.
How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.
I do direct to consumer sales through my website. I also take custom orders as well, you just have to email me through the site contact form with questions. I also do wholesale as well, just send an inquiry.
For my brand, this has worked best for me, in order to keep better track of expense and profit.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
The best way I have kept in touch with clients and my base is through social media platforms. My main ones are Instagram and Facebook. It’s been the best way to get info to them asap.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lenamcollection.com
- Instagram: @Lenamcollection
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/lenamcollection
- Twitter: @Lenamcollection
Image Credits
Photographer: Vanessa Silva of Somewhere In Photography