Kimberley Stacey had always wanted to start a luxury fashion brand since she finished university 10 years ago.
In August 2017, she launched TISKA London. Her brand promotes positive, strength and independence in women.
Each TISKA London collection is based on a story written by me and each garment has a Nordic inspired name. The collections are not based on current trends. This allows them to have a unique style which won’t date, meaning they are more of an investment than a response to fast fashion.
I interviewed Kimberley to find out more about her fashion brand.
Why did you decide to start?
It is something I have always wanted to do since finishing uni (almost 10 years ago) the delay has been to having my son (who is now 7) and having the right amount of confidence in myself.
Can it be hard to be your own boss?
Yes but it is also amazing as you have full control over your own business and the direction it is going.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
My label is something I am truly passionate about, I am motivated by how far I have become in such a short space of time. The journey of having something in your head and then seeing it as a reality is really a great feeling.
Are there any challenges owning your own business?
Yes – a lot of sacrifices with time, money and sleep. I am a single mum so juggling this and my day job is challenging but I love it and my son gets involved wherever possible.
Image: TISKA London Collection
Is there a right time to start a business?
Yes, for sure! I tried to launch this business a few times and then quit as it wasn’t the right time for me.
Your head has to be in the right place – you need to have a complete hunger and drive for it otherwise you wont succeed. You also need to have a strong belief in what you are doing / trying ti achieve. You need to 100% believe its going to work, otherwise you will fail.
As your company expands, I guess it may feel overwhelming- how did you keep it together? Do you employ other people to support you or do you manage it all on your own?
It can feel overwhelming but you have to remind yourself this is why you have been working so hard. As it grows more work comes so yes hiring more people and to delegate is the only way for the company to be scalable. I currently have an intern and will employ more staff further down the line.
Have you noticed any changes in the world of business ?
Yes – social media has played a huge part in my very early success. I am so grateful for the power of social media, TISKA LONDON’s Instagram account caught the attention of British Vogue leading to a recent feature, the odds of such early discovery would have been near impossible prior to the digital age. And it isn’t just the media discovering new brands on social media, but shoppers wanting to be the first to find a new fashion brand among friends.
Image: TISKA London Collection
What is the best thing about being your own boss?
It feels empowering that all your hard work is being seen – I see my business as my second child, I love watching it grow and knowing I was the one that made it!
What is your advice to any young woman who want to start a business ?
Be prepared to make those sacrifices and put in a huge amount of work but also make sure you enjoy it, there’s no point in doing it otherwise. Believe in yourself.
How does it feel to be a woman in charge?
It feels great – so far I don’t feel like I have been treated any differently than if I was a man, I guess it is because of the industry I am in.
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