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Exquisitely British - The British Entrepreneur Club for Luxury Brands
An Interview with...
Anthea Gray
Founder of Anthea's Home Store
By Clare Heighway - 9th December 2014
We chat to East Sussex based interior designer and entrepreneur Anthea Gray.
Anthea is the founder of interior design business Dressing Room Interiors and Anthea's Home Store, an interiors retailer.
Tell us about yourself, Anthea.
Having worked in finance for many years, I decided a few years ago that the time was right to do something more creative. I had always been interested in interior design so I decided to do a distance learning diploma at KLC. Being made redundant last year was the impetus I needed to take the plunge and set up my own interior design business and on-line shop.
Where did the idea for Sweetpea & Willow come from?
While visiting design shows and sourcing items for projects, I realised that there were many small companies and designers, whose products were not readily available. I decided to set up an online shop, to complement my interior design business, which would bring these lovely products to a wider audience.
Who's your ideal customer?
Someone who loves stylish, original but slightly quirky products and who isn’t afraid to experiment to get the right look.
What has been your biggest challenge?
My biggest ongoing challenge is to try and understand and use all the available e-commerce tools to increase awareness of the brand and build a strong customer base: including SEO, social media an online advertising to name just a few!
What has been your biggest highlight?
Completing my first design commission for my first very happy customer!
What or who are you inspired by?
I love to use bold colour and pattern in my interiors, so it would have to be Abigail Ahern, who kick-started the trend for using deep dark colour on walls, teamed with bright and blinging accessories.
Do you have any advice for other entrepreneurs?
Sometimes it can be hard to keep motivated, especially in the early days when you may be on your own and working from home. When that happens I find it helps just to think back to why you started the business in the first place, to re-discover the passion!
What does your “typical” work day look like?
Every day tends to be different but a “typical” day may include looking out for and responding to any PR opportunities, researching new products and/or designers, working on ideas or sourcing products for a design project and writing my blog.
Do you have any favourite British brands?
I admire Ted Baker clothes for their wearability, style and broad appeal (my daughter and I both enjoy shopping there). They are good value for money too which is always a plus.
What do you think is important in developing a successful British brand?
British brands should concentrate on originality, quality and good customer service, rather than trying to compete on price alone. We have a huge pool of creative talent in the UK, and I believe many people would rather buy one really amazing piece, rather than many throw-away items.
How do you manage the work/life balance?
As my family has grown up and left home, I have found I have much more time to concentrate on developing the business. And when you are doing something that you enjoy you find that it is no longer seems like work.
What are your plans for the future?
Expanding the products and designers featured in the store. I am also hoping to develop a series of workshops to inspire people and give them confidence to tackle their own design projects.
For more information on Anthea's Home Store visit the website at www.antheashomestore.co.uk
Anthea's Home Store is a Best of British member.
Read more about them here.
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