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Exquisitely British - The British Entrepreneur Club for Luxury Brands
An Interview with...
Holly Lasseter
Founder of Holly Lasseter Designs
By Clare Heighway - 30th September 2014
We chat to Dorset's Holly Lasseter about how Holly Lasseter Designs began, and what are her favourite British brands.
Tell us a bit about yourself, Holly.
I have always drawn and painted anything to do with the natural world since I was old enough to pick up a pencil and paintbrush - undoubtedly encouraged and influenced by growing up with an artistic and musical family. It continued as a passion at school and into my working life interior decorating in London. I don't think I ever had any doubt that I would end up coming back to live in the countryside and apparently always had plans to marry a farmer!
How did Holly Lasseter Designs begin?
Twenty years ago and married with two small children, I started painting furniture - large pieces supplied by individual customers and small pieces made for me to decorate and take to local charity fairs in the Spring and the Autumn. After a few years of doing this and whilst looking at pretty china in a book one evening, I decided to investigate the possibility of hand painting china myself. I found someone with a kiln who advised me where to buy blank china, what paints to use and where to get them. I started at the next fair with a few pieces alongside the small wooden pieces of furniture I was selling. The china was the first thing to go with demand for more. Gradually the china painting side of the business grew and completely took over, it needed an identity and since customers appreciate meeting the artist - the obvious name for the business was Holly Lasseter Designs. Over the years I have expanded the hand painted china hugely, have widened the net buy adding many other and varied products. The latest venture is printed china that is produced for me in Stoke as well fabrics and accessories for both the trade and retail markets.
Who’s your perfect customer?
My perfect customer is someone - either trade or retail who appreciates the designs and who I feel is excited by the prospect of working with me to end up with a product that they are 100% happy with.
What has been your biggest challenge?
My biggest and most exciting challenge has been venturing into the wholesale market and launching at a trade show for the first time earlier this year.
What has been your biggest highlight?
Realising that customers really do want to buy into Holly Lasseter Designs and also seeing my products in shops.
What or who are you inspired by?
The obvious inspiration is the natural world but also beautiful painted European houses and old porcelain and pottery
Do you have any advice for other entrepreneurs?
I think the best advice I can give is to have the courage of your convictions but be realistic and do your research thoroughly before taking any big leaps. Other people already in business are mostly extremely helpful and willing to give advice where they can.
What does your "typical" work day look like?
A working day in my 'room with a view' consists of either painting china or working on designs for new products and fabrics, talking to customers either on the phone or who are visiting the studio, and maybe working on a 'one off' hand painted tile picture or design for a mural as I continue to undertake commissions and bespoke projects for customers. There is obviously a certain amount of paperwork as well to keep things running smoothly.
Do you have any favourite British brands?
Liberty, Lewis & Wood, and Rockett St George. One of the benefits of still taking stands at retail fairs is coming across completely new and individual makers and designers.
What do you think is important in developing a successful British brand?
I think it is vital to make your presence felt, get people engaged and be noticed. This is one of the areas where employing expertise is hugely important and beneficial. I finally realised that you can't do it all!
How do you manage the work/life balance?
I find working from home works beautifully as long as you are prepared for the unplanned. If something non work related crops up it is usually fitted in and I can make up the hours at the end of the day. On the whole your time is your own to organise how you want. It works for me.
What are your plans for the future?
I would really like to expand the wholesale side of the business - extending the range of products and therefore having wider appeal, selling more to shops and interior designers and decorators. I have a few ideas up my sleeve for the hand painted side of things as well - new unique shapes and designs as well as the textile accessories and fabrics. As a creative person, inspiration is always bubbling away and we just have to keep it in check for the business!
For more informaiton on Holly Lasseter Designs visit the website at www.hollylasseterdesigns.co.uk
Holly Lasseter Designs are a Best of British member.
Read more about them here.
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