Exquisitely British - The British Entrepreneur Club for Luxury Brands 

Lara Lindsay

Founder of Lara Lindsay

We chat to Lara Lindsay, Bristol based handbag designer and founder of Lara Lindsay.

 

1. Tell us a bit about yourself Lara.

 

I started the brand in 2012 after learning my trade from a great London based designer. Apprenticeships are such a great way to learn both the craftsmanship process and the way the industry works. With these newly acquired skills I launched my first full collection in Spring 2014 and my second at the start of 2015.

 

Now living in Bristol I have a lovely studio and am able to constantly work on new designs and ideas. I am always being influenced by shapes, textures and patterns and find a lot of clarity comes whilst walking my Border terrier, Poco.

 

 

2. Where did the idea for the business come from?

 

I love working for myself, and always have, and it just seemed to be the right time to turn my creative passion into a business. The way we shop seems to be changing, people are considering where things come from and how they are made, which is so important. Not only supporting the British maker, but understanding the significance of fair trade and ethically minded fashion. 

 

3. Who is your ideal customer?

 

Someone who has great style without necessarily following the latest trends. As well as someone who wants a timeless luxury accessory, which will develop with age. 

 

4. What has been your biggest challenge?

 

It was really tough consolidating the collection, with so many ideas and designs flying around I had to really focus on form and function. I think that the final collection successfully has a cohesive style whilst covering all bases for use, from a large weekend holdall to the compact festival box bag.  

 

5. What has been your biggest highlight? 

 

Seeing the finished collections in full and having that physical representation of months of work. Although I am always looking onwards and upwards so hopefully my biggest highlights are yet to come!

 

6. Do you have any advice for others who are thinking of starting their own business?

 

Do it! Absorb all the information, advice and pointers that come your way and be prepared for the long haul. I consider myself to be at the very beginning of a long up hill climb and I am loving every minute so far. 

 

7. What does your "typical" work day look like?

 

The day-to-day tasks are ever changing, depending on where I am in the development of a collection. I could either be designing a new bag, making samples in the studio, or at my computer. But whichever it is I always make sure I am working by 9am having taken Poco on a walk and eaten well! 

 

8. What do you think is important in developing a successful British brand?

 

Staying true to your own values and making sure your customers are aware of the benefits of those values. Whilst at the same time always listening to what your customer wants and being able to adapt to that. 

 

9. Do you have any favourite British brands? 

 

I do, I absolutely love Hush. A British brand, which exudes casual, effortless style, every season they come up trumps and I covet the whole collection! I also always look up to companies like Mulberry and Russell and Bromley, brands that have flourished with similar values to mine. 

 

10. What are your plans for the future?

 

I am currently looking at a range of potential stockists, both online and in store, and hope to have widened the brands selling platform in the near future. I am really excited about what’s to come and will keep on growing and developing the business.

 

www.laralindsay.com

Lara Lindsay are a Best of British member. 

 

Read more about them here.