Imtaz Khaliq | Retail / Leisure

Imtaz Bespoke Tailor
www.imtaz.com

Imtaz is an internationally recognised designer
and tailor.

Precious: Did you always want to be a Business Woman?

Not really, but I always wanted to have my designs in the limelight and be appreciated as a good designer, which drove me to promote my work and have it worn by big names!

Precious: How and when did you come up with your business idea?

In 1991 I had worked for a couple of couture start-ups, one in the City, in personal shopping for Saks 5th Avenue in America and in London for Harrods and Harvey Nichols .I knew there would be a demand for suits/dresses that were unique and made to order.

Precious: Tell us about the business planning stage

Yes I wrote a business plan and got help from a local business agency in the form of a small grant towards machinery. The Enterprise Allowance Scheme, that was around at the time made it a little easier to do without a steady income for a while.

Precious: Did you have any formal business training?

Yes I went on many short courses. I had a BTEC and HND in Fashion Design from the London College of Fashion and decided whilst in business to do a degree in the evening in business and marketing at the University of Westminster to get an edge over the competition. I still go on courses to get a fresh perspective on things.

Precious: What funding sources have worked for you?

Personally I used my savings and early on I tried bank loans too. Loans need to be paid back and not when it is convenient to your business so I avoid them.

Precious: How do you work on making your business grow?

I use PR and word of mouth. People wear my designs and that starts the demand, it's through recommendation. I send out mailings to clients and contacts about what I and the business are up to and give talks and fashion shows to let people know what I am up to and what my look is. I have been lucky to get profiles on BBC London and Radio Four and press in glossy magazines and broadsheet newspapers too.

Precious: Has your business developed in the way that you thought it would?

Yes it has. It has been steady and people recognise the brand and like the work.
I also do a lot of other work which has increased demand; such as tailoring classes which I run from the studio and I sit on various government boards and judge fashion and style competitions.

Precious: What's been the most exciting event to happen in your business life so far?

My work has been worn by the actress Michelle Pfeiffer and used in a Supermodel Car commercial. I have been asked to give various talks internationally and been invited to Downing St, where my story has been used to inspire youngsters that anything is possible when you work for it. All this is very exciting and having clients who are happy with your work! Also, winning the Precious Award for Best Creative Business 2008.

Precious: Apart from Precious do you belong to any other networking groups?

I have Facebook and a couple of others but find my website is a good link with people interested in my work.

Precious: How has family/friend support affected your business efforts?

I strive for a work life balance and appreciate all the good things that come from my work. I work towards moving this forward by taking opportunities that arise. I do this by concentrating on enjoying my work, so that that shows. This creates demand for my work. I have a 2 and half year old and am currently pregnant with my second baby, so you need a balance to cope. I also enjoy lots of creative things, such as theatre and film etc. I learn from others how to appreciate life!

Precious: How do you achieve the work life balance?

See above.

Precious: What's your advice to potential female entrepreneurs?

Learn from people doing what you would like to do. Get training and join good networks such as Precious. Go to events and talk and move your idea forward. Once the ball is in motion it takes on a life of it’s own!

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