From Precious
February, 2009
Samata Angel | General
Samata's Muse
www.samatasmuse.com
Samata Angel is the founder of Samata’s Muse, a womenswear
clothing label specialising in unique, stunning clothing for ‘strong, ambitious
women’.
Precious: Did you always want to be a Business Woman?
I always wanted to work in the fashion industry and be a creative person who made a living from doing something she loved. Business called me as a result of working for clothing labels and boutiques, I could see I loved the corporate side of things alongside the creative so this is definitely a good fit for me. If you asked me when I was 10 what I wanted to be, I would probably have said an actress or musician, someone in the arts.
Precious: How and when did you come up with your business idea?
I got the idea to start my business after watching an Oprah Winfrey show – she
commented that we are all an inspiration to other people without even knowing
it. I wanted to start a business that would be a tribute and inspiration
to the women around me and the role models in my life who inspire me daily.
I decided to design clothing for women and make the celebration of women
part of my company's ethos, ‘to create stunning, unique pieces for strong,
ambitious women.’
Precious: Tell us about the business planning stage
My journey was a little different. After graduating I landed a job as Head of Marketing for a clothing label following a boutique’s recommendation. After this I was selected as Head of PR for a 3 floor Kings Road (a huge achievement for me at the time as I was 22 yrs old). Whilst in the position I simultaneously worked as Fashion Editor for The Talent Magazine. So I had all this great experience and a degree behind me, which made writing a business plan and launching my label seem less daunting of a task. I already knew what invoices should look like, the importance of a website, how to write press releases etc, from my work experience, so registering the company was the newest bit for me!.
Precious: Did you have any formal business training?
I have a degree in Economics, Finance and Management which has proved invaluable for me when it comes to understand business, managing my accounts and other core business skills. Getting that first degree was probably one of the best decisions I ever made. In addition my various jobs after university have helped me no end.
Precious: What funding sources have worked for you?
Friend and family primarily as I found that by having a job, or not enough trading experience, I was either ineligible for funds or told I should try selling a bit then come back - it started to feel like chicken and egg! How can I sell without products, how can I get products without funding? So I approached family and friends and took a job to finance myself!
Precious: How do you work on making your business grow?
I definitely put myself out there in the London Fashion scene, networked
like crazy to meet designers and other creatives and made the most of
opportunities. I maintained good relationships with people and as a result
a great deal of my success has been due to referrals and word of mouth.
Precious: Has your business developed in the way that you thought it would?
In a way yes, I probably have made faster progress than I expected in such a
short period of time but overall I knew I would find a niche and I have.
In business you always face unexpected circumstances but even these I see
as an opportunity, to challenge myself, find a way where there appears
to be none and remain entrepreneurial.
Precious: What's been the most exciting event to happen in your business life so far?
Most definitely launching my book series, I feel it is one of my most unselfish
pursuits! I believe that the true mark of a person is the people whose lives
they have affected and this was my motivation for writing and launching first
guide book series ‘Fashioning your Life, A Clothing Designer’s Guide’, to
assist struggling fashion designers in the British fashion industry. It is
supported by industry figures such as Nigel Barker (America’s Next Top Model),
Jenny Holloway (Fashion Capital founder), Terry Mansfield CBE (Chairman of
Graduate Fashion Week) and industry watchdog ‘Anti-Copying in Design’.
My books - Volume
1 and Volume 2
Precious: How do you see your business progressing over the next five years?
I would say I see expansion, good will and risk. I would definitely like to produce more womenswear ranges and then expand into new markets such as accessories, menswear and lifestyle products. I would like to share industry knowledge through educational projects such as mentoring and more book projects…they are so satisfying!
Precious: How do you achieve the work life balance?
I would say that at times I do 'over work' and this in return has a knock on effect on the time I have for my personal life, but I am constantly striving to maintain a balance as I value time with family and friends. I discuss ideas and plans with them and my sister even modeled in one of my campaigns!
Apart from Precious do you belong to any networking groups?
Yes, I am a member of the Fashion Business Club, a member only club which brings bright-minded, fashion business professionals together. I also work with Fashion Capital, the UK's leading fashion website.
Precious: What's your advice to potential female entrepreneurs?
Take risks! After all, well behaved women rarely make history!
Samata was crowned the Precious Young Entrepreneur of the year in the 2008 Precious Awards