Email to a FriendTo celebrate International Women's Day 2022 we are shining a light on our fabulous members and their stories.
Each and every single one of them has an inspiring story about starting their own business. So read on to find out more.
Anne Reeder, owner of Anne Reeder Millinery
What first drew you to starting your business?
I had enjoyed a long career in the NHS and was wondering about what to do when I retired. I was looking for a new challenge and something to keep my mind active but at the same time, something that would allow me to spend more time, with my family and friends.
I have always enjoyed sewing, crafts and art but I wanted to learn some new skills which would build on some of my existing skills and interests. I looked at a few things before I thought about millinery. As I have always loved wearing hats, it seemed an ideal choice.
A few years before I retired, I did an evening class in millinery to test it out. I wanted to learn more so did a City and Guilds course in Millinery at weekends and a few individual courses with milliners in London. As soon as I retired, I signed up to do a BTEC at Kensington and Chelsea College.
On qualifying, I set up a website and started making hats for family and friends and other customers through recommendations. Business was slow at first because my website wasn’t right for me and I had other commitments. But now I have sorted things out, learned more about social media and my business is growing.
What is the best thing about being your own boss?
Being my own boss means that I can keep the workload under control so that I still have time to do other things and keep my work-life balance as I want it. I can work the hours that suit me and often have time off in the day than work in the evenings.
My work is so rewarding. I meet lovely people who always seem to be happy with their hats and enjoy the whole process of having a hat made just for them. As well as making hats, I give talks, run workshops and hold hat-making parties. It can be hard work but it’s great fun.
What's your advice to other women going into business?
My advice for other women wanting to change careers and start their own business is that it’s never too late. I was 69 when I set up my business and feel that it is keeping me young! Just choose something that you really love doing. If you want to become a milliner, do as much training as you can. There are so many skills and techniques to learn. Don’t rush out and buy lots of equipment at first though. It’s surprising how many things you can find around the house to use. Experiment on family and friends and then set up a website. If you are older like me, learn about social media or get some help.
What is your top tip for success?
My top tip for success is to do something you have a passion for. Then your enthusiasm will give confidence to your customers.
Tell us something about yourself we might not expect?
People are often surprised to hear that in the NHS I was a general manager and a director, then a management consultant, a far cry from being a milliner!