Moira Frost, business owner at Cabi

What first drew you to starting your business?

As a ‘stay at home’ mum with time on my hands, I was looking for something to give me a sense of purpose, that would allow me to decide when I did and didn’t work, as well be close to home and school.

Becoming a cabi stylist has been the perfect answer for me as it fits around my family commitments and lifestyle.

I run my own business, decide when and where I want to work. I’ve been a cabi stylist now for 5 years. I joined just as cabi was launching in the UK, so it’s been an exciting time and I’m honored to be helping build this emerging brand in the UK.

What is the best thing about being your own boss?

The 4 ‘Fs’ - Flexiblity, fun, fashion and friends. I love my work and enjoy the different aspects it offers me:

• It’s flexible - I work when and where I want to,
• Meeting amazing women – many of whom have become good friends
• Helping women to look and feel good with the fabulous cabi clothes
• Having lots of fun whilst at the same sharing the cabi brand, the ethos of the company and the amazing charities it supports.

What's your advice to other women going into business?

For anyone becoming a cabi stylist, overall I’d say KISS Keep It Simple and advise them to:

• work on their business a little and often
• focus on the basics i.e. the clothes and share them with other women
• Plan each season by breaking down your key aims into easily achievable tasks so it’s not overwhelming and you can easily keep track on where you are
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help or feedback. At cabi, we work very much as a team and are here to help one another
• Learn from mistakes as this will make you think of other ways of completing tasks.

What is your top tip for success?

• Remember it takes time to build a business and that there are very few quick wins out there!
• Be consistent and be yourself as people buy ‘you’.
• If someone says ‘No’, don’t take it personally and move on.
• Include networking as part of your business activities. My WIBN membership has been an invaluable part of my business as it’s given me confidence, self-belief and helped me to develop my business whilst enabling me to meet some amazing and inspirational women many of whom have become good friends!

Tell us something about yourself we might not expect?

In my teens and early 20’s, I nearly re-located to Houston, Texas. Obviously, I stayed in the UK but who knows if I had moved, I could have still being a cabi stylist!