Female Fridays - Lucy Aylen from Never Fully Dressed
Introducing Female Fridays: Our Weekly catch up with an amazing Female Founder. This week we have Lucy Aylen from Never Fully Dressed chatting about how she was inspired to start her business, lots of advise and visions for the future.
What inspired you to start your business?
I was trying to make it as an actress, and not having much luck. As my parents were market traders, and I had experience of making clothes, it made sense to make bits to sell at Portobello and Spitalfields, just to earn money really…with no real business ambition, or to make it the brand it is today. I wish I dreamt bigger from day one.
What have been your greatest challenges?
Staffing is tough. Knowing when to hire/fire, and to remove yourself emotionally. As we’ve grown so organically, staff do become friends, and sometimes that makes decisions hard. Covid has thrown supply chain spanners in the works which still continue today, and freight has gone through the roof…but everything is a learning curve, and you learn most from those challenges. (might not feel like it at the time, but you do!)
What have been your greatest rewards?
I think being proud of staff and seeing our team really grow and flourish. Making clothes that genuinely give women confidence, and have fun in. That empowerment and celebration of women is amazing to be part of.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Dream bigger.
What advice would you give young, female entrepreneurs?
Work hard, and go for it. Do something that you enjoy, and makes you smile, even if small, every day.
What’s your vision for the future of your business?
Grow, and still keep our brand culture and honesty. Be pioneers in style, print and social execution. Expand our product offering…open a couple of flagship International stores…and continue to give women confidence and have fun!!!