Episode Details

Today Nicole is joined by Laura Chambers, founder of Laura Chambers Cashmere. The two are going to be discussing her brand, why she set it up, and all the background and advice she can give to help you when it comes to starting and scaling your business. Listen in to find out the best advice Laura has ever received and the challenges she faced in the fashion industry. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Laura Chambers Cashmere began when Laura started casually knitting for herself after she closed her womenswear boutique, Tulle, Dublin, back in 2008. Laura ordered some yarn and started making pieces for herself on her knitting machine, which was last used when Laura was studying for a BA in fashion in NCAD in Dublin. This grew to knitting for family and friends and in 2016 she decided to take it to the next level and Laura Chambers the brand was born.
• Laura uses the finest quality Scottish Cashmere from Todd & Duncan in all of her pieces. Todd and Duncan is a long-established mill that dates back to 1867 and they were among the first to start spinning fine cashmere fibre. The cashmere they use originates from mountain dwelling goats that have adapted to the extreme temperatures of the Gobi Desert.
• Colour is really important to Laura and to her customers so she picks the most flattering and vibrant colours she can find. She gets inspiration from themes like glam rock or colours she sees out in nature. Green sells really well especially in the Irish market. 
• Because Laura Chambers Cashmere knit locally, they can actually adjust things for their customers, giving them a more bespoke premium experience and maximising customer satisfaction. It’s about 50/50 made to order. 
• The best piece of business advice Laura ever received was to do the Sive O’Brien three step brand magic course. Her advice really helped Laura take her business to the next level through Identifying her ideal customers. 
• When it comes to influencers and gifting, you have to target the right people whose followers align with your brand. Just because someone has more followers that doesn’t mean it will generate more or even any sales. 

BEST MOMENTS

‘If you can hear the knitting machine then don’t come in’ 

‘I don’t over think the business side because I’ve been around long enough’

‘It’s a beautiful quality and I wouldn’t compromise on that at all’ 

‘You need to find out who your customer is, what she likes and what she wants’

‘Your business isn’t viable if you’re not selling’

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.laura-chambers.com/

Instagram laurachambers_cashmere 

SIVE OB Brand Marketing And Communications Consultant

ABOUT LAURA CHAMBERS CASHMERE

“Laura Chambers - feel good cashmere, hand loomed in Dublin using the highest quality Scottish and Italian cashmere to elevate and colour your everyday.

With a focus on beautiful, relaxed knitwear designed in sublime cashmere, in  a spectrum  of colours with incredible depth and vibrancy that will lift your spirits and inject bold colour into your wardrobe.

Our designs are classic in shape with a casual but modern design aesthetic. Each garment is given a twist with unusual block colour combinations and small but individual details on cuffs or necklines. Because each piece is hand loomed and hand finished the feel of the finished garment is one that is not the same as a factory produced cashmere.”

ABOUT THE HOST

Buying & retail expert Nicole Higgins spent the last 18 years working for companies such as Primark, M&S, Debenhams and Asda, sourcing & developing products from all over the wor