Meet Charlotte Meek, founder of The Stitch Society
I’m Charlotte Meek, founder of The Stitch Society, which creates designer workwear for artisans. Combining my background in corporate marketing with her love of textiles, I founded The Stitch Society after a short battle with cancer acted as a catalyst to found my own business. My aim was to create designs that were useful and beautiful whilst preserving our British heritage. The gamble paid off and after just two years of trading, I awarded Small Business of the Year at the Keighley Business Awards in 2017. During COVID19 we have joined the efforts to provide scrubs for health workers.
What inspired you to launch your business and what is the end goal?
The business grew out of a need for artisan workwear that performs for creatives, both functional and yet aesthetically pleasing. The end goal remains the continued job satisfaction of providing the best workwear for artisans.
How do you set yourself apart from other businesses in your industry?
We collaborate with other artists, working with them to design the perfect apron with beautiful design features to enhance our garments. For example, collaborating with leather artisans for straps, fabric designers for appealing materials and so forth, rather than sourcing supplies which are mass produced and commonly available.
Keeping an eye on the numbers in any business is important. How do you ensure that you're always up to date?
We have great, longstanding and well trusted staff working for us using a well-tested reporting system which is regularly reviewed.
What's the biggest lesson you've learnt so far as an entrepreneur?
Don’t try to do everything for yourself.
With all the success stories around entrepreneurship and how innovative people have to be to take the leap, how do you think you've innovated your sector and why?
Our specialism is in the textile side of the business. Within this we work closely with UK manufacturers and teamed up with Keighley College to establish a Textile Academy, actively teaching to try and plug the skills gap in the industry through developing new training courses.
What are your thoughts on failure?
It is part of life, part of being an entrepreneur and provides valuable insights from which to learn.
Do you have a morning routine or ritual to get your day started on the right foot?
Up early, 20 minutes yoga every morning, breakfast with the Today programme and short dog walk, all before my children awake and bedlam ensues.
If you could be in a room with 4 entrepreneurs, who would they be and why?
David Hieatt for his marketing insight, Maureen Doherty from Egg for her single minded approach to her business, Mark and Sally Bailey for their innovative approach to homewares and Jessica Seaton, founder of Toast which has radically but gently changed the face of online retail.
What are your top tips for entrepreneurs wanting to get their business out there?Be consistent and clear in your message or manifesto and make sure it is in EVERYTHING that you do.
What plans do you have for 'your business' over the next two years?
We have a number of plans which we are currently exploring while we have a little time during this crisis. We are ready to launch a range of workshops and kits. We also have new workwear being tested and exciting new collaborations on the horizon.
How important is company culture and what is your top tip to get it right?
It is paramount in a small business as it drives the way you behave in relationships with both customers and staff. It is the difference between a pleasant work life and one which strains and rubs. Set out what you want to be and stick at it consistently, so people know where they stand.
Any new product launches we should know about?
See above, we have a range of kits to make aprons, tote bags and rucksacks being developed with ce leathergoods and collaborative workshops which will accompany these. We have also been developing a few new products such as an artists smock, a dress and dungarees which are made in our high quality fabrics.
What's the single most important decision that you made, that contributed to your business?
To base ourselves in Salts Mill, an iconic World Heritage Site. It is the most wonderful place to work, steeped in textile history so appropriate for our business and has the best landlords that you could ask for.
How did you fund the launch of your business and what creative strategies did you use to execute a minimal cash flow?
We knew that being a workwear company, as a specialist niche we needed to create desire for our products. We made sure we were seen at art events, used social media to illustrate our ethos, kept our branding strong and were consistent with our message.
How did you conquer those moments of doubt that so often affect entrepreneurs or stop many with great ideas – what pushes you through?
Self doubt is always there but feedback from happy customers bolsters you, whether that’s a direct message, repeat purchase or just a post on social media with a tag. Those are the moments that lift me.
What's the most important question entrepreneurs should be asking themselves?
What’s next?
How do you believe the evolution of tech will affect your industry over the next 10 years?It will change the way textiles are used. There are huge changes in the sustainability of textiles being developed both in fabrics, construction and use.
What would be your top marketing tip, to grow a business that is so niche, yet incredibly timeless?
Find your media sector, wherever it is and make sure the main journalists are kept appraised of everything you do.
Were you nervous at the outset?
Yes, but when you know you have something good, you have to dig deep and get on with it.
Any moments where you thought you've bitten off more than you can chew?No, I am a firm believer that if it’s the right thing to do it will work out.
What do you think gives a brand longevity?
Attention to detail, belief in your products, respect for everyone that touches your business, sharing your journey and nurturing relationships.
