The challenges for an ethical fashion brand
In a nutshell for Hanova Studio - it is ensuring the integrity & transparency of the garment making process. Garments that are made locally, in very small production runs or made to order. Over the past few months I have had a total restructuring of seamstresses and sampling. It's a process that has taken time, effort, patience, disappointment and money
Thankfully, I am now working with lovely 3 seamstresses who bring my creations to life and make beautiful clothing for you, the customer
Focus on the The Cloud Blouse in needlecord & neon
Once the sampling process has been achieved to a standard that passes scrutiny, I then have new pieces to put out into the world
I began with the cloud blouse in needlecord as this is a cosy and soft fabric to wear in the coming cooler months and is an ideal transitional piece
I wanted to add a contrast of some sort to the colour block of the needlecord - but nothing too overwhelming. Neon had come up in conversation with a friend over the Summer so I let the idea sit with me for a while before deciding upon a plan
I started writing this journal on 18th October #WorldMenopauseDay , I thought back to the moment of clarity when the idea came - early hours of the morning when I couldn't get back to sleep - one of those peri/menopause niggles and so the unwelcome/welcome brain wave surfaced at this time about using neon is my designs and now there seems to be a pattern of creativity striking in these early morning moments - it's slightly annoying but something I now gladly accept
"Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun" - Mary Lou Cook
This quote says it all
I did an Instagram post in the week based on this quote as I felt I'd finally turned a corner with the challenges of the last few months in terms of business - finding new local seamstresses, getting sampling done, being happy with the results and finally allowing myself to get back to the job of creating ideas and selling them - after all, that's how I make a living
Small businesses need support more than ever
We are all facing challenges and uncertainty at the moment and it feels hard to sell to people, but after reading a post from another Instagram account last week, it offered some reassurance; In it they said not to make any assumptions about what someone can and can’t afford. It may be hard to show up as a small business and not let all the talk about the cost of living crisis effect how to position ourselves in the marketplace and to our customers
When consumer confidence is low it’s our job as business owners to reassure our customers and the best way to do this is to presume they are interested and to keep sharing all of the reasons why the products are a great fit for them
So if you are looking for that confidence boosting dress for the party season, or a great transitional piece that can be layered and forever remain in your wardrobe then check out Hanova Studio's latest offerings. I am always available to answer any questions about size, fit, fabric, customisations, delivery - anything
Thanks for reading, feel free to drop a like or comment 😊
Have a lovely weekend Lisa x
