Saturday, 24 May 2008

I'm one Lucky Lady; A myriad of Entrepreneurialism under one roof

Happy Bank Holiday weekend everyone
Well......... Thursday I was invited as part of getting through to the final 14 to the
Progressive Entrepreneurs conference at the Hilton Hotel In Newcastle.........
and what an amazing day it was and may I just take this opportunity once again to thank Stephen/Hazel and Audrey for this fabulous opportunity and for looking after us all so well.

I must admit my initial feelings when I boarded the 7.30 am train from Hartlepool were of anticipation mixed with bubbling excitement. This is strange as I have had to some scary experiences in my career over the last few years presenting to large groups of high profile buyers/directors Internationally. However the thought that I was entering an arena where the majority of attendees are already hugely successful in their chosen domains was quite daunting.
I know my market and I know my product area but the world of business is a whole new arena for me! I think it might be because as well in the past I have been representing a brand and now I'm representing ME!! Nothing to hide behind.

Once there I shouldn't have worried as all finalists were made to feel so welcome.
Can I also just say that it was a great honour and pleasure meeting the other finalists and sharing their visions and enthusiasm. Good luck everyone.

My highlights of the day were meeting the beautiful Elle Mcpherson and hearing her inspirational story. It brought me close to tears as she described how she managed to drive her career down the path that she knew she had always wanted. As I feel like I'm at the beginning of a similar journey.




I also loved meeting the charismatic Sadie the bra lady who has promised that she will give me advice when it comes to launching my larger sized range. I will definitely trial the line with her at development stage. Her husband is a lovely man too!;-)
Sir Harvey Goldsmith was an inspiration as he explained how he spots opportunities and chances and goes for them. True characteristics of a young entrepreneur I think.
This morning I lounged in the bath reflecting on all of the nuggets of creative wisdom that I was enlightened by and thought about how lucky I am to be part of this whole thing.

Friday, 23 May 2008

Michelle has created wonderful illustrations
and designs for our brand. Michelle is an absolute pleasure to work
with, and we appreciate her artistic, and creative expression of art in
the form of fashion.

Wednesday, 21 May 2008

Hey there everyone. My apologies for the lack of Blog action on my area!!
I wasn't sure how to use it as I've never Blogged before and now I know there will be no stopping me!
Just want to say a quick well done to the rest of the finalists. Wow...you're a passionate/clever bunch of people Made me feel all proud to be from the North East when I read all your profiles. It's good to hear how you are all feeling too as its quite an un-usual experience this setting up on your own lark. I go from high as a kite one day when I hear feedback from a customer to slightly panicky the next day when Im starting to worry about paying my bills the next month....
the test will be the end of May when Playboy don't send me a pay cheque ....eeeek
unless they forget I've left and pay me anyway!!Ha ha..I wish.

Well just want to say thanks for the comments and votes received so far. This kind of encouragement makes  me want to work all the harder to make you all proud!!

If anyone wants to add to this ..let me know and I'll give you the details.

am whacked today as I finished a design project for an american lady (hippie chic womenswear aimed at Hollywood) and it left me a bit drained. Don't know if other creatives can empathise with this....I put my heart and soul into these deadlines and then almost need to build up my battery power afterwards!

well we have the Entrepreneurs conference which Im honoured to attend tomorrow. How lucky are we!? All of those wonderful guest speakers to learn from. Very excited while also being a little nervous too. Im sure it will be great though. Im planning on taking in every bit of advice/info and inspiration I can get!

well I need to go now as I have some lingerie to design!!
keep in touch and thanks everyone again.x

Michelle

Tuesday, 20 May 2008

I vote for Michelle as I know she incorporates the CAN do attitude in her life.

Monday, 19 May 2008

I would like to vote for Michelle Taylor - I have seen her creativity and she will be a massive success.
Lana van der Westhuizen
ROSA Project Administrator
She is an inspiration!!!
Certainly deserves to win.

Friday, 16 May 2008

She's the business! I've never known anyone with the boundless enthusiasm and energy she has! It's literally spurting out of every pore!

Simon Pryce, Director
Skylight Media
I worked with Michelle when she was with Playboy Enterprises. She is a fabulous and innovative designer. I know her business is going to take off and blow up!! She is an amazing designer and deserves to win!

Best, Erica Paul Associate Design Director Playboy Enterprises
Having worked with Michelle for years on the Playboy lingerie, I’m well aware of her great talent and passion for what she does. I have no doubt she will succeed in her endeavors. Winning this competition will allow Michelle to get closer to achieving her goal of running her own business.

Thank you.

Cynthia Weisberg
Sr. Design Director (Product Licensing), Playboy Enterprises
NYC, NY USA