The Business Of Fashion Is Always In Style

Posted on 23. Aug, 2009 by Natalie in Interviews

From September 14th – 18 the award winning Nolcha Fashion Week will take place simultaneously with New York Fashion Week . For the third year running this event will include a dazzling array of runway shows, accessory exhibits, cocktail parties and fashion business seminars and behind it all is the talented 26 year old CEO of Nolcha, Kerry Bannigan.

Kerry Bannigan, CEO Nolcha

Starting out with multiple internships in Public Relations and Marketing while completing her BA English and Communications at Sheffield Hallam University, UK, she took her 9 years of extensive experience in marketing, events and brand management and founded this award winning multi-faceted media and events platform. Kerry envisioned a much needed revolutionary advance of resources in the emerging/independent fashion industry and together with her business partner Arthur Mandel, they launched Nolcha in March 2007.

She’s grown Nolcha’s mission to help aspiring and talented designers with the launch of Nolcha Fashion Week: NYC, Nolcha Metier Magazine, Independent Retail Week and Dress the Band Competition. Splitting her time between New York and London working closely with designers, reputable industry companies and associates she aims to continually grow the Nolcha brand on an international platform. Kerry has been highlighted in Forbes, Smart Money, BBC and more. Despite her busy schedule Kerry found time to answer our questions below in record time proving that her energy and efficiency are just some of the amazing qualities that have led her to succeed as an entrepreneur.

WomanzWorld: What was the catalyst for you that made you take your business idea into action?

Kerry Bannigan: I moved to New York City immediately after college in England and worked in corporate America. I felt like I was suffocating everyday and the internal work politics were tedious and exhausting. One evening I went to a bar in Manhattan after another long drawn out day at the office and met an interesting character. After talking to him for some time he motivated me to do what I really wanted. Within days I resigned from my position and started to plan for my own company. The person who inspired me to make this move was a Life Coach who founded the successful resource  Tools to life which now helps 100,000s people daily.

What were the key driving factors to becoming your own boss?

I no longer wanted to work in an environment that drowned my creativity, confidence and free thinking. In addition I knew I would make a good leader and therefore with the right team and positive people surrounding me I could grow a business from the crowd up with my own vision.

How did you engage other people to buy into your business idea?

Both myself and my business partner are good talkers, have great people skills and have solid connections. The premise of Nolcha providing business support to the independent fashion market is something that is needed and therefore once we explained the concept people immediately took to supporting us.

What qualities do you draw on when things aren’t going to plan?

I am a big believer in constantly reviewing projects and actions. I believe in adapting to suit the climate and peoples needs. As I am very open to this method of working it was somewhat easy for me to review items and create a new action path to get the result that was required. I am also a very strong willed person who can think outside of the box. It is important to be able to remove yourself from the immediate situation and look at it from several points of view to full understand what is happening.

How did you keep your focus during the rollercoaster ride of your start-up?

My family, friends and team have been a support system to me throughout this journey. After meeting a Life Coach I went to complete a course with him as well as train to be a Life Coach. The items and exercises that I learnt through this process are ingrained into my daily basis: the importance of goal setting, affirmations, positive energy and removing all negativity. These are essential to looking after yourself and remaining sane. Reading, walking and listening to music are also key factors to me.

What are the key strengths/qualities you’ve found in yourself and other female entrepreneurs that set women in business aside from men?

Women definitely have an innate talent of multi-tasking. Even while climbing the work force ladder and growing a business, many women still have concern for their personal lives; such as children and relationships. I found my biggest strength to be understanding and accepting my abilities to run my business and exceed in my achievements. Women also have the strength of communication which is very helpful in business transactions and keeping people calm in a tough working situation. Networking and bonding is an important aspect among female entrepreneurs and helped me a lot, such as Professional Women’s Alliance and Advertising Women of New York.

Along your business journey have you found any challenges in being a female in business and if so, how did you overcome them?

Being a female business owner has its advantages and disadvantages. The biggest challenge I would face was my age. I started Nolcha at 24 years old so this was difficult at times for large companies to feel comfortable in our first meetings. As a woman there is always the cliché of men hitting on you in order to ‘help’ you get further in your business or not taking you seriously if you are attractive and dress stylish but lay boundaries at the beginning, project the person that you want to be seen as and do not play games.

What’s your secret to setting goals and achieving them?

Kerry behind the scenes

I have no secrets to goal setting. I am very open as I wish to encourage my team and surrounding associates. I set daily goals via a do list. I believe in focus and spirituality but not via exercise such as yoga. Instead I focus on brain work and human relationships. I aim to surround myself with positive people and I ensure to continue build my inner confidence so that I can push myself to stay on a positive and focused path.

Also surround yourself with interesting characters. I have important people in my life who range from doctors, financial professionals, lawyers, fashion designers, web designers, musicians etc. Always keep an open mind as everybody has something to teach you. I do not have TV so I read, spend time with friends or watch chosen movies/documentaries.

Do you have any daily habits that propel you to success?

Everyday I do goal listing, I review my to do list, I do positive affirmations and I listen to music. Music helps me breathe and focus, it motivates inspires and pushes me. Somebody introduced me to Garth Brooks music when I was 17 years old and The Dance has remained me with for life. Taking some time out to go for a walk and think clearly about everything is important to my success also.

What are the 3 top books you’ve read that have made a personal difference to you and influenced you and why?

• Richard Branson: Losing my Virginity – Richard’s openness, honesty and death defying exercises are an inspiration. More importantly his ability to push himself and his work ethic are amazing examples of how entrepreneurs succeed. There were situations in his book that were familiar to me and that encouraged me to continue on when times were difficult.
• The Outliers & Blink: Matthew Goldwell – These books should be read in one sitting! It is about making you realize, understand and accept your path and purpose as well as connecting those that are already successful to exhibiting similar traits. Inspirational and yet interesting reads.
• Humble Pie: Gordon Ramsey – I enjoy Gordon’s brashness and understand his humour. His book takes you on his journey and the hardships he went through starting at the bottom of the ladder; yet he had drive that took to his incredible experiences.

What key resources did you draw on when starting out that you’d recommend to entrepreneurs

Find business groups and networking events in your area. Attend conferences, seminars and industry specific trade shows.
Read business magazines such as Entrepreneur, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Smart Money. They all have websites also.
Mentors are important. Entrepreneurs Organization is a good platform for connecting, learning and having mentors.

Which females are your personal source of inspiration and why?

I have women in my daily life who I draw inspiration from but for varying reasons. It may be one woman’s personal relationship ethic, another woman’s ability to always remain calm and see the bigger picture, another woman’s vision of the fashion industry that differs to mine and therefore opens my eyes. I believe we all have a lot of learn from one another.

Who have you recently inspired?

I’ve assisted Eenamaria in launching on the national and international Fashion arenas. Sarah Morgan, founder and designer behind the label writes: “With all that is going on in the economy and the way that industry buyers have had to become extremely selective in their purchasing habits, Kerry is curating amazing events to make sure that the buyers are getting to see new, yet well chosen talent. We have shown at The Plaza in New York and then in London with NOLCHA during February 2009 Fashion Week. We will be showing again in September and as a result of the show we did in London, we now have permanent representation in London with a showroom called Fashion Enter. This resulted in distribution through the UK’s sixth largest department store – Allders. What more could a handbag designer ask for in the space of six months?”

What are your future plans?

Other than to provide premier services to the independent fashion market I cannot reveal too much! Definitely stay tuned to www.nolcha.com for future news though.

What is your key piece of advice to any female considering becoming an entrepreneur?

Be prepared to be challenged. Learn to laugh at yourself. Understand there is always a solution. Nobody owes you anything. Do not chase the money, follow your dream and the money will come.

Thanks so much to Kerry Bannigan for being our first official interviewee of WomanzWorld!

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Tags: entrepreneur, fashion, Kerry Bannigan, Nolcha