rosie willett - entrepreneurs - ifwecanyoucan.co.uk - inspiring entrepreneurship in the north east

-Member Profile Challenge Winner >

Media partner:

Name:: Rosie Willett
Business:: Rosie Willett Designs
Web site:: www.rosiewillettdesigns.co.uk
Years in business:: 4.5
Number of businesses:: 1

Challenge Entrant

I studied an Art and Design Foundation Course in Manchester and then traveled to Australia. When I returned home I started work in high street...

view Rosie Willett's full story

my background>

" I studied an Art and Design Foundation Course in Manchester and then travelled to Australia. When I returned home I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do for my degree so I decided to take a couple of years out. I worked in retail but to be honest I didn’t find it to be all that enjoyable or rewarding. I then found a course in Fashion Marketing at Northumbria University that would be perfect for me. Just before I started the course, I decided that, rather than get a part time job like most of my fellow students, I wanted to work for myself and establish something that I could expand once I graduated. I’d once designed an elaborate veil inspired headpiece and my mum told me I could market it, suggesting I see what else is out there. Many tiaras in the bridal market are very traditional and I felt there was a lack of style and design with many of the mass produced pieces. I wanted to introduce a more fashion-led brand to the market and become a recognised name in the bridal industry, associated with style, individual design and superior quality. A lot of people who did my degree moved to London for jobs as soon as they graduated. I was always happy here in the North East and knew I had an opportunity to create my own business and have control of my own designs. My designs were told in two shops whilst I was at university. Having graduated last summer, I’m now ready to take that next step and expand the business. "

why i want to win>

" I think the time is now perfect for me to take my designs and really go out there, get them into the marketplace and allow people to see them; they don’t have to choose something traditional- my aim is to allow people’s personalities to shine through. Winning the Challenge would be a massive benefit, not only as I look to launch my website and brochure, but also I would truly love to be the face of North East entrepreneurship. As the service that I offer to brides is very personal, I feel that it would be beneficial for the public to see the face behind my brand. It would feel like a huge sense of achievement for all the work and effort I’ve put into making my passion a reality- the biggest pat on the back you could get really! Plus, it would be incredibly exciting- you’d never know what’s going to happen or who you’re going to meet- the opportunities are endless and I would relish every one. "

why i'm sure i'll suceed>

" I believe that I’m able to offer something different to what’s already in the marketplace. I can cater for brides who are looking for something unusual and unique, even incorporating colour themes so that it really does match their needs as well as their personality. I approached a local bridal shop with my first tiara. They put it on display and the orders came rolling in. One of my designs was even chosen for This Morning’s ‘Beat the Stylist’ wedding feature on ITV. I feel that my designs have been successful on a local level, but because the business has been part time for the last four years whilst I completed my degree, I feel there’s no reason why the product can’t take off nationally. I always work incredibly hard at whatever I strive to do and so with my product, I know I won’t give up. I’ll continue to push it forwards and strive for its success. I’m taking things one step at a time, but there’s so many opportunities and directions for the business, I have big ambitions for its development. "

my blog>

Tue, 10 Jun 2008

I think Rosie deseves this award as she was an excellent student and deserves this after all her hard work!
Go Rosie!

Jennie King

posted at 08:44:00

Mon, 09 Jun 2008

Final Thoughts

As it's the last day of voting I wanted to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me in this competition. Whatever the outcome, I feel really privileged to have been involved and I've had some great experiences and met many interesting people over the past few weeks. I'm sure there will be many more exciting opportunities to come!

Best wishes to all of the finalists. Looking forward to seeing you all again soon.

posted at 18:16:00

Fri, 06 Jun 2008

posted at 09:24:00

Fri, 06 Jun 2008

posted at 09:23:00

Fri, 06 Jun 2008

posted at 09:22:00

Thu, 29 May 2008

Website Launch

I'm feeling really excited because my website went live today! Go to:

http://www.rosiewillettdesigns.co.uk

It's been a manic few months getting this put together but I feel very proud looking at it now. I've already had some very positive feedback from people that have been on for a look.

Thinking back to the start of this project, I've thoroughly enjoyed the whole process. My favourite part was the day of the photo shoot as that's when I saw my vision coming together for the first time. It was such a creative day and it was great to work with such professional people - the photographers, make up artist, hair stylist and models were all superb. I felt like I was on a shoot for Vogue!

My brochure is coming out as well next week. It really is an amazing feeling to finally see my idea actually happening. Winning this competition really would be the icing on the cake!

posted at 11:19:00

Sat, 24 May 2008

My photo at the Entrepreneurs' Forum Annual Conference with Elle Macpherson!

posted at 08:08:00

Sat, 24 May 2008

Me at the Entrepreneurs' Forum Black Tie Dinner with Michelle Taylor

posted at 07:57:00

Fri, 23 May 2008

Entrepreneurs Forum Annual Conference

I was invited to attend the Entrepreneurs' Forum annual conference and dinner yesterday and it was a thoroughly inspiring and entertaining day. A personal highlight was guest speaker Elle Macpherson. She is a style icon of mine and I've even named one of my tiaras after her! I met some very interesting people and particularly enjoyed meeting my fellow 'If we can you can' challenge finalists. I really hope we can all meet up again because I thought it was great to chat to people with such a wide range of talents. We should definitely oraganise a night out!

posted at 09:41:00

Tue, 20 May 2008

Aimee Anderson's testimonial

"The tiara that Rosie created for me was unlike anything I had seen elsewhere. It was unique and stylish with crystals which matched my dress perfectly. Everyone commented on how stunning it was. Rosie’s service was second to none, as are her creations." Aimee Anderson

posted at 12:49:00

Tue, 20 May 2008

Emma Tuff's testimonial

"It was difficult to decide which tiara to choose from Rosie Willett Designs as they are all very elegant and beautiful. Everything in the collection is handmade by Rosie, which meant that I could have a personalised tiara to match the colours and beads in my wedding dress. I couldn't have been more pleased with the finished product. It was an outstanding feature of my whole outfit and was much admired by my wedding guests. Since Rosie Willett Designs also caters for mother of the bride and bridesmaids, my mother chose a large flower headpiece which was created to co-ordinate with her outfit and my bridesmaid wore a smaller flower to match her dress. Rosie also designs jewellery and I have returned to her on many occasions for necklaces and hair accessories to add something unique to outfits for special occasions." Emma Tuff

posted at 12:47:00

Tue, 20 May 2008

Helen Fernandes' testimonial

"Like every bride, I wanted to look perfect on my wedding day, but having to make choices to achieve the right look can be quite daunting. Luckily, I met Rosie Willett, who showed me her beautiful collection of handmade tiaras. With her experience as a designer, she was able to advise me in selecting the right tiara and hair accessories for me and my bridesmaids. I chose an ornate floral organza headpiece with pearl and Swarovski crystal and some matching jewellery in the same beading. The total effect was stunning and also very comfortable to wear. Rosie also made a matching miniature flower hair clip for my one year old flower girl and we had so many lovely comments from friends and family. Rosie provided a truly magnificent service." Helen Fernandes

posted at 12:42:00

Tue, 20 May 2008

Kate Wilkinson's testimonial

"Rosie provided the perfect finishing touches for myself and my bridesmaids on the big day. The service was friendly and professional and she paid particular attention to the colour of dresses to ensure that the jewellery and hair accessories complemented the overall look. The headpiece was stunning and it received many compliments on the day. Nothing is too much trouble at ROSIE WILLETT DESIGNS and it is lovely to have such an original piece as a reminder of your wedding day. Thanks Rosie!" Kate Wilkinson

posted at 12:39:00

Tue, 20 May 2008

Mandy Brereton's testimonial

"I just wanted to say a big thank you for the gorgeous tiaras. They are absolutely beautiful and just what I wanted. They are perfect!" Mandy Brereton

posted at 12:37:00

Tue, 20 May 2008

Emma Cox's testimonial

"We just want to say a huge thank you for the wonderful tiaras you made for our wedding. They were perfect - very sparkly and quirky. I loved them." Emma Cox

posted at 12:34:00

Tue, 20 May 2008

Katherine Smith's testimonial

"Thank you so much for making the tiaras so beautiful. I was absolutely thrilled with them and they looked just perfect with the dresses and flowers. So many people commented on how lovely they were. Thank you again, Rosie, for your brilliant work - I had the most amazing day of my life." Katherine Smith

posted at 12:31:00

Tue, 20 May 2008

Valerie Aitchison's testimonial

"Thank you so much for making me such a lovely accessory. It was admired by all my guests." Valerie Aitchison

posted at 12:30:00

Tue, 20 May 2008

Laura Farrelly's testimonial

"Thank you very much for making our gorgeous hair pieces. I really appreciate your help and patience. I'm so pleased with what you have done." Laura Farrelly

posted at 12:29:00

Tue, 20 May 2008

Angela Smith's testimonial

"I love how Rosie's designs are modern and unique, unlike many others that I had seen. Everything is made to order so has a personal touch and can be tweaked to your specification, which was perfect for me. When my brother got married I went to Rosie again to have another hair accessory made." Angela Smith

posted at 12:07:00

Tue, 20 May 2008