To celebrate the new and gorgeous Beaumont Organic website, we grabbed 5 minutes with designer Hannah Beaumont for a quick catch-up on her label…
1. First things first, when did you start selling your work?
I launched Beaumont Organic in 2008 and in it’s first three seasons of trading Beaumont Organic won awards including ‘The Best Textile Product’ at the Natural and Organic Awards which was an amazing boost.
2. Are you self taught and do you have a creative background?
I have a creative background – I studied Womenswear Design at Leeds University before joining the design team at Monsoon where I honed my design and manufacturing skills and developed a valuable understanding of the lucrative middle market. But my design aspect is self taught.
3. Tell us a little bit about your making process, where does your inspiration come from, and how do you get started?
Before setting up the business I was interested in the effects that the growing of cotton has on our environment. I then began to explore the niche market for not only beautiful clothes but those that are environmentally friendly too – then came the launch of Beaumont Organic Spring/Summer 2008.I get my inspiration from art, architecture and my travels – I always take photos and make notes of anything inspiring.
4. Which is your favourite of your pieces?
I’m lucky that working in fashion means casual but chic dressing – I live in my khaki chinos, classic white shirt and an oversized blazer – pieces that are guaranteed to sharpen my look.
5. Where do you tend to do most of your making?
All the collection is made in Portugal, I found a small but experienced family run factory who now produce my whole collection. I do all the designing from the studio at home in Manchester.
6. What is the best thing about running your own business, and what is the most
challenging?
The best thing is seeing my clothes in prestigious boutiques worldwide and it commercial publications. The most challenging is breaking into large department stores in the UK .
7. Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about selling their craft?
If you love what you do and are passionate then it will reflect in the quality of your work and your motivation to work. Having said that it is important to be commercial so talk to people and get advise along the way. Working hard, perseverance and commitment are all vital for anyone.
8. Apart from sewing, what else do you do? (jobs/hobbies etc.)
I don’t actually sew – I draw. I like to exercise, I try to run and swim everyday. I also set up the Beaumont Organic Foundation, to support the children on Taveuni Fiji where I worked for a year. I created this to help children get a good education and it sponsors children to pay for simple things such as the bus, uniform and school dinners enabling them go to school. I am also involved in several Manchester Fashion Network talks for students where I sit on the panel for discussions such as ‘Making it as a Designer’ and ‘How to start a fashion brand’.
9. Where would you like to be in 10 years?
Still doing what I love but to a larger audience. I plan to grow the online business and distribution business over the next 10 years so I can sell to more people. I want Beaumont Organic to be the Home of Organic and Ethical Luxury for womenswear, Men, Home and children
10. Finally, where else can we find you? (facebook, twitter, blogger etc.)
You can find Beaumont Organic on facebook and twitter.
Check out Beaumont Organic’s cool new website – www.beaumontorganic.com