Each week, we ask small businesses key questions. Here we speak to Melanie Walbrin, owner of Oldmeldrum-based lingerie boutique Belle
How and why did you start in business?
I started Bellewren at the beginning of 2016 after feeling there had to be a better, easier, more comfortable way to shop for well-fitting decent underwear.
Most people don’t enjoy shopping for bras and some have never had a proper fitting, and I just knew that had to change.
The feedback we get from our ladies is how much they enjoy the whole process, which leads to them recommending our way of shopping to friends and family.
Before Bellewren, I completed a diploma in interior design but that wasn’t quite right for me. My passion has always been in fashion, clothing and retail.
Working for Jones Bootmaker in roles from office junior up to buying and merchandising gave me a head start in buying and fashion trends.
The name Bellewren is made up of my daughters’ names – Isabelle and Daisy Wren.
How did you get to where you are today?
After the initial investment, set-up and putting together a range, which is the bit I love the most, it’s been a gradual process building Bellewren and getting the name out and about, explaining what we do and gaining a reputation for attention to detail and personal service.
This year, I added two new bra fitters to work alongside me – allowing us to offer more flexibility in terms of appointments and more of a service.
Who helped you?
Mentors, business advisors and strategy planners including Ideas in Partnership, Elevator/Business Gateway, Delfinity Solutions and the Federation of Small Businesses have all given me not just information and help when I’ve needed it, but also the confidence and backing to really go for it and pursue my ideas and dream career.
What has been your biggest mistake?
Trying to be all things to all people, both in my personal life and business.
Keeping focused and really being in the moment is what I’m challenging myself to do more of this year.
What is your greatest achievement?
Not just running the business but building it single-handedly, while being a mum of four with no family back-up in Scotland. There have been lots of late nights and a few moments of “eek what am I doing?” but it’s so worth it. I trademarked the name Bellewren, which was a pretty big deal for a small business like mine.
If you were in power in government, what would you change?
How we structure our childcare. The UK is one of the most expensive countries in the world for this, yet childcare workers are some of the lowest paid.
Changes have recently been made to accessing tax-free childcare, but it’s still difficult to get and only covers children of certain ages.
For some parents, it’s not worth them going to work as the cost of childcare outweighs their income, which is just so wrong.
What do you still hope to achieve?
I hope to grow Bellewren online and add virtual bra-fitting to our website for people outside our current area to access a face-to-face service. I’d also love to design and launch my own range based on the principles of quality, comfort, style and a fit for every size.
What do you do to relax?
I practice yoga as often as I can and “me time” is spent with friends at the spa.
What are you currently reading, listening to or glued to on the TV?
I’ve just started reading Little Black Book by Otegha Uwagba – I love a motivational read. I have music blaring in the car most days as I find that a way of relaxing too, although the kids are not so keen on my singing. I hardly ever watch TV, but if I get a spare hour I catch-up on Orange is the New Black.
What do you waste your money on?
Coffee, as I have an espresso machine.
How would your friends describe you?
I texted a few friends to ask them. They described me as gracious, considerate, kind, caring, mischievous and wine-loving.
What would your enemies say about you?
Probably that I can talk too much and that I’m annoyingly positive.
What do you drive and dream of driving?
I drive a Kia Sportage GT, which I got last year, but my dream car is a Maseratti Levante – I’ll work my socks off until I can drive one.
