Lynne McManus, 29, talks about starting her own business in cute and wearable kids clothing.
WHY DID YOU START A FASHION BUSINESS?
I have a degree in fashion and I work in the fashion industry and have done since I was 16. I have always been interested in starting up my own business and started looking into it in 2014.
HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO SELL SPECIFICALLY CHILDRENSWEAR?
I thought there was a bit of a gap in the market for it. I felt that there was lots of ladieswear boutiques and I know that lots of ladies tend to spend more on their kids than they do on themselves.
IS IT VERY FASHIONABLE FOR MOTHERS TO MATCH THEIR CLOTHING WITH THEIR CHILDREN’S?
I take a lot of inspiration from celebrities and what they are doing, like the Kardashians and their kids. You’ve got Victoria Beckham, who is very interested in fashion, and her daughter Harper. They complement their outfits with their kids.
I thought that if they do that in celebrity high end style, then that is what I would like to bring to more of an affordable level.
For my slogan T-shirts I actually design them myself and get them made in the UK. That’s why I do most of my slogan T-shirts in both adults and kids sizes.
When I originally started doing them it was just for kids, but then I got a lot of adults asking if I could do them in adult sizes.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE PRACTICALITY WITH CHILDREN’S FASHION?
I try and keep it very high street based. I try and make it really wearable pieces that you can really funk up.
I feel all my pieces are wearable, it is still a child at the end of the day. I do T-shirts or denim jeans or shorts, which are all quite easy to wear, simple clothing.
With my photo shoots I try and show them a bit more edgy, so they are still wearable pieces but somebody who is a bit more fashion forward can funk it up.
WOULD YOU EXPAND YOUR BOYS’ WEAR RANGE?
I do mainly girls but what I am trying to do more of is try and buy in more unisex pieces which is working really well with what is going on in fashion at the minute.
The camouflage trend is really good for that and can be worn by either a boy or a girl.
HOW AFFORDABLE IS KIDS’ FASHION?
I think mums are being a bit more trendy and like dressing their kids in nice clothes now but maybe aren’t into spending too much.
I think the designer prices are so expensive and they only have one or two wears out of it. More and more mums are looking for more affordable pieces for their kids.
HAVE YOU GOT A FAVOURITE PIECE FROM YOUR RANGES?
Definitely my slogan T-shirts. The Drama Queen is my favourite. It is suited for most kids, and adults probably.
For more information see www.ellespire.co.uk