Age?
26

Education?
GCSEs, A-Levels, BSc(Hons), MA

So, what do you actually do?
I do a variety of things for including designing the website, purchasing stock, looking for new designs BoBelle, helping design bags and accessories, speaking with potential clients, arranging meetings, marketing the company… and all the daily running of BoBelle! [BoBelle supply fairly traded and hand made fashion accessories using the eel skin leather, a by-product of the food industry in Korea.]

What’s so ethical about your job?
We adopt a fair trade attitude where we do not permit the working week to be longer than 40 hours, we ensure breaks are taken, working conditions are comfortable and safe, pay is always on time and above the minimum wage. This ethos is deeply rooted in BoBelle and forms our very existence.

What does ethical business mean to you?
I believe it means treating people the way you yourself would like to be treated; honestly, with respect, with love and with safety.

Why did you choose an ethical career?
I am a self-starter and have a real entrepreneurial drive. I have always wanted to set up my own business and it was through studying business ethics that I became passionate about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

How did you get into it?
As I mentioned, I always wanted to set up my own business, so adopting a fair trade attitude and trying to be as ‘eco’ and ‘green’ as possible was not a difficult  side to implement. I have always supported small businesses and talented artisans; this made it easy for BoBelle to be unique and independent.

What does your typical day involve?
I try to have a mini brainstorm session on a daily basis. I always have lots of emails and telephone calls to make. However, no two days are the same and that is what I love, the variety of running my own business.

What skills and experience do you need in this area of work?
I am very business orientated and having been fortunate enough to have an excellent extended education. This has enabled me to always think outside the box and assess situations before jumping in head first. You need to be an excellent communicator and be passionate about your job. This is mandatory for success.

What kind of personality is best suited to working in a job like yours?
Someone with a fun character; you have to be hard working, self-motivated and conscientious. You have to have a passion for change and love what you do.

Most memorable experience in this job?
Having our concession in Topshop was fantastic.

What are the best things about your job?
I love the variety. No two days are the same and you never know what each day will bring!

Any top tips for someone wanting to get into this work?
Really do your homework – research the market that you want to go into, write a business plan and really see how feasible your venture is.

Get expert advice from Business Link as your family may be slightly biased. Always look to the future – where do you see your business in two years, five years? How many people do you wish to employ? Are you motivated enough? Can you adapt to change, or better still, implement change? Can you realistically live off your venture?

Anything is possible, just be smart and really scrutinise your idea. Try and work within a very tight budget – at BoBelle I have yet to take out a loan and I am very proud of this. Setting up needn’t cost the earth. Budgeting is best!

 

BoBelle
www.bobelle.co.uk

 

 

 

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