The Women’s Issue

I am delighted to be included in the May edition of Scottish Field which features women in business. I’m always happy to help other women who are thinking of branching out on their own. The article asks questions on how I got started and my advice to anyone thinking about starting their own business and my business highlights. There’s never enough space so I’ve posted the original interview below which answers the questions in much more depth.

Interview by Morag Bootland for Scottish Field May edition 2025

How did you get started in business?

I started my business By Storm Ltd in 1993 at 40 years old.

I was disillusioned, having worked as a designer for M&S , with the restrictions of unachievable price points limiting every idea.

I had so much more to offer as a designer and decided to set up a cruisewear business. 

I prepared a business plan and I took sketches of my ideas to a manager of Clydesdale Bank. He showed them to his secretary, she loved them and I walked away with a substantial loan to set up the business. We renovated a delapidated cottage, the oldest house in Bearsden. The idea was part gallery alongside unique outfits for cruising that took you from day to night. 

Very quickly the relaxed outfits were being worn to weddings . A bride asked me to design her dress and I was back in the wedding business. I say back as from 1976 to 1981 along with another designer we ran Sequin. Our special occasion wear sold to many stores including Dickins and Jones and some Middle East business.  

In 1994 my designs for mothers were very unconventional. Long coats with side slits over trousers. High waisted dresses with unique pleating very different to the formal dress and jackets generally available. We exhibited at the Scottish Wedding Show in 1995 and have been showing there twice a year ever since. In 2025 the designs are still very different and we now specialise in tartan highlights and have just launched a tartan organza collection.

We now have elegant shops in London and Glasgow and our own manufacturing unit beside the showroom in Glasgow. 

I believe we are unique in Scotland having our own inhouse production unit making bespoke special occasion outfits. 

I started the business as cruisewear selling to retailers. The first year we got an order from a store in Singapore for £80,000.  

 

What advice would you give to other women who want to start their own business?

Firstly you have to have an idea and a dream of what it could become.

Research the market that you intend entering thoroughly before making any commitments. You need your own USP. You need to believe in yourself and your abilities because you will meet many obstacles along the way no matter how good you are.

You must be a hard worker with self belief, discipline and determination willing to work long hours.

Write a business plan and projections. You need to have an understanding of profit and loss and cashflow, overheads and cost of sales and marketing. Lots of people have good business ideas that never get off the ground. Making those ideas a reality takes courage, hard work , self belief, determination, drive and energy. 

Energy and the power to communicate your enthusiasm cannot be overestimated. Being able to spot opportunities and seize them when others don’t is a huge strength. 

Business is like a rollercoaster with highs and lows. Be honest with yourself and ask if this is what you really want and are you prepared to fight for it. If you tick all these boxes – GO FOR IT !

I have been lucky enough to work in a job that I love. Over the years I have worked with thousands of brides and mothers at one of the happiest times in their lives. It’s a real privilege. 

What has been the highlight of your career?

Being awarded an OBE at Buckingham Palace in 2014 by our now King Charles has to be a career highlight. It was incredibly special .  Seasonal highlights are seeing my sketches come to life on the catwalk through the magical work of my amazing production team and everyday there is a highlight when our fabulous clients collect their dresses and look so beautiful and confident.  This makes our hearts full.