From FashionCapital Seminar To In Store at John Lewis

Karen Anderson has just showcased designs from her sustainable brand Minycled at a pop-up in John Lewis in Bristol. The birth of her brand took place during lockdown, and thanks to advice and support provided by FashionCapital’s online seminars, Karen took the plunge to start her own ethical clothing range. 

Here, in her own words, is Karen’s Minycled story…

‘Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, I always dreamed of owning my own business. Fashion has always been my passion since I was a child. I briefly studied at the London College of Fashion. After applying and being interviewed for a Fashion Styling place, I was persuaded to do Fashion Business instead. However, it wasn’t the right fit for me. 

‘I have extensive experience working in fashion retail management. As my awareness of ethical and sustainability issues increased, I began to desire environments that place a high value on them. While I was in the first lockdown, I learned so much from FashionCapital’s online seminars. The seminars inspired me. Shortly after, I was laid off. This was exactly what I needed. 

‘I created Minycled. The name incorporates minimalism and recycling, which are my core business values. Using sustainable, eco-friendly, and recycled fabrics, Minycled aims to create unique women’s fashion items, made in-house in the United Kingdom. Additionally, any outsourcing production runs will be done by freelancers or small sustainable UK manufacturers, such as Fashion-Enter, only.’

Karen has taken on board key principles of making sustainably with seasonless, made to order, limited edition designs created from high quality, UK based, deadstock fabric. She additionally creates, limited drop and made-to-order printed t-shirts and accessories featuring striking and unique illustrations.

Karen used Fashion-Enter Ltd for her sampling and t-shirt printing. On seeing her products she said: “I was emotional when I received both products because of the fantastic job they did. Fashion-Enter Ltd, has provided fantastic communication across all departments. If I had outsourced this service from abroad the turn round and lead time would have been longer and more costly. As a small brand this is the most cost effective and you have the opportunity to visit the factory if you have any major issues. I can’t recommend them enough, if you’re a sustainable brand this is just on your doorstep. Let’s keep production made in the UK, good for people and the planet.”

Taking the initiative to increase brand awareness, sales and gain crucial customer feedback Karen recently showcased designs from her brand with a 1-week pop-up in John Lewis, Cribbs Causeway in Bristol. This was facilitated by The Great Brand Exchange who create opportunities for brands to host pop-up shops in renowned retailers.

Karen added: “Being part of the GBX pop-up in John Lewis was an incredible chance for me to introduce my brand to the public and let them experience the product in person, especially since I don’t have a physical shop. It’s like a fantastic way to conduct market research and understand what the customers love the most.

“I discovered this opportunity through a brand on TikTok that tagged a company called GBX, who assist small brands in entering such spaces. First The Great Brand Exchange (GBX) approves you, and then John Lewis approves you for each store.

“Without GBX, my brand wouldn’t have had the financial means to be part of John Lewis and enjoy this incredible platform to showcase sustainable fashion handmade in the UK. They’ve been instrumental in making it possible.

“I’m delighted to say that I’m booked for the Exeter store in February 2024 and the White City Westfield store in April.” 

To find out more about Minycled products visit: https://www.minycled.co.uk/