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Interview Rachel O’Mahony, Fashion Designer

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2 months ago

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Interview Rachel O’Mahony, Fashion Designer

Rachel O’Mahony is a young British fashion designer best known for her classic and refined aesthetic and her delicate hand made textile garments that have been featured in British Vogue, Glamour and Wonderland magazine. Rachel graduated from London College of Fashion in 2014 with a BA (Hons) Degree in Fashion Design Womenswear and has since gone on to win serval awards for her work, such as the LCF Peoples Choice Award and the Cass Art Student Spotlight Competition.

During her studies, Rachel completed work experience at Celine, Alexander McQueen, Burberry and British Vogue. It was whilst interning at McQueen she was inspired to concentrate on couture gowns that defined the female forms and to also develop her passion for illustration by creating original print designs for clothing and embroidery.

After university Rachel created her own brand with her friend Emily Hill which she met at university. The brand focused on luxury ready to wear clothing with feminine and professional silhouettes; they also did a made to order couture line which was worn by many celebrities to red carpet events. The duo met at London College of Fashion and with Rachel’s design and illustration expertise paired with Emily’s business and industry knowledge, it resulted in a business partnership and the establishment of Aloura London in 2014.

Recently, Rachel and Emily decided to take their passions further and therefore separate so they can work on their own collection lines. Rachel will be launching her own Brand Rachel Mahony in 2023. It will be a more refined version of Aloura and feature more developed embroideries and a range of womens clothings from tailored blazers to long evening gowns.

The collection demonstrates contoured eveningwear dresses that feature a variety of exclusive stretch satin and soft neoprene fabric with elements of delicate sequin hand-embellishments. The concept of structured figure defining garments flows throughout the collection with considerations of carefully placed cut-outs making them inclusive for every occasion. Dropped shoulders, cross-over elements and high-neck sophistication creates an emphasis on the confident and empowering fitted designs that have been constructed to make every woman look and feel extraordinary.

Where did the idea for [Insert Company Name] come from?

I always had a passion for art and design at school, which included illustrations and painting. I turned my love for art into fashion design and began to create intricate fabrics and embroidery for clothing. At the University of the Arts in London we were always encouraged to be independent and creative, I always had a niche and after completing many internships within the industry I really desired to express my ideas with my own collection and by establishing a brand that really reflects me as a person.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

As I do what I love, I am always excited to start a new day. A typical day for me begins with an espresso and morning pilates, I then go to the studio to sketch embroidery ideas, design research or fabric hunting around London.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I have brought together a great team to assist me with making my ideas a reality. At university we were taught the whole design process including pattern making and stitching, although now my speciality is silhouette design and embroidery design. The professional team at the sample studio create toils of my ideas, we then do fittings with models to ensure everything is perfect. I then work with a factory in Mumbai who take my sketches and turn it into an embellished version using beads and sequins.

Sometimes I do struggle with bringing my ideas to life, as its my idea and I have to really present this to the other professionals I work with. As I do more collections it is becoming easier to do this.

What’s one trend that excites you?

As I have got older I have realised that I do not follow trends. I have my own design aethetic which I believe is evident in my collections. I am excited about fashion that lasts and designing high quality staple pieces that will not date and be sustainable. I treat my collection as pieces of art works as one gown can take weeks to make and feature up to 100k beads.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

In my notes I make lists for everything – mainly ‘to do lists’. I get satisfaction of ticking them off.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Life is short so do what you love and don’t worry too much about what people think of you.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

I believe a vegetarian diet is more healthy and needs to be implemented more within society. Also there is no need to produce so much animal based products in fashion. Most fashion brands use animal leathers in bags, shoes and garments – when I really think about it it disgusts me and makes me upset that the majority of people think this is normal when really there is no need for us to be wearing dead animal skins for fashion or accessories. I don’t agree with farming animals just for them to be killed for their skin to make fashion pieces, but society has accepted this and thinks it’s normal. I hope this will change in the future. My brand Rachel Mahony will not use leather.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Over the years, something I realised I do often without even noticing at first is that if I want something I really manifest it by always thinking about it. It will always be on my mind and therefore I discuss the topic with people often and it will always be subconsciously in my mind. From doing this over and over I will always get what I am after in the end. They say you attract what you want, and its true.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

I always go to social events to meet new people, I find that when you have a good network you can really grow your business faster and it will bring new opportunities and ideas.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

I have worked with factories for months producing collections only to be disappointed with the quality at the end. So now I always monitor quality throughout the process and ensure I send accurate references so they understand my vision completely.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

I feel like technology and applications are the future. There are so many endless possibilities with potential apps but the best ones are normally the most simple. For example an app where you can post simple job requests in your area – something so simple as posting a job asking for someone to take a photo of a house for you, or do a house viewing for you. And you offer a price and the first person to accept it and complete the job gets the money sent to them and you take a 20% commission from each job completed.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

Friends, family and health are all very important to me. I went for a lunch with my family and paid the bill of around $100 and we went for a long walk with our dogs along the Irish coastline (which was free). It was a beautiful day out, and I feel grateful that I have such a caring family and I will always make time to travel to see them and take them out.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

I use Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop so I can turn my pencil sketches into technical drawings to send to factories. I really recommend that any aspiring fashion designer learn this skill as its important to send accurate information to sample makers or factories so no mistakes are made.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

Robert Greene – 48 Laws of Power. Great for entrepreneurs and understanding psychology.

What is your favorite quote?

Good things take time
Take the risk, or lose the chance
Become who you are by learning who you are

Key Learnings:

  • Go to social events to meet new people
  • Good things take time
  • Life is short so do what you love and don’t worry too much about what people think of you.
Originally published on IdeaMensch.
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Interview with Adrian Tobey, Founder of Groundhogg: Insights on Entrepreneurship and Marketing Automation

Published

2 hours ago

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March 26, 2023

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Interview with Adrian Tobey, Founder of Groundhogg

Table of Contents

Introduction

Adrian Tobey is a marketing automation expert and the founder of Groundhogg, a WordPress plugin that allows businesses to automate their marketing and sales processes. With over 10 years of experience in digital marketing, Adrian has helped numerous businesses grow and scale their operations through automation. In this interview, Adrian shares his insights on entrepreneurship, marketing automation, and the future of digital marketing.

What inspired you to start Groundhogg?

I’ve always been passionate about digital marketing and helping businesses grow through automation. When I saw how expensive and complex some of the existing marketing automation tools were, I realized that there was an opportunity to create a more affordable and user-friendly solution that would be accessible to businesses of all sizes. That’s what inspired me to start Groundhogg.

What makes Groundhogg different from other marketing automation tools?

Groundhogg is unique in that it’s a WordPress plugin, which means it’s seamlessly integrated with the WordPress platform. This makes it easy for businesses to use and manage their marketing and sales processes without having to switch between multiple tools. Additionally, we’ve focused on creating a user-friendly interface that doesn’t require a lot of technical expertise, making it accessible to a wider range of businesses.

How do you think marketing automation will evolve in the next few years?

I think we’ll see a greater emphasis on personalization and segmentation in marketing automation. Businesses will need to tailor their messaging and communications to specific segments of their audience in order to stand out and engage with their customers. Additionally, we’ll see more automation tools that are specifically designed for smaller businesses, as these businesses become increasingly reliant on automation to manage their operations.

What advice would you give to entrepreneurs who are just starting out?

My advice would be to focus on creating value for your customers. Don’t get too caught up in the latest trends or try to replicate the success of others. Instead, focus on creating a product or service that solves a real problem for your customers and provides them with tangible value. If you can do that, success will come.

What challenges have you faced as an entrepreneur, and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as an entrepreneur is managing my time effectively. There are always so many things that need to be done, and it can be difficult to prioritize and stay focused. To overcome this, I’ve had to develop strong time management skills and learn how to delegate tasks effectively. I’ve also learned to say no to things that don’t align with my goals and priorities, in order to stay focused on what’s most important.

How do you balance your personal life and work as an entrepreneur?

Balancing personal life and work as an entrepreneur can be a challenge, but it’s important to make time for both. I make sure to schedule in time for my family and personal hobbies. I also prioritize my work tasks based on their level of urgency and importance. I’ve found that setting boundaries and being intentional about how I spend my time has been key to achieving a healthy work-life balance.

What are your future plans for Groundhogg?

We’re always looking for ways to improve and expand Groundhogg. In the near future, we’re planning on releasing a range of new features and integrations that will make the platform even more powerful and user-friendly. We’re also looking to expand our team and grow our customer base, in order to continue providing value to businesses of all sizes.

Closing Thoughts

Adrian Tobey is a true expert in the field of marketing automation, and his passion for helping businesses grow is evident in everything he does. If you’re interested in learning more about Adrian Tobey and Groundhogg, you can connect with him on LinkedIn.

Liked this interview? Check out this interview with Alex Malebranche

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Interview with Alex Malebranche, Insights on Entrepreneurship in the Aviation Industry

Published

16 hours ago

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March 25, 2023

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Interview with Alex Malebranche, Founder and CEO of PlaneAhead

Table of Contents

Introduction

Alex Malebranche is the founder and CEO of PlaneAhead, a company that provides private jet charter services. He has a degree in finance and marketing from the University of Miami and started his career in the financial sector before transitioning to the aviation industry. The passion of Alex Malebranche for aviation and entrepreneurship has led him to build a successful business that caters to a high-end clientele. In this interview, he shares his journey as a founder, the challenges he’s faced, and his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

What inspired you to start PlaneAhead?

My love for aviation and entrepreneurship inspired me to start PlaneAhead. I’ve been passionate about airplanes and flying since I was a child. I started flying lessons when I was 16 and got my private pilot’s license at 18. After working in finance for a few years, I realized that my true calling was in aviation. I saw an opportunity to combine my passion with my business skills and create a company that provides a better experience for private jet travelers.

How did you validate the business idea and find your first customers?

To validate the business idea, I conducted extensive market research and engaged in conversations with prospective customers. I attended aviation industry events and trade shows to network and get feedback on my concept. I also reached out to existing private jet charter companies and learned about their operations and customer needs. Once I felt confident that there was a demand for my service. I started reaching out to potential customers through my personal network and online advertising. Our first customers were primarily referrals from friends and family. But as we grew, we started getting more business from corporate clients and high-net-worth individuals.

What challenges have you faced as a founder, and how have you overcome them?

As a founder, I’ve faced many challenges, including raising capital, building a team, and navigating regulatory hurdles. One of the biggest challenges was building a brand and establishing credibility in a competitive industry. To overcome this, I focused on providing exceptional customer service and building relationships with customers and industry partners. I also invested in marketing and PR to raise awareness of our brand and services. Another challenge was managing growth and scaling the business without sacrificing quality. We overcame this by hiring experienced professionals and implementing processes and systems to streamline our operations.

How do you differentiate your services from private jet charter industry competitors?

We differentiate ourselves from competitors by offering a personalized and customized experience for our clients. We take the time to understand their needs and preferences and tailor our services to meet their specific requirements. Our investment in technology and data analytics enables us to offer our customers real-time information and valuable insights. Additionally, we have a network of industry partners and suppliers that allows us to offer unique amenities and services, such as in-flight catering and ground transportation.

What is your vision for the future of PlaneAhead, and how do you plan to achieve it?

Our vision for PlaneAhead is to become the leading provider of private jet charter services globally. We plan to achieve this by expanding our network of aircraft and destinations, investing in technology to enhance the customer experience, and building strong relationships with our clients and industry partners. We also plan to focus on sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint by investing in eco-friendly technology and initiatives.

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start a business in the aviation industry?

My advice would be to gain as much knowledge and experience in the industry as possible before starting a business. This could include working for an aviation company, getting a pilot’s license, or attending industry events and conferences. It’s also important to do your research and understand the market and competition. Finally, you should be prepared to work hard and be persistent, as building a successful business takes time and effort.

How do you balance your work and personal life as a founder and CEO?

Balancing work and personal life can be a challenge as a founder and CEO, but it’s important to prioritize self-care and time with loved ones. I try to maintain a healthy work-life balance by setting boundaries and delegating tasks to my team. I also make time for hobbies and activities that help me relax and recharge, such as traveling and flying.

Closing Paragraph

Alex Malebranche’s passion for aviation and entrepreneurship has led him to build a successful business that provides exceptional private jet charter services. His journey as a founder has not been without its challenges. Still, his dedication to building a strong brand and providing personalized service has set PlaneAhead apart from competitors in the industry. Aspiring entrepreneurs can learn from his experience and commitment to excellence. You can follow Alex Malebranche on his LinkedIn profile or visit PlaneAhead’s website to learn more about their services.

Liked this interview? Check out this interview with Omer Molad

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Interview with Omer Molad: Insights on Building a Startup, the Future of Hiring, and Staying Creative

Published

20 hours ago

on

March 25, 2023

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Interview with Omer Molad, Co-Founder of Vervoe

Table of Contents

Introduction

Omer Molad is the co-founder of Vervoe, an AI-powered hiring platform that helps employers hire the best candidates for their open positions. Prior to starting Vervoe, Omer Molad worked in marketing and analytics for various tech companies, including Waze and Google. He has also served as a mentor and advisor for several startups.

In this interview, Omer Molad shares insights about his experience as a startup founder and his vision for the future of the hiring process.

What inspired you to start Vervoe?

My co-founder David Weinberg and I were both frustrated with the traditional hiring process, which often relies heavily on resumes and subjective evaluations. We wanted to create a more objective and efficient way for employers to assess candidates, and we saw an opportunity to do that with AI. Our vision was to build a platform that could evaluate candidates’ skills and abilities through real-world simulations, rather than relying solely on their past experience or education. That’s how Vervoe was born.

How does Vervoe differentiate itself from other hiring platforms?

One of the key ways we differentiate ourselves is by using AI to automate the hiring process as much as possible. Our platform can evaluate candidates’ skills and abilities in real-time, which means employers can get a more accurate and objective assessment of their capabilities. Additionally, we provide a library of customizable assessments that are tailored to specific job roles, so employers can ensure they’re evaluating the right skills for each position. Finally, we provide a candidate management system that streamlines the entire hiring process from start to finish, which saves employers time and resources.

Can you tell us about a significant challenge you faced while building Vervoe and how you overcame it?

One of the biggest challenges we faced early on was getting the word out about Vervoe and convincing employers to try our platform. We knew we had a great product, but it was difficult to break through the noise and get noticed. To overcome this, we focused on building relationships with potential customers and showcasing our product through demos and case studies. We also leveraged content marketing and social media to raise awareness about Vervoe and the benefits of our platform. Over time, we were able to build a strong customer base and grow the business.

What advice do you have for other startup founders?

My advice would be to stay focused on your vision and don’t get sidetracked by distractions or noise from the outside world. Building a startup is hard, and there will be many ups and downs along the way. But if you believe in what you’re doing and stay committed to your goals, you’ll be able to weather any storm. It’s also important to be adaptable and open to feedback from customers and the market. Listen to what people are telling you, and be willing to pivot your strategy if necessary. Finally, surround yourself with a strong team of people who share your vision and are committed to helping you succeed.

What is your vision for the future of the hiring process?

Our vision is to make the hiring process more objective, efficient, and fair for everyone involved. We believe that AI has the potential to revolutionize hiring by providing a more accurate assessment of candidates’ skills and abilities. We also think that the traditional resume-based approach will eventually become obsolete and that employers will rely more on real-world simulations and other objective measures to evaluate candidates. Ultimately, our goal is to create a world where everyone has an equal opportunity to showcase their skills and get hired based on merit, not just their credentials.

Can you share a project or initiative that you’re currently working on that excites you?

We’re currently working on a project to integrate Vervoe with other HR technology platforms, such as applicant tracking systems and video interviewing tools. This will allow us to offer a more seamless and integrated experience for our customers and their candidates. We’re also exploring ways to use machine learning to analyze candidate data and provide insights that can help employers make better hiring decisions. I’m excited about the potential of these projects to make a real impact in the hiring industry.

What do you do outside of work to recharge and stay creative?

I’m a big believer in the power of exercise and mindfulness to recharge and stay creative. I try to work out regularly and make time for activities like hiking and yoga. I also make a point of disconnecting from work and technology for a few hours each day, whether it’s by reading a book or spending time with family and friends. Finally, I find that travel is a great way to gain new perspectives and stay inspired, so I try to take at least one big trip each year.

Closing Paragraph

Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us, Omer. Where can our readers learn more about you and Vervoe?

You can learn more about Vervoe and Omer Molad. You can also follow me on LinkedIn at for updates on our latest projects and initiatives.

Liked this interview? Check out this interview with Cam Sloan

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