Kaye Hannabuss’s products caught my eye on Instagram recently and I fell a teeny but in love with them. Yep – I’m a tweed fan, and I loved Kaye’s style and use of Liberty prints, which I also have a soft spot for. From clutches to bow ties, lapel pins to pocket squares and lots else in between, I’m quietly confident that you’ll love Kaye’s products… so I asked her a few questions, just for you 🙂
Tell us about you and your background
I’m recently married, early forties, live in Cheshire with my dog and cat. I love arts and crafts, country life, anything natural. I worked in the clothing Industry for nearly 20 years, designing and sourcing fabrics globally for many premium ladies, UK brands.
What made you want to start a business?
After working tirelessly in the fashion Industry, extensive global travelling and then injuring my back, I felt it was time for a change, time to do something that allowed me to express my own creativity. My husband supported my decision and a small range began to evolve. In my career, I witnessed the journey that the garments we all wear had to take, from fibre to a finished product, the footprint alarmed me. So my aim is to source most of my raw materials from the UK.
How is your Kaye Hannabuss Textiles different?
Using my contacts from the textile Industry and the knowledge gained, this helped me with sourcing raw materials. Wanting to keep my range as British as possible. Working with natural fabrics, cottons and wool. British tweed and printed cottons form the backbone of my collection.
What makes your products special?
Many of the pieces I design are made in small quantities, I’m forever sourcing new fabrics, prints and colours, mixing them together to form new and fresh combinations. At present, everything’s handmade, and I make everything myself. I make bespoke pieces and take commission orders. I have personal contact with most of my clients.
If you had to sum up Kaye Hannabuss Textiles in a few words, what would they be?
Passion for British Fabrics, Country, Bespoke, Handcrafted, Natural Fabrics.
Do you have a motto or ethos?
You can’t re-invent the wheel, but I try to.
If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring business owner, what would it be?
Don’t worry if you don’t have a business plan, go with your gut (and heart), don’t panic if your ideas shift and change, let things evolve naturally. But try and have some continuity and flow to your work.
One thing that helps you run your business more effectively
Pass, I’ve not found it yet. I couldn’t live without my smart phone, as I run most of my business and social media through it!
Best thing about running a business?
Freedom, not confinements, meeting people who are interested in your work and feedback is so important. Making brilliant contacts and friends via Social media such as Instagram.
Worst thing about running a business?
Insecurity, working alone can be quite isolating. I miss being part of a team to bounce ideas off and talk things through.
Top business achievement
So far, a Clutch bag being featured on ‘Ascot’s Style Page’, plus the lovely personal feedback from clients, especially when I play a large part in their wedding day with my accessories. It’s such an honor when they share their photos.
Where can people follow you or your business online