Episode 78: How I Started a Fashion Business with Victoria McKenna
IIn this episode of the SME Growth podcast, we hear from Vicky McKenna, who shares her remarkable...
3 min read
In this episode of the SME Growth podcast, Dave interviews Amy Snowden, a Shopify expert and e-commerce consultant who shares her journey from working at Wellmeadow through various e-commerce roles to launching her own consultancy and fashion brand. She provides valuable insights into the e-commerce landscape and practical advice for businesses considering online retail.
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Key Topics Discussed:
- E-commerce Evolution Detailed examination of how e-commerce platforms have developed, from bespoke solutions to modern platforms like Shopify.
- Platform Selection Analysis of different e-commerce platforms and why Shopify has become a market leader, particularly in the UK.
- Business Challenges Exploration of the key challenges in e-commerce, from manufacturing to marketing and customer acquisition.
- Entrepreneurial Journey Personal insights into transitioning from consultant to business owner, including launching a made-to-order fashion brand.
Quotes to Remember: "The tech isn't really the challenge these days... finding your audience and then talking to that audience and doing that well is a really big blocker."
"I've kind of now experienced pretty much everything that I can do in e-commerce, which is amazing, but I look back on Amy 10 years ago starting out... and it's a little bit embarrassing."
"I'm launching on a made-to-order basis... which minimizes my risk and from an environmental standpoint, there shouldn't be any waste."
Top Takeaways:
- Platform Choice Shopify has become the dominant e-commerce platform for SMEs, offering an accessible and scalable solution.
- Core Focus Businesses should focus on their product and marketing rather than getting bogged down in technical details.
- Risk Management Consider made-to-order or pre-order models to minimize inventory risk and environmental impact.
- Customer Acquisition Focus on building organic following before heavy investment in paid advertising.
- System Integration Understand how different systems (CRM, email marketing, etc.) can work together to create an effective e-commerce operation.
- Market Evolution E-commerce is trending towards more sustainable and efficient models like made-to-order.
- Business Growth Consider starting small and scaling gradually rather than trying to do everything at once.
- Support Systems Don't hesitate to seek expert help in areas outside your expertise.
This episode provides valuable insights for businesses considering or currently operating in e-commerce, offering both strategic guidance and practical tips from someone who has experienced multiple aspects of the industry.