Kate Tompsett is the independent retail queen who is flying the flag for Great British manufacturing and Independent Great British Design. Having started her career in the world of retail at a grassroots level while studying, Kate found herself thoroughly enjoying the exciting and unpredictable nature of the industry but also longing to have a shop of her own. In 2012, following a bumper celebratory year of the Royal Jubilee and the Olympics, Kate decided this was the perfect time to take the leap, and set up Happy & Glorious, an online store specializing in bespoke pieces designed and manufactured in the UK to celebrate and showcase local talent.
Happy & Glorious has since become a favorite and has expanded to include a successful high-street boutique store with plans for further expansion and diversification into design workshops.
Highlights
Challenges
- When you’re almost there but not quite ready to make the leap it is the hardest thing!
- Time management was a real challenge. Managing time working on the online business in the evenings and weekends while still working 5 days a week in the day job.
Words of Wisdom
Kate knows the challenges faced by many entrepreneurs who are running the show alone but warns that even though you need to wear many hats, if at all possible, “Only Do what you can do” and says “ Don’t be too much of a control freak”
Don’t be scared of taking risks
It’s important to create a different experience for your customers
Get In Touch And Connect
Visit Happy & Glorious to see what delights are in store!
Resources Mentioned
- Bullet Journal
- just a card campaign
