Fashion | Setting up a business

It's taken me some time to pluck up the courage to write this post, so I thought I would share my story with you lovely followers about setting up a business and the struggles, my business being my own fashion brand - Rhona Anne - www.rhona-anne.com.

After completing my BA (Hons) degree in Fashion Design, I graduated from Kingston University, London. It was the hardest three years of my life, stressful, demanding, challenging and I was constantly up against the likes of people who could never do no wrong, who could be the best of friends with the likes of Victoria Beckham, because it's who you know right? Not what you know?

I got through those three years though because I wanted to, I wanted nothing more than to get a degree and make a success out of my career, I went from an A grade in Art to a distinction in Fashion at college, to a BA Hons Degree and thought with those qualifications I could become a top designer for a top fashion brand/designer but I was wrong! After Uni I was even offered work experience but there was never anything at the end of it. I was so close, yet so far. Since then I've struggled to get my dream job. This frustrates me...a lot. As I'm sure a lot of graduates may feel the same, it still feels like your alone, like it was a whole waste of time.

So I decided that I wasn't going to give up and in 2014 I launched my own brand and made it personal to me. I wanted people to know me as my brand. It was a challenge to say the least!
I worked extremely hard to build it, I designed my own collection, pattern cut each design, toiled it up, I sourced my own production company, arranged endless meetings, designed and created my own website, had everything produced, set up social media, collaborated with bloggers and photographers on fashion shoots, had my designs featured in magazines, I even showcased at London Fashion Week, oh and I was a selected designer in the Midlands Fashion Awards and for the cosmopolitan show during Oxford Fashion Week but somehow it isn't enough... however, I feel if you are different, if you have something to offer someone, if your unique or talented in another way, even if there isn't a job at the end of it, never give up on your dreams, because its only you who can bring that to life. I didn't give up and I've achieved so much. You have to keep believing in yourself, one day Rhona Anne will be the next Dior, the next dream, the next designer someone looks up to. I think the quote is "Good things come to those who wait".
I'm proud of my business and sometimes I lose sight of that, I forget I've designed and built something from scratch and although it may take time, I will reach my goals.

To those who have knocked me down in life, who are you? what have you achieved? are you any better?
I may work in retail temporarily alongside working towards building my brand but I have a dream, I have a degree, I have qualifications, I've worked for Amanda Wakeley, I've travelled but most importantly I've worked so so hard and it WILL pay off in the end.
So please.....don't judge.

Oxford Fashion Week

London Fashion Week

 

 

 London Fashion Week

Girls just want to have fun photoshoot

Midlands Fashion Awards

 

 

 

Style | My Birthday weekend

 

Last weekend was my birthday weekend, well my actual birthday was on Monday (15th) but I decided to celebrate it across the 3 days as I had the weekend off and thought why not!?

On Saturday I went to London for the day with my boyfriend, and had the best day full of surprises.

We went early in the morning to avoid the rush and I couldn't resist a trip to Oxford Street for a spot of birthday shopping! (more to come). I must have bought something in every shop, as there is always so much choice in London.

After my shopping haul, my boyfriend surprised me with tickets to go inside The Tower of London. It was so beautiful, with various sections, learning about the history and also seeing the crown jewels. I loved it, as I love learning about history within the city and sightseeing.

We then headed to Chelsea to the famous little street featuring my favourite...pretty pastel coloured buildings. It reminded me of Notting Hill, which is where I visited last year. I adore the houses in London, as they are more town like and love how unique they are.

Around the corner, my boyfriend treated me to a hot chocolate and the cutest 'Chocolate heaven' cupcake on pretty pink cups and saucers..yes you've guessed it! Peggy Porschen café! This was my second visit and it felt so special to go on my birthday. Its just the most girliest and was the highlight of my day.

To end our day in London, my boyfriend surprised me again with an emirates cable car ride over the River Thames! it was so romantic and the best surprise. I loved every moment and definitely recommend a ride next time you're in the city, especially if you're visiting the O2.

 

 

Pink Suede Jacket : Zara | Lace Top: Zara | Jeans: Topshop | Trainers: Converse

 

Imitation Leather Top: Zara | Gingham Trousers: River Island | Shoes: New Look

 

On the Sunday I got to visit my cousin down in Somerset for a beautiful family catch up and birthday roast at The Railway Inn. I was surprised with a birthday dessert, as everyone who knows me well will know I LOVE dessert, especially if it includes chocolate!

 

On my birthday, I celebrated it with afternoon tea at Coombe Abbey Hotel with my mum. It was the most lovely setting, in the conservatory at the back of the hotel. We had scones, little sandwiches and different selections of cakes, with tea. It was lovely and took away the miserable rainy weather, which I didn't appreciate on my birthday! 

 

Black silk top: Zara | Snake print Skirt: River Island | Boots: River Island

             

To end the best weekend, my parents took me for dinner at Gusto. My favourite Italian restaurant of all time. To top it off I got a scoop of chocolate ice cream with a candle in it! Perfect.

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Fashion | Girly day in Oxford for Easter

Last weekend I was so excited to have a few days off for Easter. Easter is one of my favourite times of the year, mainly because I'm literally a chocoholic, nothing makes me happier!

I hadn't seen my cousin in so long so decided to have a get together with a girly day in Oxford. I love cities, for there individuality and history. I love nothing more than walking the streets and taking in all the culture and pretty buildings. We did a bit of sightseeing including the Bodleian libraries which has the most beautiful ceiling I have ever seen and The bridge of sighs which reminds me of Venice! It felt like we were abroad for the whole day. What a great feeling right? and its only on my doorstep.

We then went for high afternoon tea at a gorgeous restaurant called Quod, right in the heart of the city. I love nothing more than a girly day consisting of afternoon tea. Afterwards we did a spot of shopping and basically had a splurge in Zara. I managed to pick up a little Black jumper which is plain and simple but has a unique back to it, a beautiful off white lace and embroidery top which I have had so many comments on and THE most prettiest suede jacket in ice cream Pink! I'm literally so excited to have picked this up and can't wait to wear it in the warmer weather with ripped jeans.

   
     Jumper | Zara

     Lace top | Zara

     Suede Jacket | Zara

I had the most amazing weekend and didn't want it to end. To top it off I made some homemade chocolate nests with Cadbury's mini eggs. Such a delight! and something you can't live without over Easter.
What did you get up to for Easter? and how many eggs did you get? I'm shocked to say I had 5!....but I don't care :)