LAUNCHING:
Siân
Adkins
01.
What is your professional title, purpose or passion?
I am the founder of Siân Esther, which is a new luxe nightwear brand with a purpose to support disadvantaged women have a safe night’s sleep and fulfil their dreams.
03.
What did you want to do when you were a child and what changed?
I wanted to be a weather presenter on TV until I realised I needed to pursue Physics and Maths!
05.
What's the best career advice you've ever been given?
Be true to yourself and stay true to your values.
07.
What is the best thing about your current working environment?
It can be anywhere!
09.
Where do you see yourself in five years' time?
Hopefully to have built Siân Esther into a highly recognised lifestyle brand, which not only supports disadvantaged women but also employs them.
11.
Tell us more about a charitable organisation or project you think is great.
Through Siân Esther, we support three charities/enterprises – The Marylebone Project, Mercy UK and The Luminary Bakery all who carry out great works to help women in need (you can read more about them on our website). I am particularly inspired by Alice, the founder of The Luminary Bakery who works so hard to provide training and employment opportunities for disadvantaged women at a Bakery in East London.
13.
What drives you?
Building a brand is hard, especially as no one really knows you but it’s the purpose which sits at the core of my business that drives me and it’s social mission keeps me going.
15.
Any final comments?
Head over to www.sianesther.co.uk, or say hello on Instagram and Facebook using our handle @sianestherlondon
02.
What does a normal day look like for you?
As a start-up my role involves juggling everything from liaising with my suppliers, exhibiting at shopping fairs, running to the post office or going through my accounting system (my least favourite job!) I try to start the day well with a good breakfast and cup of tea, as well as switching off later on at night with a bath and putting on my PJs. Running your own business can be all-consuming and so I’m trying to find ways to relax a little!
04.
What have you achieved that you feel most proud of?
I feel most proud of taking the risk to start up Siân Esther and create a range of pyjamas that I feel delight customers. I’ve always wanted to create my own brand and was often so inspired by others who have built brands but taking the plunge is hard. Seeing Siân Esther feature in Red and Sheerluxe was an amazing feeling.
06.
Tell us about a a woman who inspires you
My Mum – she was an intelligent and stylish lady who worked hard to achieve great results in her career whilst still being grounded in family life. You don’t realise the juggling act your parents go through until you are older!
08.
What was your biggest failure?
My first biggest failure was when I failed my driving test – I was devastated but it was a real life lesson for me in terms of picking myself up and trying again. Since then, I have had lots of failures professionally and personally but I try not to dwell on them too much, although this is harder in practice than reality!
10.
What do you like most about yourself?
My love of others – I hope others would say the same!
12.
How can we make the world more inclusive and accepting?
By loving one another more.
14.
What skills have been key to your journey so far?
Building relationships has been key. I’ve found that people often want to help and be involved and so reaching out and creating networks has been vital.