Classic Styles With a Contemporary Twist

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Julia Stephens, Founder of J2Step Designs, located in London, England.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

J2Step Designs is an online boutique with an eclectic collection of clothing and accessories for people who are not afraid to express themselves and be idiosyncratic with their fashion choices.

Tell us about yourself

My mother, who sadly passed away 23 years ago, was a talented seamstress and my biggest inspiration. I decided to go to college and study fashion design, following up with footwear and accessories.

Fast forward to 2013, after years of working on collections with individual clients, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and set up my own business. I gathered my little savings together, and that's when J2Step Designs was created. I am the sole employee of this small-scale operation, except for the help I receive at times from my children with design ideas, photography, and the technical side of things. I run the business single-handedly.

J2Step Designs consists of my clientele, who commission my services to create bespoke pieces for special occasions. I also make ready-to-wear clothing and accessories for online customers. My main goal is to have a full fashion line of vibrant and unique apparel and accessories for women, men, and children, not just in my boutique but in other stores around the globe. That is my reason for getting out of bed and into the workshop every day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As a small business owner, I would say that my biggest accomplishment would be setting up J2Step Designs independently without the help of investors and bank loans as a single parent of three, especially in this current economic climate. The e-commerce side of the business was created and launched during the pandemic in February 2021. Prior to that, I would showcase my designs around the UK at markets and exhibitions.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

For me, that would be finding the work and family life balance. When I first started the business, my children were still quite young, and being a single mother with next to no help finding that balance was hard. Working late nights on projects, getting up early to do the school run, taking time out to take the children to their different after-school programs, etc. Having a decent work-life balance is essential.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

You cannot research enough! Make sure to research your targeted market as well as your competition. Know your customers.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Having a good business mentor/coach can be extremely helpful. Starting out by myself, I made a few mistakes that could have been avoided had I had that guidance from an accomplished business head.
Remain focused but have fun along the way. The whole idea of going into business is to make money and love what you do. Yes, you are going to have difficult moments and sleepless nights at times; however, that is part and parcel of setting up a business and being an entrepreneur. There are risks involved, but if you do not take calculated risks in life, then you never know how great you could become.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.j2stepdesigns.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/J2StepDesigns/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j2stepdesigns/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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