For this months Interview Series, we’re turning the tables, we caught up with businesswoman Michelle Lowe, owner of fashion brand, Discover Boutique. From luxe fabrics, sustainable manufacturing processes and unique travel inspired designs, we find out exactly why and how this female boss created a brand with soul. We discuss business, the importance of maintaining a work-life balance, adopting daily rituals and offering influencers creative freedom to achieve authentic, engaging content every time. 

 

We love your brand, tell us a little about why you created Discover Boutique?

I created Discover Boutique firstly because I am very passionate about style that you can wear over and over again. I wanted each collection to be different from the last, taking inspiration from the many countries and places I have visited around the world. By wearing my clothes, I want women to feel a connection to the place I was inspired by, I want them to feel it through the fabrics and see it in the design.

Ethical fashion seems to be at the heart of your brand, how have you adopted such practices within your business?

The first thing I did was find an ethical factory, which was a challenge in itself. This was the most important factor to me, and I wasn’t going to do it any other way. I am inspired and motivated by women, so I wanted to work with a factory where I was empowering these women too. All ethical practices are extremely important to me, and in the last year I have discovered and researched more into 100% sustainable fabrics too.

Absolutely, it’s extremely important and inspiring that finding an ethical factory was your top priority even though it was a challenge. What or who would you say inspires you?

The world inspires me, the many countries, cities and villages within it and of course the women that live and work within these places.

We’re intrigued to know what your proudest moment has been since starting your company.

The proudest moment for me was receiving my samples. This is an industry I taught myself all from scratch and in very little time. I just couldn’t believe it when my samples arrived, and they were exactly as I had imagined them.

I guess it was at that point when it all felt very real. Lets talk a little about your day to day, do you have any daily rituals?

I believe in a balanced lifestyle, I absolutely love working for myself and in my own unique way. I have the same morning routine everyday, this is something I have figured out over the last year and it works great for me.

Similar to many of the influencers within our database, working for yourself is rarely a 9-5 job. Could you share some tips for maintaining a work/life balance?

I make a weekly list of all the things I need to get done, and then split them up into days. This way I am not trying to do too much in one day, this allows time for other things I enjoy.

We’d love to hear your opinions on partnering with influencers

I like to work with women that embody similar beliefs as me within sustainable and ethical practices. Also a very important factor is the love for travel, eating healthy and living a balanced lifestyle. She also has a love for pure style over fashion!

Absolutely, making sure that the influencers you work with are a reflection of your brand. How do you find your ‘Discover Girls’?

I find my Discover girls mostly through Instagram, and my new found influencer platform ZINE.

Glad to hear that ZINE is helping you discover new influencers to work with! How do you work with influencers? Do you provide creative freedom with those you partner with or prefer to share content guidelines/a brief – and why?

As I am very specific with who I work with, I allow creative freedom as I absolutely love seeing other peoples creativity within their work.

Aside from working with influencers, how have you managed to grow your business since launch?

I spend a lot of time on Instagram and interacting with people. I also do specific markets in Barcelona, which is great to meet and talk to customers. 

What are the three things that have surprised you about founding a business? 

Collaboration is key, try and keep consistent positivity & drive even when things get hard and work hard!

Any tips for de-stressing?

I love being within nature, and going for long walks always has worked for me. Meditation is also great to keep you in the present.

Name a quote you live by.

“Everything happens for a reason”!

This or That?

• City or countryside life? Countryside
• Cream tea or mezze? Mezze
• Winter or Summer? Definitely summer
• Cats or dogs? Dogs
• Reading or writing? Reading, but I do love a notebook
• Sunrise or Sunset? Sunset
• Boat or plane? Boat
• Gold or silver? Gold

 

 

 

{{cta(‘f8ced1a2-4b7f-4552-9c38-ee36dfcac671’)}}

 

---

 

Ocean Clarke

I’m Key Account Manager at ZINE, where I’m lucky enough to support my lovely clients to execute end to end influencer campaigns. I spend most evenings watching embarrassingly bad TV wearing equally embarrassing PJ’s!