Enterprise Nation

Kelly Goss is only 20 years old but she’s already displaying her fashion line Rock ‘n’ Needle alongside famous brands and Topshop concessions. In this Q&A feature she shows true commitment to her work which goes so far as giving up a bedroom, for the sake of a studio.

When did you start the business?

I started designing for photo shoots in London in 2008 and during this time I decided to name the clothing ‘Rock ‘n’ Needle’ as I wanted to trade under a name. I styled a vast amount of photo shoots across London, Wales and Paris and exhibited at FaCshion, a trade and buyer show.

When I graduated from The London Fashion Retail Academy in summer 2008 I had a couple of part time jobs in fashion retail but after a few months decided to work on Rock ‘n’ Needle full time so really the brand launched in September 2008.

Are you running it full time?

Yes I’m continuing to run it full time. I find this is the best way to fully focus on the brand and also with its development I find I need all the hours in the day! As the brand has progressed it has turned into my full time job.

I was approached by Clothes Show Live in Sept 2008 to exhibit and this took around 8 months preparation. It was a fantastic experience and I learnt a lot exhibiting alongside famous brands and Topshop concessions. I feel far more prepared for the next show and future retail platforms.

How old are you?

I’m 20 years old. My interest in fashion grew through secondary school, and I went on to study a National Diploma in Fashion and Clothing at Swansea College and then moved to London to study at The Fashion Retail Academy.

With your bedroom serving as a studio do you ever stop working?!

I’m extremely driven and focused, I rarely ‘switch off’ as I genuinely love what I do but mainly want to progress as much as I can. I decided to turn my bedroom into a studio as it’s a good space to work in, I sleep on my sofa, it was about prioritising. I’d rather have a studio than a bedroom! I feel whilst I’m young I should utilise the fact that my only commitment is my career.

How are you promoting the business?

In many different ways. I have a Facebook group named Rock ‘n’ Needle Fashion, I promote the brand continuously on social networking sites, I have flyer days in various locations where I give out flyers with promo codes and I have a Newsletter with subscribers. The brand is featured in many fashion blogs/magazines which is always a massive help. One of my long term goals is to have a PR Agency working with Rock ‘n’ Needle.

Are all your sales via your site?

At the moment yes, I am in negotiations with boutiques and the long term aim is to have a concession in a high profile store and my own shop. I am targeting various markets as well, Next year Rock ‘n’ Needle will be available to buy in various locations. I will also be selling at Camden Market.

Who did you turn to for help when you started your business?

I received constructive feedback from The Fashion Retail Academy as I used the concept for Rock ‘n’ Needle for my final major project. Swansea College have been exceptional in promoting me and putting me forward for awards. They put me forward for the ‘VQ Young Learner of the Year’ and I was honoured to win for Wales when there was exceptional competition.

The Princes Trust have given me fantastic, ongoing support. Various individuals have helped the brand from photographers to models. My parents have been an amazing support as well.

What would be your one piece of advice to other students considering starting a business?

Stick with it. For all the amazing experiences so far they have been alongside bad experiences but keep focused on the final outcome and goals and don’t let anything stop you. The rewards are more than worth it.

• Kelly Goss, Rock ‘n’ Needle 
• Main image: Kelly with Deputy Minister for Skills, John Griffiths