Enterprise Nation

Jane Robson has a career background of working for some top high street brands. Having adopted her daughter in 2007, Jane was looking for a more flexible way of working. She’s discovered it through starting a very fine business from home.

When did you start the business?

I started planning the business in late 2007. Working part time I finally launched the web site at the end of November 2008.

What were you doing before becoming your own boss?

Up until January 2007 I was working as a retail buyer for large high street stores. My last role was Senior Textiles Buyer for Bed and Bath at Debenhams. Prior to that I worked for Top Shop, Etam, Homebase and Habitat.

In January 2007, I left work and went to China to adopt my daughter Mei. I had been going through the adoption process for over 3 years and my priorities immediately changed.

As I am a single mum I decided not to return to my old career as I wanted a more flexible way of living with Mei and I did not want to be away from home at any time.

How did you come up with the idea?

I came up with the idea of organic bedlinen and homewares after searching for organic bed linen for Mei. Organic bedding was available in certain places but it was very dull and the base fabric was not very nice. The only colours available were dirty whites and beiges. I believe we all have a responsibility to be as kind as we can be to our planet and buying organic cotton is just a small way of helping.

Is anyone else involved in the business eg help from family and friends?

I run the business on my own and have learned many new skills in the last 18 months. It has been a steep learning curve for me. I have done various short courses in a wide range of business related subjects to gain knowledge.

If I’m unable to tackle something I call in friends who specialise in certain areas to help. Generally I have someone working with me most weeks. I outsource any areas of expertise that I need such as the website design, photography and accounts.

Mei has worked as a model for the site, she gives me her ‘opinion’ on the designs and just adores the Montreal fleece throws. She has also just acquired one of the childrens hooded bathrobes.

How do you find suppliers that you like?

My largest suppliers I have been dealing with for about 15 years. Because we only buy small quantities of exclusive products, they have bent over backwards to help me. I nurture the relationships with them ensuring we work in partnership and I also make sure we pay any bills on time! For new suppliers it is a case of working slowly to build up relationships and trust.

Do you stock the items in your home?

I just have one of each product stored at home.
All the stock is now held in a fulfillment warehouse. Initially we had a warehouse locally and packed and distributed all the orders ourselves. As we got busier I felt it was more cost effective to outsource this. The distribution team are experts in their field and make a much better job than I could do!

You’ve had some great PR – is that on account of you contacting journalists, or the other way round?

I contacted various journalists myself initially but did not have time to do it regularly. I then took on a PR agency, Lyn Joseph, to help me. Again it is a case of using experts.

Do you have any of the products in your own home?! If so, which is your favourite?

All our bedlinen and towels are from The Fine Cotton Company. My favourite for little girls is the Hearts Duvet Cover set and the Montreal pink throw. For me, it has to be the Milan duvet cover – it washes like a dream and if you hang it to dry it doesn’t need ironing!

What are your plans for the next 6-12 months?

Over the next 6 months I plan to keep growing the business slowly. Our customers are the most important part of the business and we are working hard to make sure they are completely happy with our products and service.

Finally, any recommendations for creating the perfect home office?

One of my big recommendations is to find a way of putting the work away when you have finished in the evening. Put it into a cupboard or somewhere where you can close the door and switch off (even for a few minutes!) It sounds good in theory but I do find it is very hard some days to switch off!

• Jane Robson, The Fine Cotton Company