MY WARDROBE HQ is a consumer-facing, contemporary, luxury fashion platform that allows brands and individuals to rent and sell garments and accessories to each other.
How did MWHQ begin life?
Tina Lake, co-founder of the businesses, must be credited with the vision for the brand. She knew from the very beginning that we had to offer contemporary and luxury brands, presented beautifully with the same service levels that you get from premium fashion retailers.
Why did you choose to set up your business in the luxury sector?
Rental is about making dreams reality, it allows luxury to be accessible to a wider market who value access over ownership
What is your favourite thing about your job?
The team and spending time with them every day. They are all young and it makes me see everything in a different way.
Who is your source of inspiration and motivation?
Jane Shepherdson, our chair, is an endless source of inspiration. Her values of authenticity and integrity are reflected in everything we do.
If you could have any other job in the world what would it be?
Anything with animals; my eight-year-old self always wanted to be a vet.
If you could do something differently in your career what would it be?
Had more time off when my kids were young. I worked in newspapers and it was relentless. I worked six days a week, at least 12 hours a day, Christmas, bank holidays etc. I feel like I missed seeing them grow up.
Where do you see yourself and your company in 10 years’ time?
Hopefully still working in the sharing economy, which by then will be normalised, and through My Ventures - our tech and logistics arm - we will be in every retail sector.
What does success look like to you?
A happy, motivated team who can take on any challenge that comes their way and a healthier planet as the sharing economy means that consumption is less.
What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs looking to start their own business?
Get experience in the field and talk to people in the industry, but not the senior guys - talk to the team doing the every day work to find out what it is really about.
What is your greatest luxury under £10?
Eggs from Fabulous Birds at Fortnum & Mason. When I was new to London and broke, that was where I would go as a pick me up. It’s the perfect example of accessible luxury. You step inside and still feel that frisson of magic, even though you are spending £3 on an easy supper.
