E41: The Heaton Brothers: From Horwich to Hollywood
Nov 14, 2019
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George and Mike Heaton, co-founders of the renowned streetwear brand Represent, share their inspiring journey from Horwich to Hollywood. They discuss the challenges of originality in a saturated market while balancing their roles as brothers and business partners. Their commitment to sustainability reflects a shift from material success to meaningful experiences. The brothers candidly explore the importance of mental health, teamwork, and authenticity in fashion, highlighting how family values shape their entrepreneurial aspirations.
Represent clothing brand saw significant growth in annual turnover and expanded into high-end stores, attracting celebrity clients.
Running a business with friends who are like family requires trust and mutual respect, despite having different personalities and strengths.
Success in business requires sacrifices, staying true to your brand's identity, and taking care of mental and physical health.
Deep dives
Building a Globally Renowned Streetwear Brand
Two brothers, George and Mike Heaton, started the clothing brand Represent in Manchester. Initially operating from their dad's backyard, they eventually moved into their own space. The brand's annual turnover increased significantly from 1.8 million in 2014 to nearly 10 million in 2018. Represent is now stocked in over 160 outlets, including high-end stores like Harvey Nichols and Selfridges. The brothers' unique style and personal journey have attracted celebrity clients like Justin Bieber and the Kardashians.
Running a Business with Your Brother
George and Mike Heaton discuss what it's like running a business together. They describe themselves as complete opposites, with George being more impulsive and go-getting, and Mike being a perfectionist and focusing on the creative side. Despite their differences, they have a strong mutual respect and a shared vision for the brand. They highlight the importance of trust and the advantages of working with friends who are like family.
The Challenges and Rewards of Building a Brand
George and Mike discuss the sacrifices and rewards of building Represent. They mention that relationships and family time often get sacrificed. However, their success has made their parents proud. They emphasize the importance of passion and staying true to your brand's identity. They also navigate through challenges such as dealing with knock-offs and competing with other brands.
Mental health and building a business
The podcast episode discusses the rising awareness around mental health and its impact on running businesses and building a brand. The speakers highlight the importance of mindset and dealing with anxiety while operating at a high level in business. They emphasize the significance of resetting one's mind and taking care of physical and mental health through activities like training in the gym and eating well.
Challenges and sacrifices in entrepreneurship
The episode delves into the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, including dealing with setbacks and overcoming creative blocks. The speakers share personal experiences and the impact of perfectionism, age, and relationships on their work. They highlight the importance of balance, learning from setbacks, and finding support to navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.
Brothers, best friends and business partners, The Heaton Brothers share more than just their parents. George and Mike Heaton are the founders of the world-renowned streetwear brand, Represent. The 26 and 28 year old initially started Represent in their ...