Ep. 82 The Real Story Behind Odd Muse With Aimee Smale
Apr 8, 2024
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Aimee Smale, founder of the trendy fashion brand Odd Muse, shares her extraordinary journey from a stable job at ASOS to launching her own line at just 21. She discusses transitioning to entrepreneurship during the pandemic, achieving over £100,000 in her first three months. Aimee also touches on the challenges of sourcing quality materials and establishing a unique identity in the mid-luxury market. With insights into balancing social media strategies and transitioning to a permanent retail space, her story is a true inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Aimee Smale's transition from a job at ASOS to founding Odd Muse showcases the potential for entrepreneurial success without prior experience.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of adaptability and following one's passion, especially when faced with challenges in a competitive environment.
Social media's role in brand development is critical, as balancing content across platforms like TikTok and Instagram fosters community engagement.
Deep dives
Adapting Finances with a Joint Account
Managing finances in a relationship can be challenging, especially with shared expenses such as bills and wedding costs. A joint account, like the one set up with Revolut, can simplify this process by allowing partners to allocate specific funds for different purposes, such as groceries or vacations. This structured approach enhances financial transparency and helps couples manage their money collectively. Utilizing features like single-use cards also adds an extra layer of security, ensuring safer online transactions.
The Journey of Amy Smale and Odd Muse
Amy Smale, who left her job at ASOS at just 21 to create Odd Muse, exemplifies a successful pivot from conventional employment to entrepreneurial success. Despite lacking prior business experience, she quickly generated over £100,000 in revenue within her first three months. Odd Muse has expanded significantly since then, opening its first permanent store in London and gaining a substantial presence in the fashion industry. This journey serves as inspiration for anyone considering starting their own venture.
Uniqueness of Fashion Education
The speaker highlights the unique journey of pursuing a career in fashion without initially having that passion, noting how interest developed later in life. Studying fashion buying and brand management at university equipped them with essential skills for understanding both creativity and the analytical side of fashion. The value of gaining hands-on experience in the industry is emphasized, demonstrating that practical knowledge can often be more beneficial than formal education alone. This narrative encourages individuals to explore varied educational paths and embrace unconventional learning.
Overcoming Challenges in ASOS
Speaking about the experience at ASOS, the discussion reveals the competitive nature of the retail environment, with many aspiring to move up the company ladder. The realization that progression was slow prompted the decision to pursue an entrepreneurial path, leading to the founding of Odd Muse. Notably, challenges faced while transitioning from ASOS highlighted the importance of adapting to change and the necessity of following one's passion despite obstacles. This reflects the broader theme of perseverance in the face of career uncertainties.
Marketing Strategies and Brand Evolution
The podcast covers the significant impact of social media on brand development, particularly the balance of content distribution across platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Acknowledging that TikTok serves as a tool for brand awareness, the speaker discusses how engaging content can drive traffic to longer-lasting platforms like Instagram and email lists. The focus is on creating meaningful connections with consumers beyond typical promotional messages, suggesting that storytelling and product education foster community engagement. This insight encapsulates the need for a well-rounded marketing approach in today's digital landscape.
It’s safe to say that Aimee Smale has had a whirlwind few years. Aged just 21 she left her job at Asos to found Odd Muse, a fashion brand known for tailoring and sleek silhouettes. She openly admits she had no experience running a business, yet within her first three months, she’d made over £100,000 after her designs captured huge audiences online.
Now, Odd Muse is going from strength to strength, opening their first permanent store in London this year. I can’t wait for you to hear Aimee’s story. If you’re sitting in a full-time job and you’ve ever wanted to set up your own venture - this episode is for you.
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