Ep. 117 How To Turn Your Idea Into Millions With Jade Holland Cooper
Dec 9, 2024
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Jade Holland Cooper, founder of the luxurious British fashion brand Holland Cooper, shares her inspiring journey from selling tweed clothing at horse shows to building a £40m global brand. She reflects on her early entrepreneurial spirit, including launching an egg business at nine. Jade discusses the balance between brand identity and the digital landscape, emphasizing timeless fashion and the importance of resilience. She also touches on the complexities of leadership, confidence, and the personal side of entrepreneurship, including the need for supportive environments.
Jade Holland Cooper's entrepreneurial journey began at a young age, where early experiences in sales shaped her business acumen and mindset for success.
Her hands-on approach to understanding customer needs significantly contributed to Holland Cooper's growth and evolution in the fashion market.
Balancing the demands of a growing brand and family life, Jade emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and being present as a parent.
Deep dives
Jade Holland Cooper's Early Business Ventures
Jade Holland Cooper reflects on her entrepreneurial journey beginning at a young age, where her childhood on a farm allowed her to nurture her interests in business. At age nine, she started selling eggs to her classmates, which sparked her interest in trading and profit management. This experience taught her key lessons about sales and basic financial principles, which she later carried into her fashion career. Although she did not initially identify as an entrepreneur, Jade gradually absorbed business insights from her hardworking parents, ultimately shaping her philosophical approach to success and work.
Overcoming Self-Doubt in the Entrepreneurial Journey
Jade discusses how feelings of self-doubt and uncertainty are natural among entrepreneurs, especially when starting out. She emphasizes that making mistakes is part of the learning process and reiterates the importance of resilience in overcoming challenges. The struggle of balancing work and personal life, particularly as a mother, adds to the complexity of running a business. Through her experiences, she emphasizes the value of learning from mistakes and adapting one's approach to ensure smoother sailing ahead.
Identifying Market Gaps and Building a Brand
After transitioning from agricultural studies to fashion, Jade identified a market gap while attending equestrian events, where she noticed a lack of stylish clothing options. This realization set the foundation for her brand Holland Cooper, launching with a small collection of tweed skirts that successfully sold at events. By interacting directly with her customers, Jade learned to refine her offerings and cater to their desires, which was instrumental in growing her brand. This hands-on approach helped her understand the importance of customer feedback in shaping her product line.
The Importance of Brand Integrity and Continuity
Jade emphasizes the necessity of maintaining a clear brand identity and staying true to it, especially in an industry plagued by fast fashion trends. Her strategy involves producing continuity products—items that remain in her collection year after year—allowing customers to rely on her brand for timeless essentials. By being different from traditional wholesale cycles, such as launching seasonal items when her customers are ready for them, she has built a loyal customer base. Jade stresses that knowing who her brand is, and what it isn't, is essential for sustainable growth.
Balancing Ambition and Family Life
Jade talks about the challenges and joys of balancing a growing business with family life, stressing the importance of being present as a parent. She acknowledges that having help from her partner and others played a significant role in managing these dual responsibilities. Despite the difficulties, she finds fulfillment in her role as a mother, which grounds her amidst her hectic work schedule. By establishing boundaries and ensuring quality time with her children, she seeks to maintain balance without compromising her ambitious aspirations.
Jade Holland Cooper founded Holland Cooper in 2008 with the ambition to bring luxurious British heritage to a modern audience. What began as a small collection of tailored tweed clothing that she sold on a stand at horse shows, has grown into a global brand that now turns over £40m a year. I wanted this episode to be a deep dive into her journey—how she went from country fairs to building an empire, the key inflection points, and what it is about her that’s given her such a mindset for success & viral product creation. If you're interested in entrepreneurship, brand building, this episode is for you.
RETROGRADE, SHREDDY, TALA and THE PRODUCTIVITY METHOD are my own businesses, therefore any mention of them - whilst not being a sponsorship - is monetarily endorsed. As usual, sponsorships do not change my opinions nor my honesty, but I will always disclaim to make sure motives are clear 😊
