From the farm to dressing Kim Kardashian: Farmer's daughter behind designer label Jennifer Kate reveals the secrets to her success
- Jennifer McCloy is the woman behind fashion label Jennifer Kate
- She started the business when she was 25 and has seen it expand
- Her clothes are now sold in Australian and American markets
- She wants to expand to the UK next and is looking forward to more growth
The founder of global fashion brand Jennifer Kate has revealed her secrets to success after her side line hobby of creating the perfect outfit with the perfect fit turned into her life.
Jennifer McCloy, 30, has gone from strength to strength since launching her first range for Jennifer Kate which had just seven outfits, mostly made from fur with touches of leather.
She now sells her clothes across Australia and America, is worn by the Kardashians and has featured in two consecutive years at fashion week.
Jennifer McCloy, pictured, started her fashion company five years ago, when she was 30
Her fashion line Jennifer Kate has been featured at Australia's fashion week for two years running (models pictured on the cat walk)
The fashion designer started out making clothes on the side but within a few years she had to quit her job because her business was soaring (one of her designs pictured)
The young business woman told Daily Mail Australia her secrets to success – stressing a work/life balance as key in any business.
'When I first started Jennifer Kate I was working full time in corporate PR and then coming home to work on my designs,' Jennifer said.
'My now fiancé would joke that I was dating my business not him.
'But I think every business owner would say it is like being in a relationship.'
Now she makes sure she gives her friends and family the time they deserve.
'When I was working and doing Jennifer Kate I would be busy all the time, now I know how important it is to have time where you switch off from work.
'I mean you think about it when you wake up and when you go to sleep but it is important to make room for other things too.'
Jennifer McCloy, 30, saw the business as her opportunity to be her own boss
Her designs are primarily fur and leather and are available in Australia and overseas
The designer started with a small collection featuring just seven items - her collections now can have more than 50 styles
Jennifer quit her office job after her business had been around for two years and she hasn't looked back.
'I probably stayed in my job, which I loved, for six-months too long.
'I wasn't quickly seduced into being my own boss and knew I wanted good foundations before making that move.'
Jennifer also believes business owners need to work with other people to make the most out of their brand. 'There is unparalleled value in collaboration,' she said.
'Whether you are dealing with a supplier or an agency it is really important to ask what everyone else thinks – that's how we end up learning new things every day.'
Jennifer has hired six designers since starting her business and says they work as a team to come up with the best designs and ideas.
She also calls her dad, a farmer from Young in Western NSW three or four times every day because he is her business mentor.
She says working with her dad has been helpful for her a business woman a brought them even closer than they were before.
When working with other people delegation becomes a big issue, Jennifer explained.
'When you start you think you can do everything but you have to realise it is better if you have people you can ask for help.
'It can be difficult to let go but delegation is an important part of any business.'
Jennifer also recommends knowing every part of the business – even if it is being outsourced – and to spend as much time on the business framework as the fun creative aspects.
'This might sound boring but strong framework is important,' she said.
The designer prides herself on making clothes that look good on women
She says fashion week, (pictured), has been a highlight of her fashion career so far
Jennifer has five pieces advice for people who want to start their own businesses, one of those pieces of advice is to allow enough 'me time'
She now works with other fashion labels helping them understand the business side of their ventures.
'Sometimes you see these people who have amazing talent but they aren't able to show the world how wonderful they are,' she said.
'I am more business than creative and I hope that once Jennifer Kate is well established I can turn more to the consulting side to help other labels with their framework.
The fashionista said every day as a business owner is a 'roller coaster' filled with extreme ups and downs – but she has a few favourite memories from the beginning of her career with Jennifer Kate that help her push through the down-times.
The first moment was when Jennifer was working to launch her first collection.
The fashion designer, centre, also says it is important to surround yourself with other people to help with ideas
Most pieces in the Jennifer Kate collection are made from leather - they are all designed in Sydney by Jen and her team
The business managed to break even in less than a year and has grown stronger every year
'We didn't have a big budget for a photo shoot so we headed out to the street with the collection and asked random women if they would like to try it on.
'We had so many beautiful shots of beautiful women in that look book and it was a really fun day.
'Some of them are still faithful Jennifer Kate customers.'
The next top moment was a year in when Kim Kardashian was in town pre-Kanye.
'She told all the PR agencies that she wanted to wear Australian labels while she was in the country – so we sent some things to her.
'She is well known for sending thing back that she doesn't want but she kept everything we gave her.
The designer remembers the moment Kim Kardashian tweeted her about her clothes
Jennifer is now looking at the UK market as she hopes to continue her rapid growth to become a more global brand
The fashion designer worked for two years while her business took off and had no time for a social life
'At the end of her trip she tweeted me to thank me for the 'amazing clothes', at first I didn't think it was the real deal but I clicked on her profile and it had like 20 million followers – we were ecstatic.
'We have even made it through the Kanye wardrobe change and have seen our stuff on some of the other Kardashians too.'
Jennifer is now looking at the UK market as she hopes to continue her rapid growth to become a more global brand.
The brand which grew rapidly online uses Paypal for all aspects of the business.
She uses the company to pay suppliers overseas, invoice retailers and to run online transactions.
She chose to use the business because it was secure, track able and fast.
Jennifer also suggest business owners know every part of their business and put as much time into the product as they do the business framework
Most watched News videos
- Brad Pitt 'lunged at Maddox when he tried to verbally defend...
- 'I had EVERY RIGHT to defend myself': Furious supermodel...
- FBI investigating Brad Pitt: Police arrive at Jolie-Pitt...
- 'Have a fabulous day... I know I will!': Eggheads star CJ de...
- The British women 'going to the jungle for sex with...
- Boy, four, is snatched off the streets by a stranger as he...
- Paul Hollywood's gone for Channel 4's dough... now the BBC...
- 'We didn't know she was disabled and the seat reservations...
- Alcohol, cross dressing, playing with knives and no...
- Now you CAN take your children on holiday in termtime...
- To have and to... hold on a minute! Wedding is cancelled...
- I don't need to take brain function tests, says Clinton -...