Fashioning a new career
Sam Tankard turned her back on a dull job to set up her own successful clothes boutique.
By Rob Cowen
Published: 03 May 2007
Getting up an independent fashion boutique and becoming your own boss is the stuff of dreams for many people, but turning dreams into reality can often be a daunting task. However, one Yorkshire businesswoman did just that, taking the initiative and sticking to her guns to create a successful fashion boutique.
Sam Tankard, 32, was stuck in a less than thrilling job when a visit to see her mum in the Yorkshire town of Addingham kick-started a new career. After graduating in textile design at Buckingham College, Tankard had designed fabrics and garments for Fabric Vision and Femina in London, but had relocated back to work in her home county when she happened upon the perfect location for a business. "Seeing this beautiful old Victorian house started the ball rolling - all the ideas I'd had for a boutique came together and I decided to go for it."
Tankard was so sure about the concept that, after being approved planning permission to turn the house into a shop, checking up on building regulations and drafting a watertight business plan, she founded Tank with a £25,000 personal bank loan. From there it was a case of putting some serious hours in at fashion shows as she began the tricky task of pulling together eye-catching yet marketable stock.
As well as a lifelong passion for fashion, Tankard had previously worked in a clothes shop to supplement her freelance fabric-design jobs in the capital. The interaction with customers and regular buying trips provided her with vital experience of a small business; even so, Tankard is the first to admit that it was no walk in the park at the beginning. "When I first attended buying fairs I made loads of mistakes, going on my instincts or buying what I thought was sensible for others. But I quickly learnt the importance of things like taking into account the season for colours and fabrics, how to price effectively and listening to the customer."
Three years on, Tankard has cracked the formula. Bright, fresh and unique in its location, Tank mixes exclusive new labels (Best Behaviour, 5 Rue Keller, Leigh Lee) alongside vintage pieces, such as Kimono bags and Gina shoes. In fact, the old Victorian house is now home to an eclectic boutique that bursts with rare finds, shoes, clothes and individual jewellery. It even doubles up as an art gallery, offering everything from photographs to oil paintings by local artists.
Despite the long hours and pressures of running her own business, Tankard wouldn't change being her own boss for anything. However, she has advice for young people thinking about following in Tank's tracks. "It's all about experience. Get a job in a shop first and try to get involved in the buying side. Ring up independent shops and ask for work placements or go on a trip to a buying fair - try to learn the fine art of selecting what to buy and when. But, if you think you have a good idea, don't be afraid to just go for it."
To find out more visit www.tank.uk.com or e-mail sam@ tank.uk.com
