: Bianca, I was admiring everything you’ve accomplished. You’re a successful brand now. What advice would you give to people who are just starting out—those who want to build a brand like yours?
Bianca: Definitely pay attention to what’s happening in the world of fashion. That’s really important. You want to create something that’s new, but also purposeful.
Ask yourself—what’s the point of building your brand? Is it just about being stylish, or is it about inspiring a community that reflects your world? Having a strong “why” behind what you do is crucial.
On Starting Small and Managing Finances
: You once mentioned being asked about taking a loan. What would you say to someone who wants to start but doesn’t have much money?
Bianca: If I were to take a loan for my fashion brand at the beginning, I’d make sure to create a serious plan first. Fashion and money can disappear quickly—it’s an expensive industry where you have to pay many different people.
Being cautious with finances is key. You want to take financial steps at the right time, not too early when it’s not necessary. Winning certain prizes helped fund my brand, and living in a big city gave me access to people and opportunities.
From Bedroom Studio to Global Stage
: You mentioned starting while living in your family house. Can you talk more about that?
Bianca: I actually turned my bedroom into a sewing room. I started with one machine and one intern—it was just the two of us sewing all the pieces together.
Our first big opportunity came when we showcased on a global scale with the British Fashion Council’s “One to Watch” program. Then the lockdown happened, and I moved back to my family home. Around 2021, I finally got my own studio space outside the house.
Balancing Costs and Growth
: How did living at home help you manage your capital?
Bianca: Living at home made things easier—I didn’t have to pay for studio rent, and my staffing costs were low. I did most things myself thanks to my skill set, which allowed me to multitask.
But that’s not sustainable long-term. For the first two or three years, you can handle most things alone as a small brand owner, but eventually, you need to trust others and hire the right people to help your brand grow.
Looking Big While Starting Small
: One question from someone in the audience—they said they’re starting small but want outsiders to see them as big. What advice would you give?
Bianca: Don’t be too transparent about your behind-the-scenes if you want to appear established—but remember, some people actually love seeing the journey.
Still, to look “big,” you need to be professional online. Create clean, high-quality content that aligns with the brands you aspire to sit beside. Presentation matters.
Bianca: There are so many great designers out there, and this just shows that growth and professionalism really make a difference.
Thank you!