Speaker Bio
Clare Thommen, Boudiche
Boudiche was launched in 2005, by friends Clare Thommen (then 26) and Fiona McLean with help from the Princes Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT). The PSYBT funded a £5000 business start up loan, which together with a bank loan of £45,000 secured on the founders Clare and Fiona's own flats, and £15,000 each of savings enabled Boudiche to launch the first store in Edinburgh.
Clare and Fiona were both working as Chartered Accountants, in Finance Management Roles when the concept of Boudiche was born over a lemongrass martini cocktail one evening after work. A shared frustration for underwear shopping, hard to find sizes such as 30 back sizes and a passion to have their own business took the A4 sheet of paper business plan drawn up, to the first store launching just ten months later.
When managing to get time out from the business Clare enjoys travelling, adventure sports including attempting to learn to Surf and Kite surf, or escaping to a yoga retreat.
In 2009 Boudiche won the prestigious Fashion Retail industry title of 'Lingerie Retailer of the Year' at The Drapers Awards in London, when up against industry giants Harrods, Debenhams and Figleaves.com, a title previously held by La Senza and Marks and Spencer.
Top Business Tips
Favourite Books
Clare and Fiona were both working as Chartered Accountants, in Finance Management Roles when the concept of Boudiche was born over a lemongrass martini cocktail one evening after work. A shared frustration for underwear shopping, hard to find sizes such as 30 back sizes and a passion to have their own business took the A4 sheet of paper business plan drawn up, to the first store launching just ten months later.
When managing to get time out from the business Clare enjoys travelling, adventure sports including attempting to learn to Surf and Kite surf, or escaping to a yoga retreat.
In 2009 Boudiche won the prestigious Fashion Retail industry title of 'Lingerie Retailer of the Year' at The Drapers Awards in London, when up against industry giants Harrods, Debenhams and Figleaves.com, a title previously held by La Senza and Marks and Spencer.
Top Business Tips
- Develop your network and have trusted people you can ask for help or advice when you need it.
- Find amazing people to help you grow your dream, but also identify those that don’t share your values and act swiftly.
- Understand the value of PR and Marketing to your business, and prioritise this B2B or B2C.
Favourite Books
- Lovemarks – the future beyond brands
- Coffee Republic
- Richard Branson – Losing my Virginity
Conferences for this speaker:
2010 everywoman Conference Scotland
2 Mar 2010
Now in its third year, The everywoman Conference Scotland is the premier event for female business owners looking for ideas and inspiration to grow a business.