Simply Pleased to meet you Kimberley! We launch our Essex office....

We are delighted to introduce Kimberley to you... Director of our new Essex office. We ask her a few questions to get to know her a little better....

What is your background?

I spent three years at college which resulted in an HND and a degree in journalism. I have lived and travelled in North America and Australia and have worked for the children’s charity UNICEF for 14 years. I have two children – Toby aged 11 and Sophie aged 9 

Why did you take a franchise with Simply Bows? 
 

I have wanted to work for myself for some time so when I took voluntary redundancy from UNICEF as the office was relocating to London, this was an ideal time to look into doing something for myself that I would enjoy and get satisfaction from. After reading an article about Sarah in Tesco magazine I wondered if taking a franchise with Simply Bows was something that would be possible for me and offer me the opportunity to do something creative that also fits around busy home life. It has all fallen into place at the right time for me and feels right so it is my chance to work for myself doing something creative. 

Why do you love working for yourself?

I love working for myself because it offers so much more flexibility than working in an office for someone else. Although it’s very early days I’m sure that getting out and about, meeting people and creating a finishing touch will give me great pleasure.

Why do you love being a Simply Bows franchisee?

Because Simply Bows is a great brand that I believe in and it gives me a buzz to be a part of it.

If you could dress a celebrity wedding - whose would you choose and why?

Pippa Middleton because she is stylish, down to earth and would probably set a new trend when she gets married

How would your friends describe you in three words?

Positive, loyal and fun

Are you married? 

Yes I am married. My husband and I got married in France in 2007. The venue was a 17^th century farmhouse where we had a marquee on the lawn. Although it was in April the sun shone for us so it was like a summers day and it was lovely to be outside. The only thing I have to own up to is that we didn’t have chair covers! 

What events other than weddings have you dressed, if any? 

I have volunteered at some large charity events for UNICEF and helped finish dressing the venues. The snowflake ball a few years ago was set up by Trudie Styler to raise money for children in Africa. It was held at the Dorchester Hotel in London and each chair had a pair of wings on the back which were really difficult to attach to the covers! 

How can Simply Bows blog readers get in touch with you?

Email: Kimberley@simplybowsandchaircovers.co.uk

Twitter: @SBowsEssex 

Facebook: Kimberley Sbows

Supplier Spotlight: The AMAZING Beverly Feldman Design!

 What is company name? 

Beverly Feldman Design

What is your line of business? 

Fabulous shoes and wonderful handbags

How and why the company begin? 

In 1978. Why, because “I Love Shoes!”

Are you married? If so tell us a little about your wedding….

 I am happily unmarried, but when I did get married I got married in purple cowboy boots in NYC and drove away in a stretch limo, before anyone even knew about stretch limos. I married my prince. Unfortunately he turned into a frog 17 years later and I flushed him down the toilet where he belonged.

Why do brides come to you?

For that exceptional wedding shoe, the playful honeymoon shoe, spice up the bedroom shoe!

What is your favourite design and why?

 All my shoes are my favourites, they are like my little babies, how can I have a favourite? I do over 500 shoes a year. But if I have to choose one Diamonds 4Ever is my favourite one for summer.

What is the most popular item you supply and why? 

I do sexy casual really well, as we all want to be sexy, and comfortable at the same time, but I have not forgotten how do to old fashioned really sexy high heels! You know what kind of shoes I mean. And make them comfortable at the same time. The fact that I am a woman designing for other women makes a big difference. I wear my own shoes and fit test them. Numero uno… Comfort. Numero dos… Glam.

Where do you get your inspiration from? 

Shopping. I am a world class gold Olympic marathon shopper! I shop NYC, Paris, London, Asia. I just came back from Istanbul. I love flea markets and jewellery stores… My passion is creating and shopping, the two go hand in hand in my life.

What is in store for you in 2013?

Lots of what I do best, colours, animal prints, jewels, irresistible collectibles. Women all over the world collect my shoes. When you buy one, you automatically want more!

Who would be your dream client, and what sort of design would you envisage for them? 

A woman just like me. Successful, secure, with money to spend, has the ability to know what trends to stay away from, and what styles flatter her. She buys items that will always work in her wardrobe, my shoes do not go out of fashion. Because I do not follow trends, I have my own style. And that style is “too much is not enough”.

What would be your top tips for brides when searching for a supplier in your industry?

  Always buy two pair of shoes for your wedding or maybe three. In Hong Kong the bride changes no less than 5 times. You need a pair of shoes to walk down the aisle, a pair to dance in and then a good pair of ballets for the end of the night. Everything should twinkle…

Tell us something super interesting about you or your business that we wouldn’t already know…? 

 I started from nothing, and am only a success based on my pure talent. I have no partners, and am self financed. I have been up and down more times than a roller coaster, if you know what that is … I never give up. The shoe business is worse than a miniseries. The factories can destroy you if you are not a “super bitch”!
I have 10 dogs 7 poodles and 3 german shephards. And 3 boyfriends! I just turned 66 and feel 38!

Where are you based and where can you supply?

 I am based in Alicante, Spain. My shoes and handbags are sold worldwide, in the UK I have been with Russell&Bromley exclusively since I was 23 years old. I have just opened my own webstore:

www.BeverlyFeldmanShoes.com where you can get a great assortment of my designs, many are exclusive and not carried by my distributors.

How can I get in touch to discuss my requirements or place an order? 

Sign up at BeverlyFeldmanShoes.com and we will send regular updates via email, and you can also follow my blog which if nothing else, is extremely entertaining.

Why do you like to work with Simply Bows and Chair Covers? 

I love Glam! And I love to work with companies where the boss is a woman and she wears Beverly Feldman Shoes!

Simply Supplier Spotlight from Aberdeen: A Vintage Tea Party

What is your company name?

             A Vintage Tea Party                  

What is your line of business?

Hiring out vintage crockery and props and vintage styling for events

    How and why the company begin?

I was planning my own wedding, and wanted a vintage feel to things, and I realised that there was a lack of vintage vendors in the area, even though it was huge down south, and even in Glasgow and Edinburgh.  I had been collecting china and vintage props for years, and already had a big collection.  Having worked at Perfect Bridal, I loved being part of the wedding world, but my family had grown from two to four children on meeting my now husband, and working full time at Perfect was just too much.  So I decided to start my own business, which allowed me to work from home, but still be involved with weddings and events. 

   Are you married?

Yes, married in March to Mr T, (Craig) This was a second marriage for both of us.  I was divorced and Mr T was widowed four years ago.  He is my knight in shining armour.  And I cannot believe he fell in love with me!

    Why do brides come to you?

I offer something that is unique to the area.  I have a huge collection, of all colours and patterns.  I can cater to up to 350.  I also have lots of vintage props like vintage suitcases, trunks, 1930’s typewriters, etc.  It also saves brides going out and trailing around charity shops and car boot sales, then being left with china they don’t want after the wedding.  I also work out cheaper.  The charity shops now charge so much for a tea set, or cake stand, because it is in vogue.  I charge £2 for a cup, saucer and side plate, that’s £12 for six settings.  A charity shop may charge you up to £30 for a pretty six piece tea set.
  

   What is your favourite design and why?
   I have so many, but my favourite make is Paragon.  They were huge in the 1920/30’s. Their patterns and colours were so elegant and timeless.  They used lots of greens, and I love anything in green! Like my wedding dress!

  What is the most popular item you supply and why?

Cups and saucers, two tier cake stands, and china tea pots.  But my new bunting is proving very popular.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Wedding blogs are great.  And I am totally and utterly addicted to Pinterest. 

What is in store for you in 2013

Well, I had to buy a 2013 diary last week, as I already had six bookings for next year.  I am excited to now be in my second year, and I have learned lots of lessons.  I am looking forward to all the wedding shows coming up, like the Trend Weddings Launch at the Marcliffe, and the Your Wedding Exhibition, which always starts our year off with a bang! I am planning my stand already.

Who would be your dream client, and what sort of design would you envisage for them?

Not a specific person, but a bride dressed in Jenny Packham perhaps, or a 1950’s style dress.  I am desperate for someone to hire one of those amazing Tipi’s, covered in fairy lights and bunting inside.  A little bit rustic, long tables set with vintage china, and using my old chemist bottles to put wildflowers in.  The cake table covered with one of my beautiful embroidered tablecloths.  That is one wedding I would love to be part of styling!! 

What would be your top tips for brides when searching for a supplier in your industry? 

Make sure you go and see their collection.  Look carefully to make sure they are supplying china with no chips or cracks.  Vintage items will have wear and tear, that is part of their charm and character, but they must be safe if they are to be used for food and drink. 

  Where are you based and where can you supply?

I am based in Aberdeen, and I am happy to travel.  But you can also collect the china and props and take them with you, wherever your event is. 

  How can I get in touch to discuss my requirements or place an order?

I am on Facebook, and also have a website www.avintageteaparty.com .  My email is info@avintageteaparty.com,  or give me a call 07722 409 323   I have a little showroom that you are welcome to come and view my collection and choose what you would like.

  Why do you like to work with Simply Bows and Chair Covers?

Nothing finishes off a beautiful table display better, than elegant chairs.  A wonderful vintage lace bow works perfectly next to vintage china, to bring the whole effect of another era to the room.

Simply pleased to meet you Janine! New Director of North Northumberland office Janine Robertson reveals how she came to join the team....

My Name is Janine Robinson, I am 28 years old and cover North Northumberland. This includes Doxford Hall, Eshott Hall, Ellingham Hall, Longhirst Hall, Linden Hall, Woodhill Hall, The Alnwick Garden and Castle, Guyzance Hall, Newton Hall and many more….

What is your background?

My background is in Renewable Energy events, whereas PA to David Still CBE I organized and attended exhibitions and high profile events as well as managing the National Renewable Energy Centre’s conference centre prior to that.

Why did you take a franchise with Simply Bows?
I worked with Simply Bows and Chair Covers on part time basis dressing weddings and events in my spare time. When the opportunity came up to become a franchisee I jumped at the chance of becoming part of this excellent team and well-known brand.

Why do you love working for yourself?
The main reason I love working for myself is it gives me the flexibility to spend time with my 2 year old daughter Halle

Why do you love being a Simply Bows franchisee?
Being part of someone’s wedding is very special and helping them create the look they want for their day is very rewarding, it’s great to walk away from a venue knowing you have made such a difference

Which "look" that you can create is your favourite and why?

I love using the ruffles and chair veils, they create something totally different and unique.

If you could dress a celebrity wedding - whose would you choose?

Taylor Swift – so that she might actually stop singing about break ups!

 Any really memorable weddings that you have dressed?
We dressed a beautiful Christmas wedding at Doxford Hall in Ruby Red with Champagne flock.

How would your friends describe you in three words?

Thoughtful, Funny, Caring – From the horses mouth, honestly I asked them! :)

Are you married?
I am married, my husband Lee and I were married at Matfen Hall on 22^nd August 2009. We had a burnt orange a chocolate brown colour scheme with Orange organza bows

Why choose SImply Bows over another linen provider?
Our quality speaks for itself and our customer service is second to none, regardless as to the area you are in. Our business is award winning, and I bet there aren’t many others that can say that.

How can Simply Bows blog readers get in touch with you?
Email me on janine@simplybowsandchaircovers.co.uk or telephone 07581 707539