Kate Speers, owner and founder of Ivory & Pearl bridal boutique describes her job.
What was your first job?
My first job was working in a bakery earning £1.80 an hour, not getting paid for my lunch break and then having to buy my bacon buttie from the bakery. I worked there for a summer, and needless to say I didn’t have much money saved up when I started back at school.
What qualifications do you have?
I have a degree in business studies from the University of Ulster, which, along with my work experience, has been very useful in setting up Ivory & Pearl. I also have a NVQ in youth development as I love doing youth work outside of Ivory & Pearl. I’m also a member of the Chartered Management Institute and I recently was elected on to their regional board in Northern Ireland.
What do you attribute your success to?
Hard work, good research and lots of help from family and friends. I’m a bit of a research junky. Before opening Ivory & Pearl, I spent a lot of time researching the wedding industry, potential suppliers, and ways to promote Ivory & Pearl. I still do it on a daily basis, as I want to ensure Ivory & Pearl becomes the best bridal boutique in Northern Ireland.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
Very active. I would describe myself as someone who just can’t sit still, I am the person who is hoovering around your feet when you’ve just sat down with a cuppa to watch the TV. I like to stay busy and I love my job, but I also love nothing more than spending time with family and friends.
How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
Make it fun, get the balance right and play them to their strengths.
If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
There are a few people that can be a bit doom and gloom about Northern Ireland, but I think it is a great place to do business. There are great opportunities here; we have some fantastic companies and a very vibrant business community. I actually wouldn’t change anything.
What website could you not do without?
I couldn’t do without Facebook. It’s where I tell all my brides-to-be about new designers, sample sales and give helpful hints and tips for their wedding. It has been a great way for brides to find out about Ivory & Pearl (www.ivoryandpearl.com).
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
Travelling. As I worked every summer from the age of 14, I felt that I missed out on going on all the holidays that my friends went on. They were doing summer teams around the world while I was selling cardigans in Next. So when I was 21 I told myself I would do as much travelling as possible. I have kept that promise and I love it.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in their career?
Take every opportunity, always be willing to learn, take advice from smart people, and keep focused on your end goal of what you want to achieve in your life.
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