Ripon artisan turned her mum’s sewing room into a luxury brand
Following the dream of creating a thriving alternative fashion brand has become a reality for a Ripon woman after starting out in her parents' spare room.
Bridie Rimmer is a leatherworker and designer and owner of Luxe Rebel Leather Co, which specialises in bespoke, lifelong leather jackets.
The 38-year-old explained how it started: “My business journey began 10 years ago, when I was 28, in my parent’s spare room.
"I’d always been interested in textile work, so I originally started off in bridalwear.
"As things developed, I found my passion for more alternative fashion, branching into ‘alternative bridalwear’ which eventually morphed into my niche - bespoke leather jackets.”
“My products are centred around heirloom fashion - pieces designed to stand the test of time and, ideally, be passed down to the next generation.”
Bridie added: “This business is deeply rooted in my family history.
“I grew up with my mum and grandma as creative inspirations, both making their own clothes, which is a key part of why heirloom fashion is so important to me.
"This was also part of my business origin itself. The room I started my business in was actually my mum’s original sewing room,” Bridie explained.
“I had to grow in confidence both as an individual and a businesswoman in the early stages of the business.
"Learning how to price myself - and value my craftsmanship - was super important, and took a while to get my head around.
"My parents always wanted me and my siblings to chase our dreams, which made the process much easier.
"I think both financial and emotional support is crucial in those early stages, and I’d recommend anyone to start their business in that environment if they can.”
Bridie has been a Starling Bank business customer since 2019, using their Spaces function to help separate money flow and grow her business.
She is currently working with Starling to champion small businesses started with the support of family members.
New research from the bank of 1,500 UK small business owners has found over half of the UK’s small businesses now begin in a shared household, with seven in ten founders who lived with their parents or guardian receiving direct financial support, free workspace, utilities and meals amounting to nearly £23,000 worth of support.
As with Bridie’s experience, 42 per cent of founders say their parents provided financial guidance, business advice, or shared lessons from their own experiences running a business.