The Founder of Jane & Tash
I want to introduce you to my great friend and the super creative Tash de Savary who inspires me every day.
What made you want to start Jane & Tash?
I always dreamt of having my own business and fashion was and still is the one thing I wake up and go to sleep thinking about. From a young age, I would drag my mum to Topshop (now owned by Asos) every weekend to look at all the different clothes and so, starting my own fashion company was a no brainer! Instagram also wasn’t a thing back then so I was always getting inspiration from fashion and lifestyle magazines such as Vogue where I would cut out photos and stick them across my bedroom wall (much to my parent’s dismay!).
The idea for Jane & Tash started after travelling to Bali one summer where I fell in love with their unique prints and designs which I hadn’t seen anywhere in the UK. I wanted to create classic outerwear with Bespoke patterns for women of all ages, shapes and sizes. I wanted to bridge the gap between different generations and make luxury coats for all women to feel fabulous in.
When you were younger what did you want to be?
I’m pretty sure I wanted to be a hairdresser or a backing dancer for Britney Spears…
What has been your favourite Jane & Tash moment to date?
It has to be seeing our coats in Harrods for the first time! We had only started Jane & Tash at this point, so it was such a pinch me moment to see our designs in one of the most famous and elite department stores in the world.
Who is the favourite person you have worked with?
I love working with my Jane & Tash team every day. I am very lucky to have wonderful team in the office and we also have a fabulous creative team including our photographer Mollie (@mxh.photos) and model Vanessa (@vanessarosemai).They are brilliant at bringing our ideas to life and we always have such a laugh on our photoshoots.
I also loved working with the buyers at Harrods when creating Harrods exclusives designs, we created really bold and eye-catching collections including the EMOJI collection, which consisted of embellished badges over gilets and a Pink and Purple multi-tone collection.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Don’t give up.
Which is your favourite item on the website right now?
The Houndstooth Puffer Jacket has got to be my favourite! It’s such a classic, everyday jacket which you can dress up or down. I am also obsessed with our new Beanie Hats which keep selling out this season!
Who is your ultimate business inspiration?
I have recently started following Pippa O’Connor Ormond @pipsy_pie and I find her such an inspiration Girl Boss Mama who just seems like a down to earth woman and a lot of fun! I also love following Conna Walker @connawalker. Founder of House Of CB and find her story of how she grew her business super inspiring.
What trend do you predict will be the biggest in 2021?
There are so many! I think a huge trend will be all things tweed. Think major Chanel vibes and checkered co-ord sets. You can’t go wrong with a tweed jacket which is such statement piece this season.
What are 3 words to describe yourself
Driven, hardworking and passionate.
What are 3 words to describe your brand
Timeless, everyday luxury.
What is the secret to success?
Loving what you do & staying true to yourself. I would also say not comparing yourself or your business to others.
I would definitely say that it’s important to try new things and put yourself out there as you never know where it will lead. For example, going to network events and building a LinkedIn page. Always stay true to yourself and don’t be afraid to fail or make mistakes as this is how you learn and grow.
What motivates you?
I absolutely love my job and seeing people wear and enjoy our products and new collections is a huge motivation. I am also motivated by my supportive family and fabulous Jane & Tash team who share my vision and embody the whole brand which is so important for any business to succeed.
Which 3 people would make up your dream dinner party?
Chrissy Teigen, Kris Jenner and James Corden.
What are you grateful for?
I am grateful for my health, my family, my amazing husband Jamie, my Hush Bassett Wilma & my miracle baby Penelope. I am also super grateful for my wonderful work team at both Jane & Tash and Muse & Moda.
What is one thing everyone should do?
I think everyone should travel at some point independently (when the lockdown restrictions ease of course!). It’s so important to experience different cultures and there’s no better way to do that then travelling.
What are you reading right now?
I don’t have a lot of time to read right now with an 11-week-old baby, but when I do have time, I get all my book recommendations from @thecandidbookclub – go and check them out!
A Hush Bassett
What are you most unapologetic for?
My shopping habit!
What is the best aspect of having your own business?
The best part of having your own business is you control your own destiny, and for the most part you can choose who you work with. I get to make key decisions and I enjoy the responsibility of being my own boss. I love having the ability to work across all aspects of the business, from designing new pieces to creating Instagram content which makes the role diverse and stimulating.
What is the hardest part of having your own business?
The hardest part of having your own business is not being able to switch off completely and also juggling being a new mum! Having your own business means being responsible for your employees and overseeing key decisions so there is the pressure of that understandably. It’s all worth it in the end though and I love what I do which keeps me going during difficult times.
What is something you’re currently working on?
Working on an exciting Summer Collection for Jane & Tash – bring on the Summer!
What will Jane & Tash look like in 10 years time?
I hope to grow the Jane & Tash team further and have a wider office space with a warehouse (these coats take up a lot of room!). I would like the brand to be a lifestyle brand, not just outerwear which is something we are currently working on. We have established a strong US customer base and would like to expand globally across the Middle East, Australia and Asia.