The three female Founders of international event design company, Savile Rose, share their experiences of launching and building a successful business.
What inspired you to start a business?
The need to allow our own personal identity to come out in what we do, reflecting our inspirations, drive and strengths. Having our own business allows us to push forward in a new and trend-setting direction, without restriction.
What is the greatest challenge and the greatest reward in being your own boss?
The greatest challenge is the sheer workload of excelling in your normal role, whilst at the same time building your business, creating a beautiful brand and establishing a trusted base of valued clients – but the success in these fields is by far the best reward.
What motivational tips can you give to our members about goal setting and managing both successes and failures.
Our company ethos is ‘making the impossible possible’ which applies in all areas of what we do. In many ways we are set impossible tasks, which with experience, contractor relationships, patience and hard work gradually finds a path to being possible. Its how you react to a challenge or problem that sets the level of what you can deliver, thereby your success as a company.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a business owner?
we work in a highly confidential arena where privacy is key and so that doesn’t sit well with showing the world what we do. We have to rely purely on word of mouth and the excellence of our last event to promote our future…which luckily is working well so far.
How have you benefited from mentoring or coaching?
All three of our directors have benefitted from over a decade working in high-end events which teaches you more about the business than any book. It gives you confidence to present your ideas to Royalty, the imagination and an eye for luxury to stay ahead of the field in design and the patience to solve tricky logistics. Mentors are key in the early stages and you should continue to listen and draw inspiration from the people around you, including your clients, as you will keep learning every day.
What advice can you give about the benefits of networking
Our network of contacts stretches across the globe and is a key linchpin in what we do. We are constantly looking for emerging talent and luxury suppliers, allowing us to constantly present new technology, venues and design to our clients. Knowing the right person in the right place at the right time is invaluable.
What are your tips for scaling a business and how do you plan for and manage growth?
We are a boutique luxury brand so each client would have 24/7 service by the most experienced director, therefore scaling for us is a gradual process. Its important to pick the right individuals to join our team who represent us as a brand and can deliver that luxury service to our clients, whilst also injecting some of their own passion into what we do. We work globally so also have to choose our projects with care, maintaining our high standards, alongside a good level of trust in our teams in every country.
What does the future hold for you?
We are lucky to already have a strong foothold in such an exciting and privileged field of business and look to extend this further, resulting in the Savile Rose brand becoming synonymous with global luxury, style and wonderful parties!
About the Founders of Savile Rose
Emma Summers
As the ultimate multi-tasker Emma is a master of logistics and detail. Years of experience go into every last component of our events with any challenge, no matter how big, being flawlessly delivered with a smile.
Charlotte Monahan
With a talent for listening and interpreting our client’s needs, Charlotte’s passion lies in creative and innovative event design. Providing that spark of inspiration and excitement, we make the planning almost as enjoyable as the events themselves.
Georgina Reames
Splitting her time between London and Los Angeles, Georgina has a wealth of contacts. Providing the hottest international Artists, Entertainers, luxurious locations and money can’t buy opportunities to share with our clients, wherever in the world they may be.
