Izzy Lane pioneered the first ever organic vegetable box scheme in the UK with the launch of Farmaround in 1994. She then launched ‘Izzy Lane’, her own ethical fashion label using wool from rescued sheep and more recently started her own brand of organic, cruelty free eggs and milk ‘Good Food Nation’, available through her veg box scheme and Selfridges.
Before becoming an entrepreneur, Izzy was a musician, playing the saxophone in various avant-garde jazz outfits. She forged a colourful career in music, dabbling in various genres, touring and writing her own music and securing a record and publishing deal. Her future was clearly paved in writing songs for other people until the idea for Farmaround came to her and took over her life. Her first company has been a success from day one.
Izzy says: “Whilst I really enjoyed my music career, I felt that I needed to change my course in life, for me playing music made no tangible contribution society. When I started my business I felt like I was part of our society for the first time. Doing a pure art form can be isolating and uses only the creative side of ones brain. Running a business has really challenged me and has definitely made me a more rounded and grounded person.”
Izzy’s mission was to provide an urban-based, health and environmentally conscious crowd with fresh organic produce straight from the farm. The service was the first of its kind in London and was driven by a desire to promote the health benefits of eating organic food, the welfare of animals and the protection of wildlife habitats to those looking for a fresh, ethical alternative to buying from large supermarkets
In 2003, Izzy discovered that farmers in the UK were discarding wool from slaughtered sheep whilst Britain continued to import wool from other countries. Already a vegetarian she decided that she wanted to utilise British wool but did not wish to engage with the process where sheep are reared for slaughter, hence the beginnings of her rescued flock. From four lambs in 2004, she now has around 600 sheep on her farm in the Yorkshire Dales which lead on to her next business, fashion label Izzy Lane.
Launched in 2007, Izzy Lane is an ethical fashion label using the skills of the British textile industry and the wool from her rescued Wensleydale and Shetland flock.
The Izzy Lane collection was featured during London Fashion Week and won the prestigious RSPCA Good Business Award in 2008.Izzy won the RE New Designer of the Year Award at the world’s first ethical fashion awards in Shoreditch and was asked to show her collection in a catwalk show for the Queen.
In 2011, Izzy co-founded Good Food Nation which sells dairy products and eggs from animals which will never be slaughtered and is sold on the Farmaround website.
TNW: Do you have any tips or any advice for women who are thinking about becoming entrepreneurs?
Izzy: To try and start it in an area in which you are passionate. If you can marry up the things you care passionately about with a business idea – that is perfect. There is your desire to make a difference to the world, your hobbies and your work all rolled into one. It doesn’t even matter if you don’t know much about that area – you can learn and the challenge will make it even more exciting.
Read the complete Interview with Izzy about the animal welfare issues which drive her business; how she created a successful business from day one; and why she doesn't have a mentor.
Source: TheNextWomen
No comments:
Post a Comment