IVY HAVEN
We got the pleasure to do an interview with Rachel Okungbowa, who is a participant in our Dig Deep Program. We explored why she wanted to take part in the Dig Deep Program, her new business and how she has found building her business.
Can you introduce yourself - your name and what you do?
Rachel - Co-founder of Ivy Haven, marketing lead, website tech, photography, and content.
Sarah - Co-founder of Ivy Haven - design lead, focus on design creation, fabric sourcing, photography, and content.
Why did you want to take part in the Dig Deep Programme?
As a creative and an entrepreneur, I joined the Dig Deep Programme because I want to gain entrepreneurial skills that can help me grow in my role and help to elevate my business. I come from an advertising and marketing background to which I have acquired a lot of skills I can utilise for my business, however, I feel the programme has resources that can help me learn new skills and enhance the ones I have already.
I also feel motivated being in a female-led community that are all inspiring and have a diverse range of skills. The learning opportunities from this programme are endless and I have faith that by the end of the programme, I would feel like a fully equipped entrepreneur that can achieve all her business goals.
What is the new business that you have been developing?
Ivy Haven is a small handmade fashion & accessories business run by myself and my sister Sarah. We started by creating headbands and then we decided to include cushions into the range too. Our design in headbands is unique and stands out in the local fashion community.
What has been your biggest hurdle since you started your business?
Since the launch, we have been so focused on gaining sales and introducing new product ranges, that we forgot to focus on what our brand vision and values are. We discovered that we didn’t want to be just a business that sells but we wanted to be a brand that people can identify with. Overall, to be a brand that brings a community together through fashion and accessories.
How do you see your business developing in the future?
We aim to introduce more pieces to our headband and cushion ranges while exploring other fashion and home decor items we could potentially create and sell. The dream would be to also bring out a clothing range and own a store we could sell all our products in.
What misconceptions did you have about starting your own business?
For a small brand that started off on a trial basis, we didn’t have a huge amount of information about starting a business. We felt that we needed more a lot of experience to start a business but eventually, once we knew what our product was and felt confident in it, we just needed to know how to market to the right customers.
What have you learnt about yourself since starting the programme?
I learned that I have to make time to focus on my business goals. Dig Deep has helped me to break down both my businesses into my visions, values, and goals to help me stay on track and motivated to achieve my full potential as an entrepreneur.
I have also learned I have to be open to feedback from customers and peers. This has helped me notice what I am doing right and what I can improve on. Lastly, being able to have that conversation about it, create a reminder of the focus of my business, why I am doing it, and what direction I want to take both my businesses.
What/who influences/motivates you?
Passion, family, and friends are what influences and motivates me. Creativity has always been my main strength and it is what my family knows me for. I feel my best when I have the freedom to explore creative paths and my family and friends always support and encourage me to reach my full potential.
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far since starting your business?
Being able to launch two businesses Mala and Ivy Haven amid a global pandemic in 2020. We didn't let the lockdowns stop us from launching and continuing our business development despite funding issues due to COVID-19.
What have you learnt about your business in the last 3 months?
It is not always easy starting a business and I have learned that I need to dedicate most of my time to help it grow and flourish. I have also learned to be resilient, despite not always hitting the sales target, it has helped me look at new ways to market both my businesses and create new content. Lastly, I learned it is even more crucial to talk to my target market and have conversations with them. This helps to get our brand name out there and build relationships.
What things are you going to implement in your business in 2021?
For Ivy Haven, my sister and I plan to have more efficient business meetings and monitor our progress. We need to review our current brand ambassador programme and see what other elements we can implement in the programme.
We are currently exploring different fashion themes for each month, which we encourage our ambassadors to model our headbands according to a theme e.g. lockdown loungewear. We want to continue working on designing and introducing more collections.
What advice would you give your younger self?
You are your business, be confident in yourself, be confident in your business.
Focus on your strengths but never be afraid to work on your weaknesses
Don’t be afraid to experiment, try new things, and develop your work in multiple ways.
Where can people find you online?
Instagram - ivyhaven_uk
Facebook - ivyhavenuk
Website - ivy-haven.square.site