Jun 182 min read

5 Words Of Wisdom We Learnt From Karen Millen's Mumble In Conversation

Karen Millen needs no introduction. Having founded her legendary British womenswear brand in 1981 with just £100, growing the business exponentially and making a successful company sale in 2004, her entrepreneurial wisdom is enough to make us all want to open our notebooks. On Thursday 13 June, Mumble Forum curated a glamorous lunch at Mayfair’s Savile Club in support of Karen’s co-founded charity Teens Unite. Over a three course meal, guests were privy to an intimate conversation between Karen and Mumble’s founder Monique Hodgson. Missed the event? Below, read Karen’s five most valuable pieces of business wisdom.

When starting a business, do your research

Karen placed a heavy emphasis on how, when founding a business, it’s vital to do all the necessary research in your industry – and to upskill and learn the parts of business foundership that you don’t already know. Networking is key, too, and something Karen counts as a business essential.

2. We are all afraid of doing something different and new

Feeling the fear of founding a business or taking the leap as an entrepreneur? Even Karen Millen has been there. Newsflash: if you’re afraid and taking a big leap that feels uncomfortable, you’re probably doing something right.

3. If you’re doing something you love, working hard comes more readily

Karen’s passion and sheer love for her brand was evident: when asked what the driving force was behind her determination and work ethic, it was her passion and belief in the business, and dedication to the long-haul. “You need to be in it for the journey, and to cultivate all the disciplines you need,” explained Karen. “I believed in us.”

4. You are only as good as the people you surround yourself with

Hiring a team is always a hot topic. Karen’s advice? A business is only as good as the people it has working for it, and the employees a founder surrounded herself with. Karen encouraged the audience to really think carefully about hiring, and to focus on building a strong team.

5. Never take “no” as an answer

Having founded a fashion business back in the 1980s, raising funds and investment for what was still seen as “the rag trade” was a huge challenge. Karen urged the audience to never see “no” as an option, and to keep pushing forward with a business they loved and believed in. Karen summed it up simply: “If the door is closed, go through the window”.

Find out more about Karen’s charity Teens Unite here: https://www.teensunite.org/