eMinutes Client Profile: Rory Beca

Please tell our readers about your business.

Rory Beca is a contemporary womans clothing line that I started 5 years ago out of my parent’s kitchen. We are known for our bright silks and prints. 

Tell us about the project you’re currently working on.

We have just launched our online store and since we don’t have our own brick and mortar store, this will be our first Rory Beca “Shop.”

Why did you become an entrepreneur? Is starting a business something you always wanted to do?

I have always loved fashion. I am the type of person who will do something if I feel strongly about it. I just jumped into the business and it has been a huge learning process.

What is the number one thing you wish you could learn more about, and how will you learn about it?

 I am always learning about prints and how they are made. I use original artwork for prints and it is very complicated how they are produced. I think the process is very interesting.

How has technology impacted your business?

Social media is incredible. It really puts you in touch with your customer. It also gives them an amazing grasp on your brand.

How do you use social media in your business?

Facebook, pinterest, my new blog, etc. We are into it all and love being involved with the customers.

Did you have a business plan when you started your business, and, if so, how much did you vary from it?

In the beginning it was really just a guessing game for us.  We didn’t have a business plan – we just did it, made mistakes, corrected them, and kept on creating.  I definitely asked a lot of questions along the way.  Now we have a business plan, which has helped tremendously.

What was your biggest mistake and what did you learn from it?

I don’t dwell on mistakes. Once they happen I allow myself to always take something positive from it.

What advice would you offer to a first-time entrepreneur?

Have an open mind. Listen to what others say and don’t take it to heart but always follow your instincts.

Have you received funding from an outside source, and how has funding  (or the lack of funding) impacted your ability to achieve your objectives?

We are always looking for an investor but we have not found the right match. 

How do you spend your workday?

I start my day out at the beach near where I live – either on a run or at the farmer’s market. I draw a lot of inspiration from living in Santa Monica.  Once I am in the office I begin by picking out fabrics, colors, building an inspiration board, sketching, and a lot of running around. There are a lot of small, un-glamorous details that are part of the fashion business.

Who do you rely upon in your business most, and what does he or she do for you that is so invaluable?

Everyone at this company is valuable. From my pattern maker (a good fit is everything), production (without her we would have nothing in the stores), my design assistant… Everyone here works together. We are one unit.

Do you believe that “luck” played any role in the success of your company?

Not sure if it is called luck or magic. Something happened and it worked.

If you had an extra $25,000 to spend on your business, what would you spend it on?

We have no room to grow our business because of finance. We cut to order and there is a high demand of reorders which we cannot fill. This would mean a lot more money for the company. I would put it towards that.

How neat or messy is your desk? 

Pretty neat but when I am feeling extra creative it is pretty messy.