A Baker's Dozen of Business Startup Tips

When I started this blog I wanted to share some of my journey with you as well as some of my insights into planning, setting up and running your own business. With things moving at a whirlwind pace for the The London Assembly, here are a few tips to get you started...

1. Talk about your business idea to everyone you meet. If you're passionate about it you won't bore them and you won't bore yourself.

2. Research every aspect of your business concept. Everything you learn will aid you even if it's just a "oh I already knew that" confidence boost

3. Read, read and then read a bit more. Why? see above!

4. Get as fit and as healthy as possible. this will make everything else just a little bit easier.

5. Learn to listen, you might just learn something you didn't know you needed to know.

6. Ask for help. The ability to get other people involved in your plans will be beneficial

7. BUT ask the right people the right questions and don't force people to get involved.

8. Take time out to totally switch off. I always come up with the most innovative ideas when I'm going for a walk or taking a bath ;-)

9. Plan, plan and then plan a bit more

10. Be consistant. Once you have defined your vision, your brand and your company values then follow it through with everything you do.

11. Work out what you're best at and become and expert, find out what you're worst at, learn about it and then delegate.

12. Make sure there is someone, indeed preferably a large amount of people who will actually buy into your idea!

and finally... Define your idea, create a vision and then focus on manageable time orientated goals.


Hope you find that helpful? Let me know...

Bis Gleich,
xx
A

Brighton Rocks

Other than being the permanent residence of my beloved sister, Michelle, I love Brighton!

Brighton was the location of my first 'mini break' with my dear Husband. And Brighton was where I would hop on the train from London the moment we had a sunny enough day and escape to sit on the stones gazing out to sea.

Brighton holds so many special memories. It's the place I return to for calm, uncomplicated relaxation.

Blessed with a few weeks holiday in the UK, I am happy making lists of fabulous things to do, wonderful people to see and exhibitions and events to inspire.

This weeks Baker"s Dozen: (in no particular order)

1. Watching Despicable Me 2
2. Designer meeting with the super talented leather creative Kervin Marc www.okmarc.com
3. Watching Lianne La Havas at Somerset House www.somersethouse.org.uk/music/summer-series-2013
4. The LoveSupreme Jazz Festival, specifically Espanza Spalding
5. A Wire Wrapping Course at The London School of Jewellerywww.londonjewelleryschool.co.uk
6. Visiting The Lowry Art Exhibition at The Tate Britain www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-britain
7. Hanging out at the Belorussian Embassy in Kensington trying to get a holiday Visa so I can go to my friend Anna's wedding in August
8. Playing with my sister's gorgeous Basset Hounds, Stanley & Henry
9. Working on my Happiness Project (Blog to come!)
10. Enjoying brunch at Carluccio and catching up with the super Anisah
11. Organising a reunion for my University Fashion and Marketing BaHons Graduate friends.
12. Watching, "Behind the Candelabra"
13. Making a final London Assembly Logo decision!!!! www.facebook.com/TheLondonAssembly

Come back to see how how I got on!

Bis Gleich
A

A Baker's Dozen: Part 1 Berlin Bucket list

You can't come to Berlin without visiting a few cultural monuments, but to be fair alongside the Berlin Wall and Brandenburg Gate the majority of tourists come to this vibrant city for the plethora of cool bars, pumping clubs and creative inspiration.

This Baker's Dozen, gives my top tips to where it's happening and where the locals think you should be checking out right now.

counting down...  

13.  BravoBarBerlin

Essential location for some drinks and dancing. Fabulous friendly staff and great cocktails. What more do you want? Oh, a cool sign! Translates as "Here is where you shine!"

12. Kosmetiksalon Babette: www.barbette.com
Karl-Marx-Allee 36
The distinctive 1960's Soviet-Era building is basically a rather cool glass box that serves excellent cocktails. if you are looking for a venue to sup some drinks and discuss your creative pursuits then this is an excellent venue. Sleek, modern & terribly hip!


11.Ankerklause: First Thursday Club www.ankerklause.de
Kottbusser Damm 104, Berlin Kreuzberg
Recommended by friends for friends! Cute decor and fun atmosphere, pop in for 1 or 2 but do check it out :-)

10. Berghain & Paranorama Bar www.berghain.de/

Dangerous on a Saturday if you're not the very open minded and liberal sort. Avoid the tourists and go dancing on a Sunday afternoon through to Monday morning! Avoid the sweaty trance kids and head up to the Panorama Bar for more of a house/electro vibe. Be warned this is all about the music so go to dance not pose! And the door staff really are evil and random plus absolutely NO cameras allowed... http://www.guardian.co.uk/music

9. Miss Saigon www.miss-saigon-berlin.de/
Yum! south Vietnamese food with the most hysterical incorrectly translated English menu ever! Food is exceptional and the place constantly packed by locals queueing out the door. Book in advance and settle in for whatever they recommend, it's literally all good! Oooooo but do try the house tea it's gorgeous.


8. Cafe Oliv http://oliv-cafe.de
Pause for thought in Cafe Oliv before you partake in some retail therapy along Neue Schoehauser Strasse, Rosenthaler Strasse and in Hackescher Hoefe. The open sandwiches are delicious, freshly squeezed orange juice spot on and don't miss out on the freshly baked goodies either. They are certainly popular with the cool locals too for a caffeine pep up.

Berlin bucket list countdown part 2 to follow shortly.

bis gleich!

xx
A

Baker's Dozen Series: Part2 Interview with Amy Silberzahn Part 2

On the u-bahn in Berlin.

A Baker's Dozen Interview Series

What: Interview Part 2
Who: Amy Silberzahn
Where: Berlin, Germany 
 continued from part1 ...

7. What are your favourite art/photography/creative gallery spaces?
I love the V&A www.vam.ac.uk/ in London, it’s an incredible space that houses, eons of amazing design and creativity. I’m also a fan of the Saatchi Gallery www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk also in London as the space is so bright and inviting, they always has great exhibitions. I enjoy visiting the Museum for Modern art  www.mmk-frankfurt.de in Frankfurt, the building is a fantastic piece of Architecture. 

8. What things do you find most irritating?
As a ‘thing’ if you can call it that, I hate the colour lavender, it is simply insipid, a non entity that never looks good on anyone and the curse of all bridesmaids and bedroom walls!

9. What's the biggest lesson you have learnt during your life so far?
To be careful who you trust, follow your instincts and believe in yourself. Nobody will ever find you as interesting as you should, ie. Work on yourself, become comfortable in your own company and look after yourself as best you can, physically, mentally and spiritually.

10. What makes you smile, laugh or feel happy?
Stupid private jokes, phrases and pet names with my husband, family and friends make me laugh. Bunny Rabbits pinterest.com/imerulo/bunny-board/make me smile and meeting people who are deeply passionate about what they do, whatever that is, makes me really happy. Seeking out new experiences, educational or inspirational and planning ahead makes me content on a day to day basis.

11. Who are your top 3 favourite shopping retailers

Cos Tangerine Draped Jersey Dress

 

Browsing through Vintage, retro and second hand shops bring me joy, Beyond Retro www.beyondretro.com in Shoreditch, East London is definitely worth a visit whenever I'm back and there are multitudes of great retro stores in Berlin. I think Zara www.zara.com and Cos www.cosstores.com are great for basics and a trend fix plus creative markets like, Greenwich & Spitalfields in London & Paddington Market in Sydney, Australia where you will always find something original. For something special, I try to shop in independent retailers, supporting small business is really important. www.shopgreenwich.co.uk & www.paddingtonmarkets.com.au

12. Name 3 songs you love and why?
I currently have a tune called Drifted by Groove Armarda on repeat on my ipod, alongside the opening track of the album Fragments by Submotion Orchestra www.facebook.com/submotionorchestra gives me goosebumps I also love Spread your love by the Black Rebel Motorcycle club! I have a fairly broad music taste!

13. Where would you like to be in 5 years
 I see myself still based in either Frankfurt or in Basel or Zurich in Switzerland. Ideally owning an apartment in either city or both!? Hopefully blessed with my first child. And career wise managing a chain of independent retailers in Frankfurt & Basel/Zurich supporting Independant British Fashion & Product Designers.

Basel, Switzerland

come back soon for an interview with a  talented British jeweller!

 

Baker's Dozen Series: Part1 Interview with Amy Silberzahn

A Baker's Dozen Series

What: Interview Part 1
Who: Amy Ogundehin-Silberzahn
Where: Currently: Berlin, Germany

It seemed unfair to ask other people to answer questions without trying them out myself first so please find below Part1 of my interview with myself.

Why: Creative Director of The London Assembly Retail and Creative space, Lifestyle blogger, Style and travel enthusiast.

1. Can you sum up your career to date in one/two sentences?

My career to date is an eclectic multitude of creative and business projects, now coming together in concept in Frankfurt, Germany. I have run my own fashion label that sold across London, to Paris and LA, worked in Fashion PR & Magazines, as a Business English Language Trainer, a Sous Chef and as an Investment Banking Team Assistant.

2. Who have been the most influential or inspiring people during your life?

Influential, I guess my family, my sisters are very successful in their careers and I find that very inspiring, I’m immensely proud of their achievements. I ran my first company with huge practical support from my parents and will never forget their constant belief and faith in me and my vision.

Outside of my family, I would say Caroline Baker who was my first proper fashion boss at the Mail on Sunday, You Magazine. She told me to go for it with my own label because I had nothing to lose and I love her for that.

I always have a plan B but that attitude; ‘what’s the worse that could happen’ looked at positively has helped me to try to live in the moment and follow my instincts.

My sisters and I on my civil wedding day

3. What were the last 3 books or films you watched?

A TV series called Fringe with the H – Fringe science is all the really fascinating alternative side of science like telekinesis, teleportation etc. It’s the cause of a few scary dreams but I love how it makes you think about all the weird possibilities the combination of science and imagination can throw up.

Books:  I am currently reading Erotic Stories written by women published by penguin as an antidote to last years 50shades rubbish and I've just started a business book entitled "How to set up & run a fashion label" by Toby Meadows which was a gift from my best friend. I love to read and at the moment am trying to absorb as much business literature as possible!

4. Which three places would you recommend as a must visit and where are you heading next?

Costa Rica

I visited Istanbul last year which was incredible as it is such a vibrant city of youthful energy combined with culture and history. The biggest trips I have made to date were to Costa Rica which was just beautiful and of course Australia oluremi-imerulo.blogspot.de: An-Aussie-Adventure-Parts-1-4 which is a fascinating, huge and diverse country.  Next up I would like to do a long weekend in New York, check out Berlin, revisit Amsterdam and explore Russia.

5. Name the creative and business people that you most admire?

Kaisa Larkas Mossop springs to mine, we went to university together and now she is a wonderful wife and the mother of three beautiful children, a personal trainer, a journalist and successful blogger. http://kaisalarkas.com/ Last year she opened a fashion boutique that just made the Drapers Record top 100 Inspiring Indies list! Impressive, slightly intimidating but definitly inspiring! popthefashionstore.com

6. If you could have something made bespoke just for you, what would it be and who would make it?

I think a beautiful piece of furniture would be pretty amazing, something like an incredible desk that would be used all the time and loved. Not sure by who though, I think it would be great to commission a new design graduate, giving them some funds and encouragement to keep going. It's hard to survive in the creative world.

An example of a beautiful desk- Airia by Herman Miller

come back shortly for part 2 of my interview with myself!