This month it’s six whole months since I took over the reins of Etton Taylor and what a whirlwind it’s been. In that time, I have taken the brand back on the road, met hundreds of wonderful customers, hosted events and started shaping Etton Taylor’s next chapter. There’s so much that goes on behind the scenes of every business, no matter what size it is, that customers don’t get to see. In this blog, I am taking a look back at the past six months, sharing some of my thoughts and giving you a look ahead at what’s coming next.
I took over Etton Taylor in April, an exciting time as spring turned into summer and it was time for a new collection of gorgeous prints and breezy summer dresses. I have a longtime love of fashion and a keen sense of style, so being able to browse racks of clothes and chat to designers about their new stock is right up my street! But it’s also a serious task, as it’s essential I try and pick out items that people love and that together make an exciting collection.
Hot on the heels of that shopping experience (and after a lot of time spent adding the new products to the website and sharing them on social media!) I got ready for my first event. It was an Open Day at my home near Richmond, North Yorkshire back in June, and a chance for loyal customers to get a first glimpse of the new season collections. There’s nothing quite like those chances to connect face-to-face and get a feel for what customers love and what’s not quite hitting the spot. From there, the summer and autumn show season took off in full swing.
Next up was my first ever time manning the Etton Taylor trade stand and it was at the most perfect venue for someone who loves horses and eventing so much - Belsay International Horse Trials. From packing up the van and setting up to meeting so many new faces, the event flew by and gave me a brilliant introduction to life as a stand holder. From there, I went to the Festival of Hounds in Peterborough and the iconic Ryedale Show, each time patiently packing, unpacking and displaying the latest collections and Etton Taylor best sellers. I have tried to put my mark on one of Etton Taylor’s most beloved items, the cashmere and silk blend wraps trimmed with luxurious recycled fur, unveiling stunning new colourways including a vibrant hot pink shade and a divine turquoise. Top tip: keep your eyes peeled for a perfect autumn/winter update in gorgeous plum!
More recently came the North East Ladies Day’s summer lunch, a chance to join some amazing women as they raised money for charity, celebrated their impact and enjoyed browsing very stylish clothing from us and other vendors. Then there was the Femme Country Magazine Country Muse Runway Show, where Etton Taylor pieces hit the catwalk alongside some of the best in countryside style. I still have lots of content to share from this one and can’t wait to start sharing it with you! I then headed to the Grammers event in Durham, which was filled with fabulous fashion and inspiring women. The new autumn/winter collection went down a storm at these events and we’re still adding new items all the time!
There are only a couple of in-person events left for 2025 including the Alnwick Castle Christmas Fair on Thursday 20th and Friday 21st November and I am starting to plan for 2026 is hopefully going to look like from an events perspective. The cost of attending some events is huge and I need to work out budgets and what the business can realistically afford at this stage.
Looking back, it was a blur of boxes arriving, packing orders, rails of clothes, sales and wonderful customers, and that’s a reflection of the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. I always try to be super open about the energy, time and investment that’s required to keep the Etton Taylor show on the road and I admit that life as a small business owner isn’t always as polished as it might look on Instagram. As some of you know I also run Kilchurn Marketing, a successful marketing agency which celebrated ten years in business in September.
When it comes to events, you add in the travel, setup costs and endless hours of planning and admin, and I often joke that I am working for far less than minimum wage – or indeed any wage at all in some instances! But it’s a labour of love and seeing people wearing Etton Taylor clothes and feeling confident and gorgeous is something I wouldn’t change for the world.
So, what’s coming up for Etton Taylor this winter and beyond?
I am making engaging with you, our audience, a priority for the future, and that will include in-person events, online shopping, asking for your feedback and more. The aim is to truly shape Etton Taylor into somewhere that women can find clothes that make them feel amazing and that last them for years to come. Somewhere that they can see what will suit their body shape, ask about materials and fit and where everyone feels welcome.
There’s also a plan to work more closely with designers to bring in collaborations and more diversity in the range, while gently following the seasons and styles. There’s so much to look forward to and while there are challenges - one of the biggest hurdles is going up against brands with huge marketing budgets - we hope you'll be able to come along for the ride! Make sure you sign up to our mailing list so that you hear about new launches, events, and sales, and those collabs in the pipeline.
As we look ahead to the next six months (and many more!) at Etton Taylor, one thing remains at the heart of it all, and that’s you, our community. From the customers who visit the stand rain or shine, to those who shop online, share photos or send us lovely messages online, your support has made these first six months truly unforgettable. So, thank you, as always, for being part of the Etton Taylor story.
Faye x
