5 January, 2024
Fashion
By Corséa
What sets your dress hire service apart from others in your city?
At Niche, we distinguish ourselves through our commitment to delivering an exceptional and memorable customer service experience. What sets us apart is our dedication to investing time and effort into assisting each client on a personal level, ensuring they find a dress that not only fits perfectly but also makes them feel amazing. When you choose to rent with us, it's not merely about booking a dress and wearing it – it's about the journey and the care we put into enhancing your overall experience. We go beyond the garment, striving to create a luxurious atmosphere that resonates with you throughout the entire process, even down to the packaging. Your satisfaction and the creation of a memorable, personalised experience are at the heart of our brand, making us stand out in the dress hire industry.
How do you tailor the experience to meet your customers’ needs?
We go above and beyond to make the process as seamless as possible. Whether it's a last-minute order or accommodating a customer’s busy schedule, we strive to provide flexibility and convenience. For those inevitable last-minute orders, we work diligently to ensure timely delivery for all your event needs. Recognising our clients' busy lifestyles, we even offer drop-off services when needed. Our commitment extends beyond conventional business hours – alongside after hours try on appointments, we are available around the clock to promptly attend to your inquiries, ensuring that your experience with us is not only tailored but also responsive and hassle-free.
What's one thing running this business has taught you that you didn't expect?
One unexpected lesson running a business has taught me is the impact of resilience on success. While I anticipated challenges and setbacks, I didn't fully grasp the extent to which the ability to bounce back from adversity would shape the trajectory of the business. The journey has reinforced the importance of adaptability, learning from failures, and maintaining a persistent mindset.
My advice would be to begin by selecting styles that resonate with you and making notes on specific features you like. Understanding your preferences in terms of styles, colours, and materials is immensely helpful in finding the perfect piece for you. I also recommend starting the search early to ensure you can secure the garment for your desired date, as popular choices are usually in high demand. This allows for a smoother and more enjoyable experience in finding your perfect piece.
What advice would you give someone looking to hire a dress for a special occasion?
How does your service make high-fashion or designer dresses more accessible and affordable for the average customer?
Any Niche makes high fashion/designer dresses more accessible by offering an affordable and convenient dress hire platform. Many individuals are drawn to the allure of high-end fashion but may find the price tags prohibitive. We bridge this gap by curating a collection of garments available to rent for a fraction of the recommended retail value.
Through our platform, customers can access an extensive range of on trend designer dresses without the financial commitment of ownership. This allows customers to experiment with different styles for special occasions without worrying about breaking the bank. Ultimately, our goal is to empower the average customer to experience the appeal of wearing high end dresses, whilst maintaining budget-conscious and environmentally friendly practices.
In what ways does your business help in reducing fashion waste?
Niche plays a crucial role in reducing fashion waste by promoting a more sustainable and mindful approach to clothing. Like many, I was guilty of the one-time wear cycle, purchasing an outfit and rarely reaching for it again, if at all. Recognising the environmental impact of this disposable fashion culture, I wanted to contribute to a solution.
Through Niche, we encourage our customers to embrace on a circular fashion model. Instead of investing in a new outfit for every occasion, they can access a diverse and stylish wardrobe without contributing to the cycle of excessive consumption and disposal. By providing a platform for dress hire, we are extending the lifespan of garments, minimising the environmental footprint associated with single-use fashion, and fostering a more responsible and eco-friendly approach to wearing beautiful garments.
What has been your most challenging moment as a business owner, and how did you overcome it?
The most challenging moments arose soon after our launch when financial pressures and uncertainties peaked. It was at this point I began researching more and delved into marketing as a tool to attract more customers. I also sought guidance from seasoned entrepreneurs and fellow small business owners.
Furthermore, enhancing and navigating the terms and conditions of our business became crucial in the early stages. Having faced challenges such as late or damaged returns early on, we revamped our policies to be clear, protective, and aligned with our business needs. By being proactive in addressing these issues as they arose, and through my commitment to continuous learning and upskilling, I overcame initial challenges and better prepared for future difficulties.
Who are your role models or sources of inspiration in the world of business or fashion?
I find inspiration in anyone with the drive to make positive changes and pursue their goals, whether it be in the realms of business or fashion. I believe that the journey and determination of those who strive to make a difference, innovate, and achieve their aspirations are truly commendable and serve as a constant source of motivation for me.
Can you share a time when you doubted your path or decisions? How did you move past those doubts?
When I started this business, I was fresh off graduating from my bachelor’s degree in Psychology. During my four years of study, I found myself limited in my capacity to be creative, and to pursue other passions/interests. After deciding to take a break from post graduate study, my partner encouraged me to explore this idea that I had been pondering on in the years prior.
I launched Niche at the end of 2022, and while waiting for my first order to come through, I really doubted whether I had made the right decision and had fears of failure and instability. This was something I had no experience in and didn’t know what to expect.
Rather than giving in to the uncertainties, I persevered, regularly posting, and reassuring myself that success would come with everything set in motion. The joy and passion I felt in creating something I could be proud of were also significant driving forces for me. The turning point came on Christmas day when I received my first order. The sense of accomplishment and validation served as a powerful reminder that perseverance and belief in my decisions were instrumental in moving past the initial doubts.
What advice would you give to your younger self?