Yan Economides is a designer and brand Founder for womenswear brand Yan Neo London.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
Studied a lot! Wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I left school, so I did A-levels in Business studies, English Literature and Law. Then I decided I wanted to do something creative and did further studies in creative fields and fashion and got involved with my family’s fashion business.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business /initiative? What motivated you within to say YES, go for it!”
I come from a background of a business driven family and it is just a natural instinct in my whole family to be in an entrepreneur’s mindset.
Tell us something about your initiative or current role. What is it about, and what impact are you trying to make?
I am the designer for a women’s brand focusing on slow-fashion and creating timeless good quality pieces that women can enjoy for many seasons and years. I believe in reasonable pricing for a good quality product. This is not an easy task but we seek out the best suppliers and factories to work with to create all the pieces that we want… and as sustainable as they can be as well as a focus on sustainable conditions and practices.
Your journey and your vision are very inspiring, but are there any achievements or accomplishments you would like to mention?
Every collection is an accomplishment and an achievement as the work involved is detail oriented, of course when every customer who enjoys our clothing and tells us they wear the pieces years over is definitely an achievement. We have achieved international success by selling to many countries abroad both direct to customer and through small boutiques. However I am also pleased to say we are able to give our excess fabric leftovers to schools where children re use them to make their own creations. Children lead the way forward to as our future creators so being a part of that however small is very fulfilling.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
Keep going. Women have to strive that little bit more than men usually but things are more balanced now than they ever were. If you want to do something and you strongly believe in it then make it your purpose and keep going. One of my favourite quotes is ” The only way out is through” – Robert Frost – so keep going!
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
It’s fantastic. Why shouldn’t it be that way? If they can do the job just as well and are given the opportunity then it’s great. Sometimes just getting the opportunity is the hardest part to show what they can do and that is the way forward.
What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
If you want to be an entrepreneur, have your own business or be in fashion in particular it is something you need to love, you need to be driven and be in the right mind set. Because of its competitive nature there will always be learning curves and ups and downs but as with anything goal orientated you need perseverance if you want to reach your goals.
