INTERVIEW: Sophie Westley, Founder of Love Find Co.
As you know, our theme for the month of February at the An Organised Life HQ is Falling In Love With Your Life and we can’t think of anyone else more fitting to feature than Love Find Co. founder Sophie Westley.
Love Find Co. is an online bridal stylist revolutionising the way women style their wedding day look. The platform is both a refined stage for bridal designers and a library of inspiration for brides allowing them to find and fall in love with their dream wedding dress.
An organisation lover through and through, Sophie’s online platform allows her customers to organise their special day with ease, giving them more time to enjoy the moment stress-free.
We chatted to the lovely Sophie about how her blog came about, how she stays organised, and of course - her tips on finding your dream wedding gown.
How did ‘Love Find Co.’ blog come about?
It was 2015 and I was working within the bridal industry when I had a light bulb moment for the initial concept. It was nearly a year of the development to when I launched in February 2016. I released whilst working in the bridal industry there wasn’t a chic contemporary website that offered advice just for the bride and her fashion. I founded LOVE FIND CO. with the intention of providing a platform for Australian designers, giving advice, and being able to shop bridal accessories. A one-stop shop essentially.
What gave you the confidence to start the blog & how did you know the time was right?
Both my grandfather and parents have their own businesses so I had the confidence to give it a go. The hard work that goes into having your own company was instilled in me from a young age. It took me a year from the initial idea to the launch date, as I wanted to have the business side set up properly. I guess there wasn’t a ‘right’ time to launch. I set myself a date and sent it live one night in February 2016.
You also work part time at One Fine Day? How do you stay organised and make time for both jobs?
The never-ending question! It is crazy, but I love it. I work at One Fine Day part time during the week, then I work on LOVE FIND CO. after hours and on the weekends. My Saturday or LFC days starts at 8am with emails, planning, and organising photoshoots. During the week, as soon as I get in the car after work, I am on the phone to clients. At home I’m head down and on my laptop until dinner. I try and unwind from about 8.30pm because I know not as productive without a good night sleep.
What is the one piece of advice you would give budding entrepreneurs thinking of starting a business on the side?
Be prepared to work hard and persevere. During university I did loads of free photo-shoots with makeup artists, photographers and up and coming designers. I did anything to build my profile as a stylist and create content. I think most people think the world of fashion styling and blogs is glamorous, however it’s heavy work lifting gowns, endless emails and lots of organisation for LOVE FIND CO. photo-shoots, blog posts and social media.
What has been your highlight & your most challenging moment to date as a business women?
A highlight for me is getting repeat business and hearing the success stories from each client. For example, through LOVE FIND CO. Creative Studio I styled and creative directed a photo shoot for Tania Maras and it went viral. It has thousands of pins, and even Lauren Conrad re-pinned it. It Maras’ website sales doubled, which is such a highlight.
My most challenging moment to date is probably the balancing act between all clients, working part time, and then trying to have a social life.
What are the top 3 ways you organise your life?
Lists, Lists, lists! I also try to mark every email that I haven’t gotten back to as unread. It just means that I HAVE to get through every single one and write back to them all. I also use my calendar everyday and an incredible website called ASANA.
What is your workspace style & what essentials would we find on your desk at the moment?
Right now, I am currently sitting at the airport waiting to board my flight from New York to Tokyo. My current workspace is literally my laptop, charger and a coffee! I am very lucky that because most of my business is online, I am able to just open up my laptop and get started. My other workspace is usually on location for an editorial. My most recent editorial was in Byron Bay during the sunset. It was real pinch me moment that makes me love my job so much more.
Are you a to do list gal? And what is your strategy for writing your to do list?
Yes! Of course I am - I don’t know how people would get anything done without writing lists. On my laptop I have a stickie for all the really urgent TO DO things and then I also use ASANA. It allows me to have TO DO lists and then break up between the different categories - I have for instance WEBSITE, BLOG, DRESS CONCIERGE, CLIENTS, CUSTOMERS and within those boards I have sub categories where I can write individual notes and updates. This allows me to remember something a client might have told me four months ago, so I keep up to date with their business.
When you're trying to find your dream wedding gown - what are the key things you need to do or know? It's such an overwhelming activity!
The search for a wedding dress is not only overwhelming but also one of the most emotional purchases you will ever have. My key advice would be to identify what your style is, like in your day to day life. If you wear jeans, t-shirt and blazer then you’re probably more of a classic bride. I would also suggest not seeing more than three designers or boutiques in one day. It is not only physically exhausting but also mentally draining and can be really overwhelming.
Where to from here? What are your goals for Love Find Co.?
I would love to go international with our editorials and dress concierge that features designers and boutiques. My focus is on growing both sides of the business - LOVE FIND CO. and LOVE FIND CO. Creative Studios.