Building a business from passion - The glamorous Farrow Low

Kassie Low is the founder of Farrow Low, a glamorous accessories company that sells and designs earring and headpieces. She operates her business from a cute town in Essex, UK. Her latest summer collection is a big hit already and it got featured in one of the most popular UK morning shows.

Where the name, Farrow low is coming from?

Farrow was my grandma's maiden name and I just love it. There are so many cool and classy farrows around, like Linda Farrow sunglasses or Farrow & Ball paint.

How did you start your business?

I have loved fashion and accessories from a really young age. When I was little I used to raid my mums jewellery boxes and I loved the dressing-up box at school (I actually got into fights over it!). I’ve loved everything about fashion and when asked at the age of 5 what I wanted to do when I was a grown up I said work in a clothes or shoe shop.

Glamour is my passion.

Growing up I loved the elegance of the Dynasty and Dallas. Watching these American TV shows from the 70s & 80s has inspired me and has given me the basics for the style I am representing today – Power dressing, big shoulder pads, amazing dresses, lots of makeup and bold accessories, especially Alexis (played by Joan Collins) who always wore huge statement earrings and necklaces.

I’ve got inspiration also from my family. My Aunty Betty was an antique jewellery dealer, a real lady, a true fashion lover who was always very glamorous. Until the day she passed she looked amazing with immaculate hair and make-up. I still wear one of her pieces that she gave me for my 16th birthday till this very day.

I think my range is a reflection of my personality & style. Although I love glamour I also like boho, street & edgy looks so it's quite diverse.

Apart from selling accessories what else you like doing in fashion?

My speciality is trend spotting. I have a good eye (or so I have been told) so I love curating new collections. I love styling customers and friends and I’m working with other stylists too.

I still have so much to learn but I find it super exciting. I have studied fashion styling and marketing and communications at London College of Fashion which has been a huge help, and I’ve just enrolled on a new course for branding and marketing. I am also looking to employ an intern to join my team.

And where the idea of a physical shop was coming from?

It started when I was an accessories buyer for a well known boutique. I found it challenging and felt like the accessories market in the UK needed a shake up. It was all very boring. I wanted to make accessoriezing fun and glam again for all ages.

From there Farrow Low was started on Social Media. I hit the ground running. It was a whirlwind connecting with influencers, celebrities, stockists on major retailers including Silkfred, stocking independent shops in London's West End & Shoreditch (London’s trendiest fashion district), Market Stalls at London's Spitalfields & Portobello Road Market as well as Pop Up Events all over the country. I would travel to Paris on buying trips with my mum helping me with my cases! My mum has been a huge help, she helps with my post office runs, drops offs and the markets.

And now after so much work, our handmade head pieces (designed and made by my business partner Alexyi Reneece) and earrings got featured in This Morning, which is one of the most popular morning TV program in the UK.

What has changed in your life since you’re running your own business?

Running a business affects life with freedom and independence. I find it hard to switch off because I love so much what I’m doing. I keep a pen and pad by my bed for any late night ideas.

I get so much fulfilment from helping my customers choose a particular piece, ranging from earrings for a night out to a bespoke headband/accessory for their wedding. I love to see their outfits come to life and the happiness it brings.

Of course, it can be hard to stay motivated 24/7 when you work for yourself but then something will happen, like customers sending you pictures of them dressed up wearing your items, or tagging you on social media posts, or finding new pieces that you love, and then Boom! your back in the room motivated again.

What would be your advice to other fashion lovers who want to start their own business?

Just Go For It! Hit the ground running, learn as you go! You may make mistakes but you learn from them and that’s how you grow. I remember my first few weeks of being terrified to post on Instagram and struggling to take good photos but my family and friends really believed in me as I was doing something I loved and support I got was a great motivation.

There are so many boutiques now as social media, particularly Instagram, gives a good platform for businesses, but I think this is a good thing... social media has given to all of us the opportunities and choices.

I also great to collaborate with other small businesses. A lot of my friends have their own unique brands and businesses and it is important to champion them and show your support. It is tough but super rewarding and fun!

Last but not least here are Kassie’ Pearls of wisdom for business starters and business owners...

Create your own happiness – I believe this for myself and other small business owners.

Always be grateful – I keep a gratitude journal it helps to stay positive.

Keep motivated!

Support your friends and other small businesses.

Mediate - Calm Your Mind & Switch Off For Twenty Minutes Every Day