Growing up, Cherish Reardon never had the intention of setting up her own business as she was extremely shy and had anxiety. However, after some encouragement, she started her own brand which is now making over £5million.
Her husband grew up in the manufacturing industry and he was the one who mentioned to her to start a clothing brand.
She started Popsy Clothing in 2013 and the idea was her husband would take the lead with the manufacturing side and she would design and sell the dresses from their lounge at home.
“Just the thought of not having to go for a job interview was enough for me to go for it,” she said.
In 2023 the business had a turnover of £5million, which she aims to continue to grow and grow and take to new heights.
Cherish first attempted to sell her clothes on Etsy, however, they weren’t selling. She was struggling to market the clothes and get people’s attention.
It wasn’t until she created a Facebook page and shared her own story that the business picked up.
Ms Reardon said: “I set up a Facebook page and did something that changed my life. I shared my story. I stopped hiding behind a computer screen at home and I very quickly realised that there were thousands of other women who felt the exact same as me! I wasn’t alone.
“From then a community started and I set up a Facebook group Popsy Clothing Frocks and Friends so we could share our outfits and make friendships.
“That Facebook community now has over 50,000 members with a social media following of over 200,000 women. We have meet-ups taking place across the country where women meet up in person and I do a weekly live video still from home where thousands of our customers watch. “
Popsy Clothing is now an international clothing brand with customers in over 60 countries. They design and manufacture dresses in Nuneaton and their customers have
Her top tips for aspiring entrepreneurs are:
- step out of your comfort zone and don’t be afraid to try new things
- be your authentic self
- build a community
- surround yourself with a good team
Cherish has been from height to height since believing in herself. Popsey clothing has helped other women with their confidence and has won numerous awards.
The mum of two has been to Downing Street to represent small businesses, do guest speaking helping others with their confidence and Popsy Clothing designs have been worn on numerous TV shows.
She continued: “As the business grew so did the team and with that the pressure of employing others. I wasn’t making decisions to earn a little bit of extra money for our own family bills anymore, I was responsible for making sure other people got paid too.
“There were times I worried I had bitten off way more than I could chew but it comes back to having the right people around you to support you.
“If I am really honest the figures to me are just numbers. Being able to continue providing clothes that make women feel good about themselves, volunteering in schools to help students, encouraging creativity amongst youngsters and being able to offer employment to other people is invaluable.”
Cherish was able to stay motivated when the business had not started to pick up yet because of her daughters.
She promised herself she didn’t want to be an anxious stay at home mum anymore, but instead wanted to show her girls that sometimes they have to step outside our comfort zone to make a change.
