Rebecca McWattie chose a perfect name to represent her online, retro women’s fahion store with Stop Traffic Clothing. Read on to find out about Rebecca’s start in fashion, why she chose to going into business for herself, and the advice she would like to give to other young, female entrepreneurs just starting out.
Company Name:
Stop Traffic Clothing
Year Established:
2010
Website: http://www.stoptrafficclothing.com Twitter: @StopTrafficC Facebook: Stop Traffic Clothing
What is your business all about?
Stop Traffic Clothing is an online women’s fashion store – selling the finest Retro & 1930s, 40s and 50s Vintage Inspired brands including Bettie Page Clothing and Stop Staring! We are the one stop shop for ladies wanting the Mad Men look, even down to the seamed stocking. We ship worldwide and pride ourselves on great customer service.
What does your background look like?
I was a freelance writer – writing two motion picture screenplays, one of which is still pre-production. Writing has always been my first love and now I am lucky enough to be able to combine my love of fashion with my writing – my articles now featuring in The Vintage Guide to London, Vintage Life Magazine, Vintage Seekers and I’m the Period and Vintage Fashion Expert for Vintage Allies U.S – I also write my own blog http://www.stoptrafficclothing.blogspot.com This has been a great way to promote Stop Traffic Clothing.
Why did you start your business, launch your first product, or build that community in the first place?
My love of Hollywood movies and glamour inspired me to start Stop Traffic Clothing and meant I could continue writing from home. I noticed it was difficult to find all my favourite retro brands at one online store and I was getting tired of trawling to page 8 or 9 on google. I just wanted an online store that had really elegant dresses for any type of occasion that would turn heads – whilst still being affordable.
What are your favorite things about being young, female and entrepreneurial?
I love working from home and I love working for myself. Donald Trump once told someone they were a one-person-player and would never be motivated by the ‘team’, I think I’ve always been that way. Writing is a job for a loner – that isn’t a negative thing – I just like having my own space and feel I can achieve more that way. Youth is sometimes scary because you already know you will make mistakes along the way.
Do you have mentors or people you admire that you think of when making business decisions?
My parents are my major mentors, I trust their advice and count on them as my sounding board when I need to talk something through. I also have great friends who are all professionals with different skill sets – their advice and support has been invaluable throughout the process of starting up. Some of my girlfriends even help out at events – women really are amazing at showing their girlpower!
What have been the advantages of being young and female while building your business?
I’m glad I’m not an old man!! I’m not sure there are advantages – it’s hard to get people to take you seriously when you’re young and new on the scene. You have to build a reputation. However, I think it’s easier to be motivated to achieve when you’re younger. Hopefully you can learn faster and you are generally more adaptable to change. In the fashion business, whilst I am dealing in retro, I think it’s still very important to be in touch with current trends – retro being one of them!
What are the disadvantages you’ve faced, if any?
Getting funding was the major hurdle followed by choosing the right web design team and now the on-going hurdle is keeping on promoting and marketing ourselves on a budget!
What is your advice for a young, female entrepreneur just starting out or in the research stage?
The key thing is to choose a career you really love – if you want to start up your own business it’s a huge responsibility but the love of it will help you through the difficult times.
What is your drink of choice?
Champagne – although I don’t drink it for breakfast like Marilyn Monroe!
What can we find you doing when you are not working on and in your business?
I enjoy vintage style parties and events – where I obviously get to show off our amazing dresses! I enjoy nice restaurants and good wine, the theatre – i’m lucky enough to review many plays and musicals – and whenever I have enough free time I love to bake! I am just about to go to Florence, Italy – my favourite place in the world, for a much needed rest – I will still be blogging whilst i’m out there though!
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Great blog post! I am a young female entrepreneur too, so its great to read about others in the same field.
Fab stuff! xxx
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