LifecanbetoffWelcome to the latest instalment of Small Business Focus. This week I chat to Natalie from NATTILY.
I first met Natalie at Badminton Horse Trials in May, her small but brightly coloured stand stood out amongst her neighbours and I was immediately attracted to these brightly coloured gilets.
NATTILY is responsible for bringing the funk to country clothing with its incredible range of neon gilets.
They are not only snazzy on the eye and good to our planet but are instantly recognisable!
I’ll let Natalie tell you more!
Get Nattily Dressed!
Who are you and what is your background?
My name is Natalie Ryan (I was Lloyd and got married last June but still tend to use both names!)
I grew up on a farm in North Wales where I had a wonderful outdoorsy childhood. My parents are a huge part of my life and a massive support to me starting the business.
I did a degree in Zoology and did consider being a zoo keeper but actually ended up working in PR / events in London for 10 years!
What inspired you to start Nattily Dressed?
In 2016 my now husband asked whether I could create a more colourful, sustainable, British designed fleece gilet!
Never one to shy away from a challenge, I started researching and over two years later, in Sept 2018, I was at Burghley Horse Trials selling my very first gilets!
Not that many people have heard of the quintessential phrase nattily dressed.
It means you’re well tailored, looking smart and dressed to make a difference.
As I’m Natalie and the gilets are that bit different, the name fits quite well!
What has been your favourite moment since starting your business?
I have had so many amazing moments – I am lucky to work with some lovely retailers and other like-minded brands.
The customer support so far has been incredible! Every gilet I sell, I do a little happy dance to myself!
I think to meet Clare Balding at Badminton who loves wearing (and sharing!) her gilet was the icing on the cake!
Have there been any challenges?
Plenty and daily!!
Designing a product is one thing but then trying to find the right factories and suppliers who can support your vision and starting with smaller quantities and limited cash flow is extremely difficult.
I try very hard to keep good relationships with them all.
But, things always take so much longer than I ever imagined.
Do you have any plans to add other products to the Nattily range?
Yes…I’m adding new trim colours in time for Christmas and I’m hoping some other goodies too!
It’s exciting and I really hope everyone likes them!
The neon ping NATTILY is one of the current range 
Neatly branded with the NATTILY name and coloured hanging hooks too! 
Get yourself a matching NATTILY pompom to finish the look!
Your website states your gilets are made from 100% recycled polyester – describe what that means.
The fleece I use, which is the main component for the gilet, is made by Polartec who are one of the leading technical fabric manufacturers in the world.
All fleece is made from plastic, but, the fleece that Polartec make for me, is made from recycled plastic bottles (all post consumer use!)
On average, 20 plastic bottles are recycled to make each gilet.
Are there any plans to open a NATTILY store or to supply to country stores with the neon gilet? Other than online where can people find you?
NATTILY gilets are currently stocked in a few other shops around the UK which is exciting!
Parnaby’s in Malton, Yorkshire, Theresa’s Boutique near Shrewsbury and Frimbles in Bedale all stock them in their shops.
Lula Bo has an online shop however she also travels around the UK to a few events too.
I try and get out to as many events as I can as well, as I like to engage with people and gain feedback.
I’m always looking for new like-minded stockists who are willing to support new brands.
Country fashion, has for many years had a very distinct look – how have you found marketing a bolder than your average gilet?
After working in London during the week and being in the countryside at weekends, I was really keen to create a product which could be easily worn for all occasions by all ages.
So many customers wear them all the time, whether it’s taking the kids to school, going to yoga, walking the dog, shopping, heading to the pub, skiing, sailing, on the beach, hiking…so I think they’re a happy mix of country comfort and city colour!
With the added fun of a detachable pom pom and the sustainability element, they do appeal to a wide range of people; men and women, country and city!
I take mine everywhere – they’re warm, lightweight, wash well and can even be folded into a little pillow when travelling!
You’ve had a busy first few months with NATTILY, what are you doing to keep yourself relaxed and what is next for NATTILY?
I love being outdoors so I try to go for regular walks, horse rides and catch up with friends to keep a fresh outlook on things, gain inspiration and relax.
I do miss the routine and regular pay cheque, but being my own boss is the best and despite the challenges I wouldn’t change a thing!
The future is looking very positive, with the new additions for the autumn, I’m excited about the run up to Christmas!
Any final thoughts?
I would definitely say that if people were thinking of starting their own business, they definitely should try to do it alongside their full time jobs in their spare time.
Then once tested to just give it a shot.
I just kept thinking that if it doesn’t work I’ll go back to the day job!
Follow NATTILY on social media today!
Instagram
Facebook
You can buy one of these amazing gilets direct from the NATTILY website or find out where NATTILY will be exhibiting at an event near you.
Thank you Natalie!
What an inspiration Natalie is and so much success in a short time!
I look forward to seeing the new collection of colours in the autumn and what new surprises there might be in store!
Peace out!
Jangles x
