Young Entrepreneur: Natalie Good

Meet Natalie Good: A passionate and determined young professional building a name for herself in the fashion industry amongst loads of competitors. Natalie Good launched contemporary women’s wear line Andy Hall and hasn’t stopped building her brand since. Learn more about this focused and tenacious woman.

Notable: What is your Name and age?
Natalie
: Natalie Good, 27

Notable: What is the name of your business and what industry is it in?
Natalie: Andy Hall. It’s a women’s contemporary casual clothing line. www.andyhall.cafacebook; @weareandyhall

Notable: Elevator Pitch (we just met on an elevator, we have 30 seconds together in the elevator, please describe your business):
Natalie:
Andy Hall is a contemporary woman\’s clothing line that specializes in edgy, fashion-forward pieces that feel just as good as they look. After all, there should be no compromise between style and comfort!

Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
Natalie:
I started Andy Hall after 11 years of working in retail and completing a fashion degree. My experience working directly with the consumer in both the large corporate and boutique markets helped me to greater understand how and why people shop. I found that the casual market has been growing in strength, but the style factor has been slow to keep up. I hope that’s where Andy Hall comes in!

What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis?
Natalie:
I love being able to dictate my own schedule. I can work with my habits in order to be my most productive self! I don’t think I could handle a 9-5 computer job. My job keeps me on my toes and the variety of tasks makes me always feel challenged! I’m cutting fabric, drafting patterns, emailing, blogging, and running around the city all in one day.

What is the most challenging part of your business?
Natalie:
The most challenging part of my business is probably handling rejection. It’s a big part of any business but when the business is yours it can be hard not to take it personally! That’s something I’m working on. I’ve had a lot of positive feedback and great customers who are really happy with the line; I try to remind myself of that.

Where do you see your business going in 5 years?
Natalie:
In 5 years I hope to see Andy Hall sold internationally. It would be really exciting to take a trip to another city and find someone wearing the line!

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Natalie: I would advise any young professional to surround him/herself with a strong and supportive team. The first few years are really hard. For every yes you hear, there’s probably about twenty no’s. Every successful business person I’ve spoken to has said they went through this. It’s really important to have people around you to remind you to keep going, because there will definitely be times when you’re not sure if you can. Trust your instincts and follow your dream, those yes, are worth it!

What is your greatest asset as it relates to business?
Natalie
: I believe my greatest asset in this field is my direct experience with consumers. I feel that I have a stronger understanding of who my market is and what they are looking for. I make sure to keep that in mind with every season I design.

What does success look like to you?
Success, to me, is being able to have balance. I’ll know I’ve succeeded when I no longer have to worry about money and I can have a personal life as well! I hope to be able to have time to do more traveling!

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Natalie: I made a donation to the Red Cross for Haitian relief. I plan on integrating more of a charitable presence as the company grows. I’m really concerned about global warming, animal abuse, and (obviously) the people whose lives have been greatly burdened by violence, poverty, and corruption in their countries.

What is Notable to you?
Natalie:
Notable, to me, is people who take a chance and are willing to face their fears! Anyone who has gone out on a limb to do something they feel passionate about is worth our attention!