Caroline Clements never quite envisioned herself working in the men’s fashion industry. However, a trip to London landed her right in the middle of a specialised tailoring company. After Caroline graduated from Monash University in 1989, she knew she needed more experience and decided to set off to London. While in the UK, she gained valuable work experience in the men’s fashion industry and marketing, and obtained the skills to confidently start her own business. Caroline returned to Australia in the midst of the recession. But, after researching the marketplace, she still decided she would start her own tailoring business, Suit Yourself. Launched in 1992, the company provides a personalised service supplying men’s tailored suits and shirts.
“I always think of the advice I was given that your clients are like a glass of milk. If there is a crack in your glass and the milk (your clients) starts to drip out, it is expensive to fill the glass again. Hold those clients in the glass and nurture them. That is the most cost-effective way of running your business.”
Caroline Clements has learned a lot in growing Suit Yourself.
Her favourite aspects of running the business include the flexibility of time management, the low overheads due to no retail overheads, and the access to the use of all the tools and opportunities gained through education and experience. Caroline believes if she searched for professional advice to structure the business right from the beginning, she would have set more achievable goals. Some guidance in the business best practice would have also helped her to implement these goals.
To those starting out in any business, Caroline suggests developing proper business skills, including management of capital and investment. She also suggests ensuring that you have all business setup requirements fulfilled, such as legal requirements, a business name, a trademark and more. For Caroline, taking the time to meet and communicate with people across all industries in Melbourne, is rewarding. She also loves the variety of work within each day.
Caroline Clements’ advice for starting a business:
- Develop strategies for all aspects of the business.
- Believe in yourself and your product or service.
- Nurture your clients – they are the most important aspect of your business.
Caroline Clements is a Businesswomen’s Hall of Fame inductee. Read her full story here.
