Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - Page number 47 - July/August 2021

turnaround times, but as well as this our ethical and sustainable ethos always comes before sticking to trends. We’ve been quite fortunate that over the last few years we’ve designed and launched products that have sat perfectly inline with what the industry is doing. Last year we introduced another co-designer to the team and these sorts of additions really help with keeping ideas and inspiration fresh. We’d definitely like to continue collaborating with others as we expand. What sets you apart from your competitors? The biggest thing that sets us apart is our story. Every product is empowering and changes the life of the woman who made it. We own our manufacturing and work directly with our artisans by offering them sustainable employment, training them up and enabling them to rise above the poverty line. Transparency is finally becoming more important in the industry and we’re glad to be a part of leading the way with it! How are you finding the current climate in the UK? Is it affecting business? Business has definitely been affected and there is lots of learning to be done as we still navigate this. There has been a transfer of sales from online to our stockists now they’ve been able to re-open. How do you view the future of independent retail post-pandemic? I think everything is and will continue to change. I think in the future wholesalers and retailers will eventually find a new rhythm of working. But personally it has inspired me to look at how often we should launch collections – should we be more bespoke with limited edition runs and how this would fit into other retail trends. It’s definitely something we are exploring and I expect many others will be too. It’s also been great to see online communities talk more about supporting small businesses throughout the pandemic, so we really hope that continues. Are you active on social media? How is this important for the business? Both Facebook and Instagram have always been a vital asset for our business and over the last year we have been able to continue our mission and story in Uganda with such an engaging online community behind us following our story. Whilst it isn’t always easy and is important to have continual fresh and gripping content we really do appreciate its value for Voice. Do you have any advice for new businesses starting out in the world of gifts? Don’t ever give up on your idea. If you’re passionate about it, follow it. Be prepared and learn to be adaptable where needed. What can we expect in the future from the company? Our biggest dream and goal in the next 18 months is to begin expanding. We want to be able to offer more women opportunities at Voice to help them build a sustainable future. As well as this we’re hoping to return to showcasing our collections made by our artisans as part of Paris and New York Fashion Week like we were fortunate to do in 2020! VOICE INTERNATIONAL T: +44 (0)7964 284 452 www.voiceinternational.org.uk 47 COMPANY PROFILE