Kate Walton On Business, Fashion, Pilates and puppies...

Laura Kingston of High Life North magazine interviewed Kate Walton, owner of Havetolove fashion boutique Newcastle and Havetolove.com on Business, Fashion, Puppies, Pilates and puppies...

Can you tell us about how you got started?

I was 25 when I started my business. I had just graduated from university and I’d had lots of interest in my collection at Graduate Fashion Week. Both of my parents have their own business and for that reason they really wanted me to get a job to gain some experience. Because of that I was applying for jobs and starting Have to Love on the side but the shop took over and I’ve never looked back. 

What is it about Have to Love that women particularly enjoy?

I think its the really personal service I offer. Not just in-store when my customer’s come in, but I’m also in touch with them all of the time, texting them when I know something they’ll love is in stock. We sell boutique pieces at affordable prices so women can get items which are fashionable and different from the High Street stores but don’t cost the earth. 

What are your greatest achievements?

Over the years we’ve received a number of national accolades which I’m really proud of and were completely unexpected. I was voted Drapers ’30 under 30′ people to watch in the fashion industry which was fantastic and we’ve also been recognised in Vogue, listed in ‘100 best boutiques’ and ‘100 best shops outside of London’. All of the awards came completely out of the blue and really helped me keep going when I was working so hard. 

Read the rest of the interview here...

https://www.highlifenorth.com/2019/10/31/friday-interview-kate-walton-on-business-fashion-pilates-and-puppies/