Runcorn fashion designer launches business in memory of her dad (From Runcorn and Widnes World)
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Runcorn fashion designer launches business in memory of her dad
12:20pm Wednesday 27th February 2013 in News Exclusive By Barbara Jordan
Hayley with some of her jewellery
A CREATIVE mum has launched an online fashion boutique in memory of her dad.
Mum-of-two Hayley Rock runs her own vintage clothing and jewellery business at home whilst working full-time as a fashion buyer.
She launched Daughter of David last year, after being made redundant, inspired by her late dad, David, aged 55, who died from cancer.
Hayley, aged 35, of Manor Fell, Runcorn, said: “He always used to say: ‘If you don’t try it, you will never know’. He was quite a determined person. I’m sure he is proud, watching down on me, spurring me on.”
Hayley gained valuable experience in the head office of Marks & Spencer on placement as part of her fashion design degree.
She then spent 10 years working for companies such as Matalan, Jeffrey Rogers, and Boohoo.com, as a designer and buyer.
She said: “I’ve been really lucky. I’ve travelled all over the world, to places like India, Singapore and China, sourcing fabrics and trims and placing orders for garments.
“I’ve got a lot of contacts.”
She learnt book keeping skills at a business course run by Halton Enterprise Scheme and hopes to open her own shop.
She said: “I’ve always loved putting outfits together from vintage markets and charity shops.
“You’ve got to be original and unique, professional and polite.
“People want an interactive experience when they go shopping.”
She is staging a charity fashion show for Macmillan Cancer later this year.
Her mum, Lesley, from Halton Village, is very supportive.
Hayley’s daughters, Ava, aged six, and Emmy, aged four, already show signs of being creative, and her sisters, Hannah, aged 34, and Lauren, aged 31, would love to get involved.
Hayley added: “For me, it’s about seeing my product on people that I get a buzz off.
“I dream to be able to run by business full-time within 12 months and take on an assistant.
“I’d like to it to become a family affair.”
(Note to subs - a selection of pics taken by Dave on Feb 25 are on the gallery - ‘daughter of david’) Hayley Rock with some of her vintage designs
