Ep 151 - Creating a Product Business Around Your Lifestyle with Ode & Ray Founder Renee Milner

Renee created a bootstrapped business with just £2500 which has grown into a renowned swimwear brand 

If you had said that you wanted to create a business that gave you the freedom to travel and create a nomadic lifestyle, a product business wouldn’t have been the top of my list but Renee has just done that. 

 

In this weeks episode we chat about

Rushing and Rapid Expansion Renee talks about the pitfalls of expanding too quickly and the mistakes that came from rushing important decisions.

Challenges in International Markets  Insights into launching in different countries  differences in consumer behavior and trends that required unique marketing strategies.

Stockholding and Product Suitability: Discussion on the importance of understanding stock needs and ensuring product suitability for different regions.

Current Challenges The hurdles Ode & Rae  faces as it continues to grow, including managing influencer partnerships and finding the right fit for the team that is brought into the business

Brand Perception and Key Styles: Realizing the importance of focusing on a few key styles rather than chasing trends continuously.

Social Media Presence Renee's decision to distance herself from the brand's social media, and the reasons behind this choice including future business exit strategy and personal imposter syndrome.

Investment Considerations  Her experiences with angel investment and the contemplation of further rounds, balancing external investment with her vision for the brand.

Guest

Renée Milner, Founder & CEO, ODE+ RAE

Renée is a visionary entrepreneur and the solo female founder of ODE + RAE, a female owned and led, luxury Swimwear and Ready-To-Wear brand, which she bootstrapped from the ground up in 2017. Through the ODE + RAE brand, Renée is committed to empowering women to feel confident and liberated, as well as inspire others to create a lifestyle that harmonises work and personal freedom.

Renée is passionate about freedom, personal growth, connection, happiness, and resilience; these values are the bedrock of her business philosophy. She advocates for maximising one's potential and living an inspired and authentic life, on your terms. 

 https://www.instagram.com/renee_rayy

https://odeandrae.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ODEANDRAE

Host Nicole Higgins 

Nicole has worked as a buyer and head of buying for over 18 years for retailers such as Primark, M&S and Debenhams and now uses her expertise and knowledge to help entrepreneurs start and scale their product businesses and continues to work on projects with corporates to increase bottom line sales and profits. 

She established her own business The Buyer And Retail Coach™ to help give entrepreneurs the confidence and knowledge to bring products to market. Her expertise covers many areas from product developmen