Girls! Make Your Mark/Handbag.com People’s Choice

Handbags And Gladrags finalist

Clare Thommen, Boudiche, Glasgow
Many great ideas are dreamt up between friends over a glass of wine or two, but are often discarded in the cold light of day. But for friends and eventual business partners Clare Thommen and Fiona McLean this wasn't the case. Their lingerie boutique, Boudiche, was born in 2005 out of a desire to create a luxurious shopping environment in which women could find gorgeous lingerie that fitted properly.

 
Although the business came together at breakneck speed - 10 months after sketching out an initial business plan, Boudiche was ready to open - the girls themselves admit that the ride wasn't easy. They have learnt some important lessons along the way, including that it is essential to speak up for your brand, to defend it and challenge what you don't agree with. They single-handedly fought to have their venture recognised by the big banks and to gain necessary funding. After three appeals they eventually won.

 
Quitting their previous jobs, signing over their flats and pouring their entire life savings into the venture all contributed to the almost unbearable levels of stress but in their eyes it's all been well worth it and then some.

www.boudiche.com

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Photo: The Scotsman