Social entrepreneur Anna Woods went from a highflying career as a buyer for top High Street fashion brands, to becoming the founder of her own sustainable fashion business, Positive Retail, tacking the retail industry’s waste issue.
She will be appearing at the launch of our Business Start Up Journey on Wednesday 11 October, 2023 to share her wisdom on entrepreneurship with budding student businesspeople.
‘I started this entrepreneurial journey because I knew in my heart the industry needed a solution to overstocks and customers needed to be a presented with a way to shop ‘pre loved and resale’ on the high street that felt compelling,’ she explains. ‘Resale already had lots of online options, things like Vinted, eBay and Vestiere, but there was no bricks and mortar equivalent that honoured the product properly.
‘I spotted a gap in the market to create stores where quality and value were honoured, along with the customer experience. Everything is expertly and thoughtfully curated, we have done the hard work for you- you’re not rummaging in samples sales, or bidding online. We’re here for you to have a chat and to try on in a premium environment.’
What started as a six week popup two years ago is now three stores with a bright future. Positive Retail hopes to be the ultimate destination that brands think of for their surplus stocks.
Anna continues: ‘Being an entrepreneur has felt like a pleasure. Yes, it’s incredibly tough but after years of bucking against the system and being frustrated with the status quo, I get to bring my own brand to life. It’s thrilling, fun, exhausting and magical. It’s a gift every day to be able to use all my skills and wisdom to give something to the world I am very very proud of. I know this is only the beginning.’
Email aspire@kent.ac.uk to book your spot at the Business Start Up Journey Launch on Wednesday 11 October 2023.