This is the first interview in our new series that we're super excited about! We had to start with our founder, Jemima, who started Cotswold Fox in 2021.
Read her story below.
When did you create Cotswold Fox and why?
I started the brand when I was at the Royal Agricultural University studying MSc Business Management. One of my assignments was to put together a business plan which I decided to do for a clothing brand, this really got me thinking and I started to explore the industry further. It was also the middle of the eventing season and I was a brand ambassador for a few equestrian companies, but struggled to find clothes that I could wear both on campus and to training, so I combined my two passions.
What was the first piece you designed for Cotswold Fox?
The very first piece I designed was the Cirencester Quarter Zip in Mint, which is still one of our bestsellers to this day! We have now brought out the same style in 7 other colours as it has been such a hit.
What is your favourite piece you’ve ever created for Cotswold Fox?
My favourite has to be our new Tetbury Quarter Zip, which has just been released for AW24. They're such incredible quality with intricate, subtle detailing in two really gorgeous colour ways, watch this space for more releases! I also absolutely love our CF Sport Tees, they're so eye catching and unique.
What happens during a typical working day as a founder?
If I'm not at an event or on a shoot, I always wake up at a silly time, like 5:30am, and start working soon after to get ahead with emails before the day really starts. It's always a jam packed day with lots of catch ups with the wonderful people who help us, product design, website updates, marketing, analysing reports, and the list goes on! I always try to meet friends for a quick lunch and generally travel around in the afternoon, either visiting the warehouse, stockists, checking in on the shop or for external meetings.
I often squeeze in riding Moose or a gym session if I'm not away from home and then socialise as much as I can in the evenings, spending time with others really relaxes me and helps to switch my brain off!
Who/what is your greatest influence?
I think anyone who competes at the top level in their sport is amazing, the dedication and resilience needed to achieve that is unbelievable. Business wise, I really look up to Steven Bartlett, Grace Beverly and Aimee Smale.
I couldn't do Cotswold Fox without my mother, especially in the early days! And I am so lucky with everyone I work with, I've always got someone to bounce ideas off, talk through a problem or have an inspiring chat with. I truly believe that who you choose to surround you is one of the most important decisions you need to make.
What are you looking forward to in the future with the brand?
I'm so excited to see what the next 3 years hold for us. Especially the direction that our product design will go. I'm looking forward to our big winter events, like HOYS and London International, and an exciting photoshoot coming up.
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