Giveaway: Handmade Cuff from York Design Company!

Our favourite new accessories have to be these gorgeous handmade cuffs by York Design Company! 

Designed and made by owner Laura, her great range of cuffs are the absolute must-have accessory for every prepster! 

I caught up with Laura to ask her all about starting her own business and how it has changed her life. Carry on reading for my interview and to find out how to enter our giveaway...

What inspired you to start your own business, and in this particular field? 

I was inspired to start my own business after working for a year at a desk job after college. I graduated at the beginning of the economic recession, so finding a job was tough! I decided to go back to school to get my master's degree from Georgetown and to try to be a little more competitve in the work force. I loved my program so much, and my creativity and dreams really took flight during that time. I decided to go for it on my own!

What were the challenges you faced in establishing yourself? 

The biggest challenge was looking at the world through a small business lens. I have lots of experience in communications, marketing, and PR, but in terms of small business knowledge, I was starting from scratch. By approaching various professionals and asking questions, I learned more than business books and classes might have been able to teach me. My curiosity taught me quickly that business is about building strong relationships.

What are the pros and cons of owning your own business? 

The biggest pro is using my creativity and channeling it in a direction that works uniquely for me. I find that I do my best work when it's created organically, without restrictions from myself or others. Another huge pro is meeting the fabulous people that I get to work with in designing, collaborating, and selling. It's so much fun to work with people that are passionate about their businesses and causes.

I truly don't think there are very many cons; it's all what you make of it, so I try not to have any!

What has been the best moment so far? 

I think the best moment so far was the first time I had the realization that I LOVE what I'm doing. This happens often, but I remember the first time I sprang out of bed to jump in the shower and grab my coffee as quickly as I could, because I just couldn't WAIT to get to work! It was a great feeling.

Which inspirational figure would you love to see wearing one of your designs? 

Jackie Onassis in the past, and Kate Middleton in the future. Both are the epitome of classic and fun fashion. Jackie was the first to lead the trend in wearing both Lilly Pulitzer dresses and Jack Rogers sandals, and I feel that my product compliments both of those brands, as well as Jackie's overall style. Kate is setting a great example for young women all over the world with her amazing taste in elegant and modern fashion. She always looks beautiful and approachable. I would be delighted and honored if she would ever choose to wear a York Design Company bracelet!

What are your future plans for the business?

I would love to grow the brand and eventually offer more products and accessories. I think needlepoint is such a fun and classic way to add unique style to your wardrobe, so it would be wonderful to create other staple pieces that women love to wear.

If you could offer one piece of valuable advice to someone wanting to start their own business what would it be?

Be yourself. I know it sounds cliche, but it really works! It's so easy to get intimidated when starting your own business because you're just learning and you have so many questions. If you're openly curious and are willing to learn, most people will be happy to help you because they've been in that situation before too. So be yourself, be friendly, and ask lots of questions!

For your chance to win the gorgeous Polka Dots cuff, do the following....

Send me an email at politicalstyle@gmail.com stating your name and address.

For additional entries:

Follow Political Style on Facebook
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Follow York Design Company on Facebook
Follow York Design Company on Twitter

The giveaway closes on Monday October 29th 2012 and is open to all readers. Good luck!