Interior designer Kelly Hoppen said working in the Harrods belts department made her do something she felt passionate about
My first Saturday job was in the clothes shop Monsoon when I was 15. I lasted three weeks, then was asked to leave. After that, I worked in the belts department at Harrods but only lasted a day. I remember having to go up to the top floor to the staff canteen. I hated corporate environments. I absolutely loathed working there.
Then I worked for Joseph in Beauchamp Place in Knightsbridge, west London, and Joe [Ettedgui] actually became a dear friend. But, I thought, this is a lot of work for very little pay. I could be earning more.
I couldn't hold down a job ? I was either fired for not turning up, or left, which was why I started my own business at 16-and-a-half. I hated being told what to do. I was arrogant. I just didn't want to work for somebody else.
I remember loathing everything. I hated conforming to working in a shop. What it did was made me realise that I could work for myself.
One of the things I remember was how unpleasant people are when they go shopping. I was quite miffed by that.
I aspired to have my own business at a young age. I knew that I could do it and I've never looked back. I have worked every year since, other than a year out when I had my daughter.
I am writing a book about business and it's all about believing that you are capable, and having confidence and enough drive and focus.
I look at my own kids ? my daughter Natasha is about to launch a food range in Selfridges, my stepdaughter Sienna [Miller] is an actor and her sister Savannah is a successful designer.
Your parents, the way you are brought up, and the values you hold, have a huge part to play.
People fail all the time but you have to move on to make space for the next success. You have to do something you're passionate about ? working in the belts department in Harrods was hardly going to rock my world.
I wanted to have my own business and that is what I did.
Kelly Hoppen's new vintage-inspired collection is on sale at Loft Living in Selfridges, London, alongside her range of accessories and soft furnishings.
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2011/jun/24/kelly-hoppen-saturday-job
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