My Way: Sarah Curran, founder of mywardrobe.com, the fashion retail website, on how to succeed at work
'Creating an online brand takes a lot of cash'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.What did you want to be as a child?
I never had a specific career in mind, but I was always fascinated by clothes.
What did you think you'd end up doing?
My father ran his own business and we rarely saw him, so I was very anti-business.
Did you go to university?
No, I left school at 18 because I wanted to earn money and move to London. My first job was with a French steel importer. Not very glamorous!
What was the best and worst part about it?
The best was the team spirit; the worst that it was steel! I wanted to do something I enjoyed, so I became a sales assistant at a small fashion agency. Then I got a job with Laboratoires Garnier as merchandising assistant and space planner. After that I temped, first at News of the World, then The Times. I could see where online was going, and wanted to get in on that, so became a subeditor for Times Online, which was exciting.
Then what happened?
I had money from the sale of one of my father's businesses, and joined with a friend to open Powder, a fashion boutique.
You then moved to France – why?
My husband and I thought we'd have a better quality of life there. We kept our businesses going online, but six months after launching mywardrobe.com, we had such a fast-growing brand, we had to move back to the UK.
Do you consider yourself successful?
Success is something you judge at the end.
What are your interview tips?
I tend to look for personality more than qualifications.
What motivates you?
Creating security for my son Jake.
How do I get to be where you are?
Financial backing is crucial: creating an online brand takes a lot of cash. You also need to dedicate yourself to the business, be obsessed with your brand, and make a lot of sacrifices.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments