“If you’ve got an idea do it, otherwise you’ll kick yourself in three years’ time when someone else does” – Tuesday on her new brand ‘Tuesday.’
I meet Tuesday in her studio, tucked away in the ECA, which overlooks Edinburgh Castle. It’s a light bright space which seems synonymous with her personality, and it is her personality which is the key element within ‘Tuesday.’, her new business, selling unisex rugby jerseys.
‘Why rugby jumpers?’, whilst there is no doubt that Tuesday is incredibly passionate about her brand, ‘it’s my name, I’m essentially selling myself, I have to be’, I want to know what makes her product so unique. ‘Growing up in South Wales, now living in Edinburgh, I wanted something that I could wear out in the field, but then also feel good in’. The product is what has been missing from her life.
Whilst rugby jerseys are not a new concept, people aren’t wearing them regularly. They are usually branded, primarily for those in, or supporting, a team. They are also traditionally incredibly heavy. Whilst Tuesday did have the Edinburgh winters in mind when choosing her material, she also wanted something which would be lightweight. ‘You can layer it, wear it in the art studio, the library’, she tells me, ‘one of the key things about starting your own business, does your passion reflect a gap in the market?’.
Tuesday has launched herself into the craze that is athleisure. Fuelled by the desire to look good but be comfy, particularly relevant as a student. The jerseys come in pink, green and blue, but she has plans to expand. What’s more, small businesses are on the rise. As we witnessed the closure of so many during the pandemic, those who can afford to are willing to invest in smaller start-ups, and reports suggest that it is easier than ever to start your own business. In a post-COVID world, an online presence is all you need, and social media platforms are now available to support this.
‘Everything is on Google’. From patenting your name, to creating a website, Tuesday explained how most things are available if you are prepared to search for it. ‘Be aware of scammers’, just as you intend to profit off your business, people will always attempt to profit off you. Tuesday hesitantly admits that she fell victim to fraud when initially trademarking her name.
‘Do, your research, ask as many questions as you can’, I asked Tuesday what her biggest piece of advice would be in starting a business. Tuesday comes from a long line of entrepreneurs, so business and ‘being her own boss’, which should honestly be her catchphrase, has essentially always been on her mind. However, interestingly she tells me that it was her third-year tutor who ultimately convinced her to make the leap, enquiring why her mind seemed in other places, and then informing her of the University’s entrepreneurial schemes. Though they keep it relatively hidden, the University has advisors and a grant system for those looking to start their own business.
In her blog she writes that running a business ‘is one thing [she] has always been certain on’, and I ask her whether it has been all she thought it would be, and essentially, the answer is yes.
‘It’s always going to be stressful, there is no deadline, but also no end’, but this is her passion. ‘It’s not for everyone, but in any regard, if you have a passion what is holding you back’, she states. Tuesday has been overwhelmed by the support and generosity of her friends, who have helped with modelling, photography, and her launch at the INVADES Musselburgh Races on 17th September. However, at the end of the day ‘it’s all you’, she tells me, ‘if you wake up one day and decide you’re going to be lazy, your business is not going to thrive’.
‘I don’t want to live for the weekend, I want to wake up every day and love life’, I ask Tuesday how she has found the process balancing business, fourth year, and social life. She tells me that the three come hand in hand, and it seems that essentially you need to want to invest every waking hour in your business. ‘It is like a child, it’s never ending, marketing is endless’. Tuesday is always thinking of new ways to get her brand out there, contacting various shops, markets, and fairs. She’s proposed business deals at the pub, if she has a spare twenty minutes, she will be editing photos.
‘It’s really scary to put your foot over the line, failure is terrifying, but if you really want it, what is stopping you?’. Though Tuesday unfortunately did not host a talk at this week’s careers fair, she is happy to chat to anyone who is looking to start their own business. ‘Seize the moment’, is Tuesday’s biggest piece of advice. ‘If you’ve got an idea, do it, otherwise you’ll kick yourself in three years’ time when someone else does.’
Taking the initial leap is hard, but as long as you are realistic, understand the commitment, and have the drive, the experience can be nothing but rewarding.
Tuesday’s jerseys are available to buy via her website. Follow her Instagram, @tuesday.limited, for exciting events and updates on the brand.
Image credit – Tuesday Roberts