Today I’m thrilled to share with you the inspiring story of Sallie King, the innovative mind behind Urban Size. As a former lawyer, Sallie’s transition to entrepreneurship is a tale of passion, resilience, and creativity. Urban Size is not just a furniture company; it’s a brand that caters to the evolving needs of modern living, specialising in furniture for small spaces and homes.
Crafting Clutter-Free Homes
Sallie’s vision is clear: to create functional, stylish furniture that maximises space without sacrificing aesthetics. During our conversation, she emphasised the importance of key furniture pieces that contribute to a clutter-free environment. As we delved into the details, Sallie provided invaluable insights on how to maintain a clear and organised home, which is especially crucial in today’s fast-paced world where space is at a premium.
Business Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those embarking on their entrepreneurial journey, Sallie’s advice is golden. She shared her experiences and the lessons learned along the way, offering a roadmap for success that includes maintaining good health and wellbeing. As an entrepreneur, the balance between work and personal life is often blurred, but Sallie’s approach to wellness is both practical and adaptable, ensuring she stays at the top of her game.
Sustainability: A Non-Negotiable Standard
Sustainability is no longer a unique selling point; it’s an expectation. Sallie highlighted how, a few years ago, eco-friendly practices were a differentiator for brands. Today, however, they are a baseline requirement. Urban Size is committed to ethical responsibility, from eco-packaging to transparent supply chains. Sallie’s dedication to sustainability is not just about meeting customer expectations but also about doing right by the planet.
The Personal Touch of Small Brands
In our discussion, Sallie pointed out that customers gravitate towards small brands for the personal experience and the care that goes into the products. She takes pride in the close relationships Urban Size maintains with suppliers, ensuring quality and ethical practices. This proximity to the production process allows for greater transparency, which Sally actively shares on social media, fostering trust with her customers.
Overcoming Challenges: Brexit and COVID-19
Sallie candidly shared the biggest hurdles she faced as a business owner: the simultaneous impact of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. With a significant portion of sales coming from the EU, navigating the complexities of new regulations and supply chain disruptions was a daunting task. Yet, through perseverance and adaptability, Urban Size weathered the storm, emerging stronger and more resilient.
Leveraging Legal Expertise
Sallie’s background as a lawyer has been instrumental in her business success. Her legal acumen ensures that contracts are tight and that the company is protected from potential disputes. She also credits her legal career for instilling a strong work ethic and a focus on productivity, which has translated into effective time management and strategic planning for Urban Size.
The Secret to Entrepreneurial Success
When asked about her top tip for being a successful entrepreneur, Sallie’s answer was simple: surround yourself with people who excel in areas where you may not. By outsourcing tasks like PR and social media to experts, Sallie has been able to focus on her strengths and drive the brand forward. This strategic delegation has been key to Urban Size’s growth and success.
Where to Find Urban Size
For those interested in transforming their living spaces with Urban Size’s innovative furniture, Sallie invites you to visit their website at urbansize.co.uk and follow them on Instagram @urbansize_home.
