Deborah Clancy is creator of 8-Lanes Swimwear (swimming costumes, apparel and swim accessories). Previously she was committed to public life work and she comments that her new career is not so much different from before! Deborah is currently working on expanding her business by moving into wholesale.
Life before 8-Lanes Swimwear
From Politics to the Pool. For over a decade I’ve been committed to public life work and so in many ways politics and sales are linked. A public life platform means many diverse tasks and being able to represent the people who rely on you. Previous to that were various administrative roles so these together with raising a family and running a home this has been a character and skill building journey.
Why swimwear?
In my school swimming lessons, I was the only girl in the higher group with all the boys and as I only had one swimming costume which had to last, I never forgot the feeling of having a new swimsuit. It was what I got excited about the most and even with years gone by that feeling has not changed. Whilst I did not go into design or the creative world in those earlier years, my swimming was still a part of me, so I finally asked myself – if not now, then when? I do not believe it is ever too late to become involved in anything you truly believe in and whilst there is competition in the market, this is no different throughout the textile industry. Customer choice and particularly ethical technical swimwear at an affordable price is what the swimming community deserve.
A typical week?
Emails and research, networking when I can including online webinars and general office duties that need me. I like following swimming news and preparing for weekly office team meetings which usually have a packed agenda and is a platform for us all to express our working week and items for moving forward. Local photoshoots are always good fun, and we have met some super supportive people who enjoy what we are trying to create and who have gone the extra mile to help us.
What is the best thing about your work?
The diversity of everything required. It is from listening to swimmers and customers to looking at fabric colour charts, to what our social media should include, to learning from my small team, guiding them and the practical professional duties. It’s all in there. If I had to pick one thing, it would be wearing on my body – the very swimsuit that was first created on a piece of paper with a pencil at my work desk.
What is different about working in this sector?
The creativity and how soulful people are about it, whether they are assisting you with your design or providing mindful advice, everything is creation and everyone contributes with such talent and passion within their particular field. This market sector is vast with everyone jostling for their place within it. Fast fashion swimwear has its audience, but I believe timeless well cut and ethical swimwear is a must for the consumer and the responsibility of not just the creators but the retailers, as it’s their reputation that will gain traction with a more loyal and trusted following.
Whom do you admire in the industry?
Sharron Davies in the world of swimming. We are on the same timelines of life, so I have watched her swim, interview the swimmers at the top competitions and her openness on sensitive issues that affect the sport. She’s had a super career. With regard textiles and swimming fashion then I would say the companies that are being innovative and reducing the carbon footprint for a greener cleaner planet. Last but not least our agent and manufacturers in Portugal. We went to visit the factory in Portugal from the beginning because for us the relationship dimension of face to face cannot be underestimated and we continue to have a great working connection.
If you were not working in this industry, what do you think you would be doing instead?
Creative mentoring or coaching associated with swimming. People might sometimes see swimming as a lonely sport but that’s the beauty, you can be alone for a dip or with others in a group, even when older. Learning anything at any age should never be underestimated and often other people just need some encouragement that goes a long way. Mentoring is so powerful because we leave a meaningful legacy for ourselves and in others.
Any other ambitions for your brand?
B2B (business to business). As the brand evolves 8-Lanes will scale up on production quantities, this will enable more attractive profit margins for both parties including the retailers’ marketplace. Certainly, some more designs are already on the sketchpad so we will develop these moving forward.
Life outside Work?
Catching up with friends over coffee or lunch. I swim at my local University 50m pool a couple of times a week and I like watching international films.
Your greatest challenge?
Market entry. When you are a smaller enterprise your business circle is only so big and unlike the larger corporations that have boardroom level capacity and resources, many smaller new enterprises have to work so much harder to find the balance in everything, but mainly from a budgeting aspect and factoring in all the costs and then ultimately ensuring the customer gets a great product at a great price. Many procurement contracts between sport retailers often rely on the same brands so I would welcome a shift in how retailers purchase, to incorporate newer brands who have lower MOQs (minimum order quantities). That way exposure of brands will jazz up what’s available to their loyal customers who may want something different.
Proudest moment to date?
Personally, my family for support and professionally, opening the first package of the first product. After all those emails, decisions, months and cost which I think is a really personal touch for smaller businesses to feel this way, there is a psychology behind it all. I liken it to a customer ordering a product and when they receive the package, they can’t wait to open it. I’m a customer for the customers at the end of the day.
Worst move so far?
None specifically, just on occasion not trusting my gut on some minor decisions and having to go back a couple of steps.
What do you think you will be doing in ten years’ time?
God willing, I will still be creating and scaling up more designs that will be more accessible to a larger audience. B2C to B2B will be a shift in the market. I genuinely think timeless pieces are overtaking the fast fashion market and whilst the word ‘sustainability’ and ‘eco-conscious’ are key narratives, customers are savvy and unique and want good designs and choice from the normal.
The one product you can’t live without?
My swimwear and my red lipstick (which I wear in the pool and ocean). I think everyone should be sporty and sensual.
Time out?
Netflix. Cooking. Family entertaining.
Pet Hate?
People throwing litter on the floor in the street.
