Sian Marie was originally set up really organically from my bedroom. After finishing my fashion degree with a first I started out making clothing items for fun at home on my sewing machine and post them on social media. Enquiry after enquiry led to me actually creating my own website and building out a range and launching my brand Sian Marie.
With celebrity and influencer fans we quickly grew and after applying for and winning BBC The Apprentice in 2018 and receiving a £250,000 investment the brand catapulted. We have worked with numerous retailers stocking our premium loungewear ranges including ASOS & George@Asda and our products are loved by celebrities including the likes of Molly-Mae Hague & Michelle Keegan.
How did you come up with the idea for the company?
Our original product range consisted of multi-way and reversible bikinis – perfect for pool parties and mixing up your style, allowing the customer to make their swimwear unique to themselves and avoid outfit clashes.
Since moving into loungewear following the pandemic we are fully focussed on the quality, finish and fit of our ranges – curating investable styles that will last a lifetime both in design and finish. Bringing our customers premium, heavyweight styles perfect for stylish day to day lounging.
More from Interviews
- Eran Dagan, CEO & Co-Founder at Botika: “We Gambled On Generative AI Before It Was Cool”
- Meet Andrew Radcliffe, CEO and Co-Founder at Technology Consultancy Company: Spyrosoft
- Ed Bartlett, Founder at Hicomply: Helping Businesses Get ISO Certified in Record Time
- Arina Kuzmina & Daria Medvedev at RawQ: “The Only Energy Bar Designed To Provide Fuel Without Crashes”
- Eugene Vyborov, Founder and CEO at Ability AI: Meet Your New Autonomous AI-Marketer
- Sam Rayner, Co-CEO & Founder At Chrono Hunter: “We’ve Revolutionised The Way People Buy And Sell Luxury Watches”
- Global Director Adam Rodgers: How Easee Became The World’s No.1 Connected EV Charger Brand
- How CardMedic CEO Dr Rachael Grimaldi Launched A Language-Driven Healthcare Startup In Just 72 Hours
How has the company evolved over the last couple of years?
We were originally known as a swimwear brand offering a variety of bikini and swimsuit styles from barely there two-piece sets to full coverage burkinis. The pandemic changed everything as we quickly realised we needed to expand our ranges to allow our customers to continue to shop with us throughout the most uncertain time (as holidays were cancelled!) – and so we launched Sian Marie Lounge.
A range of premium quality loungewear from oversized cosy tracksuits to heavyweight padded gilets and more.
Why did you decide to go on the apprentice?
As a huge fan, I always said I’d give it a go one day. After setting up my brand and seeing an ad for the new series I thought the stars had aligned as I now had the credentials to apply and I knew both myself and my business had massive potential.
What surprised you most about being on the show?
How hard it was! As a viewer you watch one hour, one night a week. But the filming process was full on and super intense! Long days, long nights and constant pressure – it was draining physically and mentally.
What advice would you give to future applicants and contestants on the show?
Be prepared! It’s a tough process and you’ll be pushed to your limits. Make sure you know your business/idea inside and out because when it comes to the final five, every single element will be scrutinised to the max!
What can we hope to see from the brand in the future?
Bringing our customers more ranges, more colourways and more pieces they will live in! Keeping to our promise of delivering premium quality products to wear year-round with a key focus on health and well-being both physically and mentally.
