Season 4 Episode 6: Taking leaps of faith with Ex Schuh, Dune, M&S, Dobbies Buyer turned brand owner and podcaster Claire Gray

Today we are speaking to Claire Gray founder of the amazing skin care brand Ermana Natural skin care and fellow podcaster, for the 'Skin and Within' podcast! Claire is also an ex buyer. Claire will be telling us all about her journey through retail and onto her most recent ventures. Claire and Lynsey first meet briefly at Marks and Spencers and then again at Dobbies garden centres - retail really is a small world!We discuss the similarities of our highs and lows in retail, giving insight into some of the challenges we have faced and what we have all learned from it. Plus we talk about our view on the high street now and what our predictions for the future are. Claire’s story is super interesting, she is such an inspiration to all wanting to start a brand based on your own personal health journey. Make sure to also check out her Podcast 'Skin and Within' also available on apple podcasts.Our key takeaways:Throw yourself into product development- learn as much as you can about how a product is made and invest your time in this. You will become a very valuable team member. WE LOVE PRODUCT! Be brave and just get started with that idea, if you believe in your story it will be a success- home grown brands from authentic sources are what consumers are craving for now. Buying gives you the skills to build brands, it’s such a great starting point to give you the confidence and knowledge to start your own product range. If you don't have a buying background but have a idea that you have been wanting to get off the ground for years, we've helped clients to do just this! Drop us a message and we can book you in for a power hour to help you get your idea from paper to production! Support the showIf you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) - and if you already have, thank you! It honestly really helps to keep this going and growing!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagram Send us a DM or email [email protected] also have a retail buyers membership @jointhebuyersclub  Find out more at www.jointhebuyersclub.co.ukAutumn fair coffee meet up- come and meet us at Autumn fair at our coffee meet up and podcast live, see link below for all the details on how to sign up:  https://www.autumnfair.com/buying-beyond?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=buying_beyond_channels&utm_campaign=buying_beyondIf you'd like to show a little more love, then head here to give us just a little bit *extra* and show us your support :) thank you!https://www.buzzsprout.com/2300060/support