Meet the women behind The Able Label
It's International Women's Day today, and to celebrate we're shining a light on our all-female team that works behind the scenes to bring The Able Label to life. Meet the team below and find out who or what inspires them!
Katie, Founder & Director
What has been your proudest moment throughout your journey with The Able Label?
Having style icons like Joana Lumley and Caryn Franklin MBE endorse our work are really proud achievements.
The thing that makes me most proud though, is reading testimonials from customers, explaining what a positive difference we have made to their lives with our clothes.
We had one customer who was having to actually cut herself out of vests as it was just too difficult for her to dress into her current versions - she is now able to dress independently and no longer needs the scissors to hand!
Another customer was choosing not to go out as she feared that she wouldn’t be able to get her coat back on without asking for help - since discovering The Able Label, she has started going back out again.
Our clothes have helped to change lives - giving back independence and growing confidence, so seeing this is what I am most proud of and makes all the hard work worthwhile.
Can you tell us about a role model who has inspired you over your career?
Sally Bailey - the brand advisor, former CEO of White Stuff and fashion guru has helped many businesses to increase their turnover.
I am fortunate enough to have her as a mentor and can’t thank her enough for the continued support she has given us to not only to grow The Able Label as a business, but me as an individual.
She shares our vision of making positive change and creating a value-driven culture, putting people and customers at the centre of everything.
What advice would you give to other aspiring female entrepreneurs?
Go for it…! If you have a great idea, which solves a real problem and you can prove that your idea will successfully do this for those in need of it - go for it! Just make sure that it's in something that you are truly passionate about though as it is incredibly hard work running a business, so you have to love what you do in order to stay committed to it.
What is your favourite piece from the SS24 range and why?
I love the Paloma Wrap. It is a little piece of cosy luxury - perfect for now, whilst it’s still cold and also the summer too on cold evenings. There are no tricky armholes to contend with making it an easy throw-on, throw-off.
Tell us an achievement which you’re proud of from the last year.
The last year has quite honestly been one of the hardest I’ve faced. A pandemic, Brexit, war, the cost of living crisis and postal strikes have all been huge obstacles The Able Label team have had to work extremely hard to navigate through.
On top of this, I had my second child half way through the year!
The achievement I am most proud of from last year is not only having survived but thrived and grown the business doing so whilst being able to play the most important role of all - Mum.
I am eternally grateful to the supportive team of women that make up The Able Label, enabling these achievements. This is not least of all thanks to my Mum, who works tirelessly for The Able Label and also as Nana!
Val, customer services
Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at The Able Label
I am a retired Primary Headteacher. I have been helping at The Able Label since it’s inception with orders and Customer Services. I am also Mum to Katie!
What has been your proudest moment working with The Able Label?
Receiving letters and emails from Customers who have expressed thanks to TAL for making their lives easier
Which women inspire you the most?
Many of our Customers have disabilities or long term illnesses that can make tasks extremely challenging and yet remain cheerful and live life to the fullest - they are a true inspiration.
Also Entrepreneurial women such as our Founder, Katie, who show foresight and commitment, balancing working hard with raising a family.
What is your favourite piece from TAL SS24 range and why?
Navy Culottes - they are very smart, comfortable and practical and they have pockets.
Tell us an achievement which you’re proud of from the last year
An achievement I'm proud of from the last year is being part of the The Able Label journey and seeing it become so successful. Also I have loved being part of our Granddaughters' lives and watching them develop.
Becky, office assistant
Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at The Able Label
I am Becky. I am a keen runner and enjoy outdoor fitness, walking, travelling and being by the sea. I joined The Able Label as an Office Assistant and am involved with all aspects of customer service and preparing the orders for dispatch.
What has been the most rewarding part of working with The Able Label?
The most rewarding part of working for The Able Label for me is knowing that we are helping someone who may be struggling with difficulty dressing - to be able to take one difficult thing away, with all of the other difficulties they may be facing, and at least help in some way by making dressing themselves easier and hoping to bring back the feelgood factor of feeling comfortable, dressing with ease and looking good.
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
Marie Curie - a true inspiration and relentless in her groundbreaking work in discovering how radiation could be used in treatment for cancer.
Paula Radcliffe - As a runner I have always found Paul Radcliffe a massive inspiration. Her determination to succeed and never give up has seen her achieve world records.
Mimi Anderson - Ultra distance world record holder runner. Her drive to become a world record holder and achieve incredible records for a woman who never ran and suffered with a severe eating disorder. She is relentless in her pursuit of world records and is a local legend and true inspiration.
What is your favourite piece from TAL range and why?
I love the new range, especially the Dotty Organic Cotton Long Sleeve Shirt, I love the colour, the quality of the fabric. The Style is open to all ages, looks good and is great quality
Tell us an achievement which you’re proud of from the last year.
My personal achievement that I am proud of was completing my first ever Ultra Marathon and a very hilly one in October. I never thought in a million years that I would ever complete an Ultra marathon.
Danielle, marketing
Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at The Able Label
I’m Danielle, I love being creative, travelling and reading multiple books on the go! I manage all of The Able Label’s marketing from the website to social media and email newsletters.
What has been the most rewarding part of working with The Able Label?
As someone who’s grown up partially sighted and not being able to access things which most see as quite normal, it’s been so refreshing to be part of a fashion brand that’s aware of the smaller, everyday struggles some experience and finding a way to make an active difference.
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
Taylor Swift, I’ve been a huge fan since I was a young teen and I feel like I’ve grown up with her and her music!
Jameela Jamil. I loved her in The Good Place and the overall good vibes she puts out in the world. She leads some really important discussions around feminism, inclusivity and mental health and does it fearlessly.
Finally, Amelia Earhart as I just want to know from her how it felt to be the first woman to fly across The Atlantic solo. I’ve always had a fascination with flying and although I can’t do it myself, I love hearing stories from pilots on their adventures and I feel like Amelia would have the best stories!
What is your favourite piece from The Able Label and why?
The Amy denim shirt dress! It’s such a cool staple to any wardrobe that’s very wearable whatever your sense of style.
Toni, seamstress
Tell us a bit about yourself and how you work with The Able Label
My name is Toni and I am 60 years old married to Roly for 19 years. I have been sewing for over 50 years. I have been working for The Able Label for 7 years doing alterations .
What has been the most rewarding part of working with The Able Label?
The most rewarding part is seeing The Able Label growing into a successful business.
What is the best bit of advice you’ve received?
Always be happy
If you could have dinner with any inspirational women, who would they be and why?
My mum, my daughter and six granddaughters because I love them!
Tell us an achievement which you’re proud of from the last year.
Riding my bike up hill!