'I had to face the reality that it's time to close'

FASHION DESIGNER LEFT WITH NO CHOICE BUT TO SHUT HER BUSINESS AFTER 24 'INCREDIBLE' YEARS

- By LAURA LOVE

A RENOWNED Teesside fashion designer has made the heartbreaking decision to close the doors on her business.

After 24 “incredible” years, Kate Fearnley says she has no other choice but to shut down the business due to the strain of trying to keep it afloat.

“This brand has been my absolute world since my early twenties - my career, my passion, my identity and, apart from my wonderful son Bob, is my greatest achievement,’ says Kate, who lives in Stokesley with her 10-year-old son.

“What started as a girl with a passion and a dream grew into something far bigger than I could ever have imagined.

“The truth is though, the world has changed, and small independent businesses like mine face challenges that weren't there so much a few years ago.

“The digital pace has sped up dramatically, mass-produced brands dominate online, and algorithms decide who gets seen. Keeping up requires huge investment and resources, and for a small creative business like mine, it’s just not sustainable anymore.

“The reality is that this business has consumed my world and as a business owner, you can never truly switch off. While that feels worth it when things are going well, when it becomes nothing but stress and financial anxiety, the toll is immense. After a few weeks of utter heartbreak at the thought, I’m now at peace with the reality of the situation.”

Kate had completed her first bridal collection and was due to attend Bridal Fashion Week to showcase it when lockdown was announced in 2020 and the event was cancelled.

That thinking time led to a pivot where Kate decided to be bolder with her designs and “more me” and she redid every design and dress. It was launched in 2022 and was her “best year ever” as a designer.