What we have learnt owning a sock company for a year

This one is from Georgie - who, a year ago, had no idea she was about to become obsessed with socks.

To start with... who knew there was so much to know about socks? Certainly not me!

If you had told me a year ago that I would develop a genuine passion for a decent pair of socks, I would never have believe you. Yet here we are, 12 months later, and running a small alpaca sock brand has taught me far more than I could have ever expected. 

Here are some of the biggest lessons I have learnt.

1. A good pair of socks can genuinely change someone's day

We all have a favourite socks, and mine is without question the Short Ribbed Sock. I wear it everywhere: in my riding boots, in my wellies and in my normal shoes. At the end of the day my feet don't ache, because the cushioned sole stops that tired, heavy feeling I used to think was just part of life.

No more cold feet in winter. No more chilblains. No more standing in the rain wishing I had worn thicker socks. 

Last winter we rode out in bitter cold and relentless rain, day after day, and I didn't have cold feet once. After years of suffering, this has genuinely been life-changing. 

2. Product Development

If you speak to me in the office, I can almost guarantee I will be wearing Short Ribbed Socks (likely Raspberry... unless they are in the wash). We have taken this design a step further this year and created a non-elasticated version - the Non-Elasticated Activity Sock

These are nearly my new favourite (and will be once we have them in Raspberry). I had no idea I needed a looser fit with no restrictions. They stay up perfectly in my wellies and leave no lines or marks when I take them off at the end of the day. 

It has been a joy discovering that small tweaks - a softer cuff, a shorter sock or a new colour - can make such a big difference.

3. Sustainability: British Manufacturing & Responsible Farming

For the last 30 years I have been running an engineering company that prides itself on British manufacturing. I have watched waves of production move abroad, but we have stuck to our guns and stayed firmly rooted in the UK. So being able to work with a fantastic factory that knits our socks in England makes this new venture feel even more perfect. 

We are committed to using small UK businesses wherever possible and we are really excited about a new lavender product coming soon - which means I will need to weed the garden and grow even more lavender next year. (Obviously in my Raspberry Short Ribbed)

Supporting British manufacturing is vital for the economy and we are proud to champion it. 

I have also learnt a great deal about how sustainable alpaca farming is in Peru. Alpacas are herd animals perfectly adapted to extreme climates, and their fibre is a natural, renewable resource. The families who farm them have been doing so for generations and our yarn supports their communities and their traditional, simple way of life. It is a privilege to be part of that chain. 

4. Customers: The Heart of Everything

I thoroughly enjoy talking to you all on the phone (and apologise to anyone I have bored with enthusiastic sock stories). I am very passionate about them. 

I also apologise to those of you who call and we don't answer... we are probably sitting on a horse or standing in the middle of a muddy field. 

This year has shown me how wonderful our customers are. Your stories, feedback and your excitement when you find 'the perfect pair' keeps us going. 

5. The reality of running a small business (alongside other full time jobs)

I have certainly seen this year that running a small business is never as neat and tidy as it may look from the outside. It is wonderfully fulfilling and exciting, but also a little chaotic at times. It has often meant wearing every hat at once. One minute we are coming off the gallops answering the phone to our lovely customers then the next we are packing orders before probably being knee deep in mud again later that day. 

 

Finally I am so grateful to Sandra, the previous owner of Perilla, who we still see regularly. Thank you for trusting us to take over the business in your retirement. I am so glad to have discovered these amazing socks - I will never wear anything else again.