Jane Stewart, founder of Lully, tells Business Matters about her entrepreneurial journey from outselling Sinatra to creating a unique singing teddy
What do you currently do?
I am the founder and creator of Lully, an innovative new sleep and relaxation aid. Drawing on a 25 year show business career and my own experiences of motherhood, I signed a contract with Universal Music and Marks and Spencer to create my own CD – one that would relax children without driving their parents crazy. My lullaby CD was entitled ‘I Watch You Sleeping’ and became one of the top selling CD’s in Marks and Spencer, even outselling Frank Sinatra!
Fast forward to 2019, and I am Managing Director of a hospitality company that specialises in the arts, and in tandem, I have evolved my lullaby CD concept into Lully – a unique singing teddy offering 23 timeless lullabies and an uninterrupted hour of soothing music to calm babies and children, whilst providing all the soft comfort of a teddy bear.
What defines your way of doing business?
I believe in offering unique and great quality products into the market. I take this ethos into everything that I create and every business that I run. Attention to detail and customer service is paramount. Clear messaging into the market is also important.
Who do you admire?
I admire Chrissie Rucker, The White Company, Jo Malone (Jo Loves and founder of Jo Malone), Monica Vinader, Holly Tucker, Holly & Co, Paul Smith and whoever owns Selfridges! All have such strong brand values and identity and you can tell that all the founders are completely immersed in their brands and the execution of their products into the market.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
I am sure in retrospect we can all look back and do something differently. I don’t believe in looking back, always look forward. We learn from everything we do.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
If you have a good idea, make it happen! Be prepared for hard work and highs and lows, it is all part of the process. Challenge yourself daily and turn negative thoughts into positive ones. Take risks but make them calculated ones. Your gut decision is usually the right one, go with what it is telling you. Success for everyone is different, not everyone is going to be or wants to be Steve Jobs. Life is about being happy and motivated and starting a business is about controlling your own destiny and making your own decisions, on whichever path it takes.
