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An Interview with Jane Fleming
Posted by Claire Boote, on March 13, 2019.
Estimated reading time: 1 minute(s)
March is the month of International Women’s Day – the perfect time to celebrate strong women! All month we’re be sharing stories of wonderful women, from all walks of life and all corners of the globe, who have excelled in their fields and made a positive impact on the world.
We’re hoping to inspire you by telling you all about some incredible women, some of whom you may know, and others you may not. But by sharing their stories, and a little of their wisdom, we’re aiming to leave you feeling motivated and ready to seize the year ahead.
Here at Royce Lingerie, we have our very own strong woman! Jane Fleming, our co-founder, set up the business with her husband Bob more than 25 years ago from their kitchen table, while looking after their two small children. This is Jane’s story.
When are you happiest?
I enjoy my own company and Bob’s, of course. I love being outside in the countryside and by the sea, but I think I am happiest in the company of close family and friends.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
To be sympathetic to other people’s needs and opinions, and always be yourself.
How did you celebrate your first bra sale?
I honestly can’t remember, but we photocopied that first payment cheque and framed it. I think Bob still has it. The initial orders were sufficient to deliver 100% of the stock straight to the customer. Then smaller, top up orders were needed. That’s when the fun really started.
What barriers did you come up against when you first started out?
We started the business from absolutely nothing but 2 sewing machines, knowledge of the industry and sheer determination. It was exciting.
Which book changed your life?
I loved reading the Neapolitan novels by Elena Ferrante and before that Wild Swans by Jung Chang. That probably tells you something. They are both stories about three generations of determined women during relatively recent history, both experiencing hardship, success and determination.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
Be patient. Listen to others. ….be yourself and do what you say you will.
What is your favourite thing about being a woman?
I have been very lucky to grow up and live in a wonderful country, at a very fortunate time in history. I think I have the best of all worlds.
Who is your biggest female role model?
That’s a difficult one. There are so many. I will go for Elena Greco. (Elena Ferrante’s character in the Neapolitan Novels.)
On hard days, what motivates you to get up and start your day?
I think I am a morning person. Mornings are best for me. Evenings can be a challenge.
Do you believe in fate and that everything happens for a reason?
Up to a point, but it is important to plan ahead and consider that our actions will have a response from others.
We are celebrating Strong Women this month what advice would you give young women today to improve their chances of success?
Just do your best, be kind to yourself, be honest to yourself and others.
We hope we’ve inspired you by telling you all about some incredible women, some of whom you may know, and others you may have not. But by sharing their stories, and a little of their wisdom, we aimed to leave you feeling motivated and ready to seize the year ahead. Join in the conversation now on our Instagram and Facebook pages.
