Coming Up Roses: The Story of Growing a Business

From a very early age Cath Kidston loved to play shop - whether she was selling the contents of her mother's store cupboard back to her or her aunt's vegetables to passers-by from a tray on the pavement. Almost half a century later Cath Kidston has become an internationally acclaimed household name and playing shop has become a serious game. From a small shop in West London, Cath has grown a simple idea into an iconic British brand with stores all over the UK and as far away as Japan and Thailand. Her story is that of an entrepreneur. The questions she is most frequently asked relate to how she started out and how she s managed to grow a business in challenging times. As the company celebrates its twentieth birthday, Cath Kidston shares the story of how her idea for modern vintage came about, how the business was born and the journey she and the company have taken over the past two decades. Cath tells of her experiences, both good and bad, and gives an insight in to what it takes to build a brand. Coming up Roses is the quirky and unexpected story of one of Britain's best-loved businesses.

One of Britain's leading and most loved designers, Cath Kidston is best known for her vintage-inspired homewares, clothing and accessories including Cath Kidston bags and purses. Cath began her career as an interior designer before opening her first retail shop in London in 1993, where she sold vintage fabrics and antique furniture. Now with more than 40 stores and concessions in the UK, plus more in the Republic of Ireland, Japan and South Korea, Cath Kidston Ltd is now a presence on almost every high street. In 2010, Cath was awarded an MBE in recognition of her services to business. To date, Cath has published four bestselling project books - Make!, Sew!, Stitch! and Patch! - that encompass a wide range of disciplines and finished items, from sewing and patchwork to cross stitch and needlepoint. Alongside these books sit two complete kits packaged in a unique tin - The Knitting Book and The Crochet Book are perfect for beginner knitters or crocheters and make ideal gifts. In addition to her books, Cath also has a very successful stationery line (also published by Quadrille).