Beyond the Glamour: Lady Victoria Hervey Emerges as a True Entrepreneur

You opened and closed a small business in your early twenties. Can you share a bit about that? What drove you to pursue it?

At 24 years old, I embarked on my first business venture. It was situated on Motcomb Street, nestled between the early store of Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo, making it a prime location. Back then, Motcomb Street was bustling, especially around the years 2000 and 2001. The business thrived initially because of a unique approach: I would model for designers, then offer them space in my store. By securing exclusivity for the first couple of seasons, I attracted a loyal clientele, including notable figures like Jasmine Fired, Victoria Barker, and Meg Matthews. Even celebrities like Chris Evans and Billie Piper frequented the area, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.Despite its initial success, the venture closed its doors after two years. 

After a tough breakup with my boyfriend of about 4 or 5 years, who was also one of the investors in the business, things took a downturn. Both our partners were investors in the venture. When we needed more capital injected into the business, they decided against it. Consequently, Academy, the store we poured our hearts into, went into liquidation.

Why did the business need more funds if it seemed to be thriving with notable visitors frequenting the store?

Because during the buying season, there’s a need for a cash influx to purchase new collections. Unfortunately, the financial planning wasn’t well-calculated at that time. Our partners, seemingly, were not invested in our success and declined to provide the necessary funds. Later, a new partner was supposed to join and rebrand the store, but she ended up causing more harm than good. It reached a point where I decided to start afresh with a new business in the same location under a different name. Eventually, I made the decision to move to LA, where I had been spending a considerable amount of time, particularly during awards season, and it just felt like the right move for me. So I made the decision to sell my flat and make the move.

Did you have a plan of what you were going to do in LA? 

So initially, I secured an H-1B visa, which was meant for modelling. But then I encountered a hiccup when I was booked for a film shoot in Mexico and realised I didn’t have the appropriate visa for it. Eventually, I obtained an O-1 visa, but the process has become increasingly stringent. It’s somewhat ironic how some find it easier to cross the border illegally than to navigate the legal channels.

So, I started with modelling and some TV gigs when I first moved, and then I ventured into producing. One of the most exhilarating projects I worked on was when a friend approached me to book seven celebrities for a televised special in Cannes. He knew I had connections, and I managed to secure some big names, starting with Dennis Hopper. Once he agreed, it became easier to get others on board, like Salma Hayek, Ed Norton, Tim Robbins, Goldie Hawn, and Adrien Brody. It was quite a coup! I remember some funny moments, like having to fly out a tuxedo for Woody Harrelson because his agent warned me he might show up in shorts otherwise. When I checked the tux, I found handwritten notes for his movie in the shoes. It was surreal, but ultimately, everything came together, and it was incredibly rewarding to see it all unfold.

So, do you enjoy the business side of things? Negotiating deals, making connections – is that something you find fulfilling?

You know, to me, it’s really about adapting to whatever opportunities arise; I don’t confine myself to just one industry. Currently, I’m involved in both commodities and fashion. I have my own fashion brand, which I’m in the process of relaunching. I initially started a swimwear company just before Covid hit, and it was doing really well. However, due to the pandemic, the factory I was using in Asia shifted production to making masks, essentially halting my fashion endeavours. Now, I’m refocusing on my brand, primarily through online channels. I’m also expanding into children’s clothing, recognizing the immense potential in that market. I’ve even enlisted my nieces as models for the line. It’s a significant undertaking, given how rapidly kids outgrow their clothes. During Covid, like many others, I had to pivot my business approach. For me, that meant delving into an unexpected venture—selling gold. It was an unconventional move, but it’s taught me the value of diversifying my portfolio and seizing opportunities where they arise.

When it comes to the swimwear business, what aspects of it do you find yourself getting involved in?

I’m deeply involved in the design process. I meticulously consider every detail, from selecting the ideal fit to deciding where to place the crystals on the bikini. I’m also particular about the materials we use. It’s incredibly satisfying to see the entire process unfold, from my initial vision to the final printed material. This summer, I’m excited to launch my swimwear line.

What type of customers are you targeting, and what price range are you aiming for?

It’s positioned as an affordable luxury. For instance, compared to brands like Ash, mine are even more competitively priced while offering more excitement in design. Prices typically range around $180 to $200 for a bikini or swimsuit. Quality is a top priority for me, so I’m meticulous about the materials used. Lady Ship encompasses various lines, including Lady Ship Swim for swimwear, Lady Ship Ski for skiwear, and more.

Moving on to commodities and gold, what exactly are you involved in, and how did that opportunity arise?

During COVID, we all had to pivot to something new. Bikinis were out since the factory had shifted to producing masks. Gold became a viable option, especially with the uncertain economy of the past few years. People are turning to physical gold as a safe investment. I also got involved in other ventures, like dealing with sapphires. A friend of mine owns mines in places like Colombia and Sri Lanka, and I’m planning to visit them soon. As an entrepreneur, I see opportunities everywhere, leveraging both knowledge and connections for success.

To what extent do you approach networking with intention and strategy? Given your background, it’s likely you were surrounded by influential individuals from an early age. Do you primarily rely on natural connections, or do you actively view networking as a deliberate effort to expand your network?

It’s a bit of a mix for me. When I moved to America, it felt like I was rebelling against my existing network, seeking freedom in California’s laid-back lifestyle. I wanted to shed responsibilities and embrace a carefree existence. But over time, especially in the past year, with remote work becoming more prevalent, the dynamics have shifted. My friends often remark that networking comes naturally to me, and as a sociable Libra, I do enjoy being around people. Despite occasional nights in with my dog, I’ve learned the value of being out and about. One connection often leads to another, and I’ve discovered opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise encountered. So even when I’m not in the mood, I push myself to socialise, knowing the potential rewards that await.