#theshoeguy | Dragons' Den
Simon Bourne
Proud Owner of Bourne & Co Estates- Keynotes Speaker - Author of Soled Out
So there we have it. I can finally reveal I didn't get the investment!
My message is pretty simple really. It was never about investment. I didn't care about the money. My ego would have loved an offer, don't get me wrong, but I asked for ￡70k because that would have been a BIG number to inject - but what I would have done if I'd received an offer, I don't know.
It was always about one thing. Ambition. I was crap at school. I worked in JD Sports, got sacked from factories, did the 9-5 at the council before walking away with ￡1,200 redundancy in 2012 and no job to go to. I got sacked from a marketing job in 2014 and begged my way back into the sofa world. But aside from this, I've built websites, photography shoots, restored old cots and heaven knows what else before shoes took over my life.
I've got in debt. I've had many sleepless nights. I've won. I've lost. But I have never stopped trying. Applying for Dragons Den was, for me, about one proving to myself, my family, my friends, my customers that anything is possible. It started with an application form and that action got me all the way to BBC2, 9.00pm on a Sunday night.
I'm immensely proud. I thought the Dragons were fierce, but they were very fair. Criticism can be hard sometimes, and it can sting, but I learnt a lot about my brand on that show. Forget that they were Dragons - they were strangers to my company and what they saw wasn't quite stacking up - so, since then, I've changed and as many of you know, we now Make in Britain. HDSCo is still evolving; as am I as the founder.
For me, Daisy & Penny have proof that when you do something with your heart and soul, you can do anything. If I want to be an astronaut, I could be. That's pretty much how I live my life and what's got me to this point so far. I hope everyone reading this also believe. You can do anything!
So, thank you to every single person who watched, who has bought my shoes and who fills my heart daily with encouragement and love. To everyone who speculated the outcome, I hope you're not disappointed.
This is not the end, it's only the beginning.
THANK YOU!
#theshoeguy
Your Exit Strategy Partner: Specialising in business exit planning, succession strategy, business valuation & sales execution. Delivering maximum sale value and robust deal structures.
4 年Have been meaning to comment on your appearance. Thought you presented yourself and conducted yourself brilliantly. Every dragon ‘bought’ you which is hugely flattering. And it may have been the edit but I can’t be the only person shouting at the screen “it’s the hand DYED shoe company, not the hand MADE shoe company”.
Inventory Specialist
4 年You’ll Always be awesome sir!
B2B and B2C copy and content for the UK Built Environment, Architectural, Property, Outdoor, Heritage, Garden & Photography sectors. All crafted with a human touch and just the words you're after.
4 年I watched the show, Simon, and your passion and commitment to your product shone through. Yes, as someone from Northampton - once the shoe capital of the World - the point where you said where your shoes were made, was a big disappointment. An opportunity lost. Because being Made in Britain - whether Northampton or not - could really make your brand when added with everything else you bring to your company. So it's great to read that you now make your shoes in Britain. That simple change, I'm sure, will help take the Hand Dyed Shoe Company to new levels of success. Good luck for the future, Simon.
Branch Manager Flagship Store at SCS FURNISHINGS LIMITED
4 年Hi Simon love your brand reminds me of those true buccaneers / chancers in their day Timothy Oulton n Charlie Oulton Halo furniture, how far they have come is amazing. You are doing a great job 100% but be honest and transparent. Apple phones are made in China, as long as its made to the same high standard that's what counts. It did take me back to be honest as the thought of you hand crafting my shoe was so tempting to step up n pay the extra dollar. I hope this doesn't offend it was not my intention, I love your product and brand and wish you massive successes. Don't let this create anxiety your doing an amazing job. If this experience has knocked you into a negative feel free to give me a call to have a recap chat, hope that helps LB xx