1. Where are you located?
Our headquarters are in Chicago, however majority of our manufacturing still commences at the original location in Peterborough, UK, where the brand was created and developed.
2. When did you start this business?
The brand was created in 1953 by the Creightons PLC Group and acquired by St James of London, LLC, Hinsdale, IL in the fall of 2013.
3. When did you realize that this is what you wanted to pursue?
The St James of London team previously established and developed a similar brand in the same space over the past decade. We've worked together for years with the Creightons Group and consider the products and services to be among the best in the industry, so to be a part of history and to own such a luxury brand is a dream come true. Our customers who have come to know us under a different name know the level of service we provide is second to none. Plus, we love what we do!
4. Describe a few steps you took to make this happen.
We've spent 10+ years of introducing and educating American men and retailers to a higher-level of wet-shaving. During this time, we have gotten to know thousands of gentlemen (and ladies) who have now become part of our family. From day one, our goal has always been to provide the best product at the best price. We made the decision we could do a better job of providing exceptional products at more reasonable prices, along with being more receptive to our customers’ needs if we owned a brand. It didn't hurt either. The St James of London brand is uniquely different from other traditional English brands in the sense our shaving products are 100% natural, free from alcohol, parabens, and SLES. Top-shelf quality minus the bad synthetics and preservatives that can harm your skin.
5. How would you deal with a customer who didn't know what they wanted?
Fortunately, there’s a plethora of excellent resources which customers can do their research, and more often than not, they have prior to calling/emailing us. We do receive a fair number who desire to learn more about various products, etc. and we pride ourselves on knowing as much about our competition as we do our own products, which for comparison purposes is key.
6. What are some of your accomplishments as a business?
As an older, but newly re-launched brand, we’re proud of St James of London’s half-a-century heritage and reputation for luxury products and building it into something considerably larger than it originally was back in 1953. We’re also proud of staying true to the brand’s ethos and everything it represents.
7. What do you believe makes a quality product?
Obviously quite subjective in nature, however, our belief and confirmation comes directly from our customers when expectations are surpassed. We’d also like to think it comes from our product/value relationship, which further supports one’s expectations. It doesn't hurt either our manufacturing takes place using the best resources in the world to create exceptional natural products.
8. Where do you get your inspiration from?
Many of our own customers! We’re fortunate to be a part of a passionate industry, many of whom absolutely love wet-shaving. We love hearing from these folks as many of their ideas are really good! We’re not always in a position to act on some, but we do take many suggestions to heart and do our best to incorporate them into our business.
9. What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Don’t be afraid to take chances. Start young, don’t put off hoping or waiting for the perfect time (because there isn't). Most importantly, don’t chase the money, follow your passion. Regardless of the outcome, you’ll always look back knowing you took a shot and that’s what counts.
10. Where can readers find out more about you and your work?
Follow us on Facebook or Twitter…and we’ll be adding more content to our website in the months ahead.
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