Lucy Clark is a young entrepreneur from Jersey, specialising in all things sweater vest. She established Monty’s Club in the summer of 2023, balancing building her brand alongside her full time role as a training accountant. She told us what it was like to launch her business, delving into the ups and downs of becoming a young entrepreneur.
“In the Summer of 2023, I took a leap of faith and launched a clothing brand called Monty’s Club. It was a journey that not only brought bold and bright mohair sweater vests to life but also taught me invaluable lessons about starting a business. This is the story of how I turned Monty’s from an idea into something tangible, inspiring me to share this journey with potential young entrepreneurs in Jersey who might be considering their own ventures.
The idea for Monty’s Club began with my love for bold and vibrant colours. I had always been drawn to unique styles that stood out. Around the time sweater vests started trending among my friends, I found myself on a mission to find the perfect one. But every vest I came across was plain, prone to bobbling, and utterly uninspiring. I wanted something that screamed “main character energy”, something bright, fun, and unapologetically bold. When I couldn’t find what I was looking for, the idea struck that there was a gap in the market and therefore, why not create it myself?
The hardest part of setting up Monty’s Club was finding a supplier. I had zero experience and contacts. A simple online search returned thousands of options, which felt overwhelming. Eventually, I decided to prioritise a local supplier for reliability and ease of communication. I got lucky with the first supplier I contacted, who turned out to be fantastic and we still work together today. When I first spoke with them, they started talking about things like “tech packs,” and I had no idea what they meant. It was like learning a new language. I asked endless questions, researched extensively, and slowly pieced everything together. After two rounds of samples, I finally had a design I was proud of and took the plunge: I ordered 200 vests. That ‘order’ button was the scariest moment of all. I was committing to something big with no guarantee it would work. To ease my nerves, I remembered something from my business lessons at Victoria College which was to test the market first. I uploaded photos of the sample vests to Depop, clearly stating they weren’t for sale, to gauge interest. The response was incredible. That validation gave me the confidence to move forward.
The first photoshoot was an experience I’ll never forget. I envisioned a dreamy sunset at St Ouen’s beach, showcasing the fun and vibrancy of Monty’s. But reality rarely matches the dream. When the day came, it was freezing cold, cloudy, and windy. To top it off, I’d forgotten a speaker to play music, and I hadn’t planned much beyond. My three friends, who were helping as models, looked to me for direction, and I realised I needed to step up. Despite the rocky start, we turned it into one of the best days. We laughed, danced, and improvised our way through it – even being cheered on by lifeguards. We were able to capture the essence of Monty’s fun, personality, and boldness. Those videos became the foundation of our TikTok and Instagram presence, showcasing the brand’s unique personality. Social media was a game-changer. TikTok, especially, allowed me to incorporate Monty’s into everyday, relatable content. I learned that people connect more with brands that have personality and authenticity. Instead of polished, rigid reels, I focused on showing the fun, real side of Monty’s Club. It worked. Orders started trickling in, then flowing steadily.
The second scariest moment came when the stock arrived. Four massive boxes turned up on my doorstep, delivered by an expressionless DPS driver who handed them over without fanfare. Closing the door behind me, I stared at the boxes, a mix of excitement and sheer panic washing over me. This was it. Monty’s was real, sitting in my hallway, waiting to be sold. I officially started trading in late October, right after finishing my second round of accountancy exams. Timing was crucial as sweater vest season was in full swing, and I had to act fast to get the brand noticed. I began by following similar accounts on Instagram, which helped build a network and drew followers to Monty’s Club.
One big decision came during Black Friday. As a new startup, I was desperate to break even, but I also knew the importance of brand awareness. I opted to participate in the sales, prioritising exposure over immediate profits. It paid off.
Balancing Monty’s Club with a full-time finance job was challenging. My biggest fear before starting the business was whether I’d have the time. But I realised that with the tools we have today, everything is possible. My website, marketing, and advertising were all accessible from my phone, allowing me to manage the business during my commute, after work, and on weekends. It’s not easy, but it’s doable with the right mindset and a bit of organisation.
Competition was another hurdle. Over the course of the year, I noticed established brands launching similar products in bold colours, which was frustrating. But I’ve come to see competition as healthy. It means there is demand for the product. It more importantly raises awareness of sweater vests in general, which indirectly benefits Monty’s. I consciously decided to focus on what Monty’s is known for: bold, colourful sweater vests. It’s tempting to branch out, but consistency builds trust.
One of the most inspiring aspects of this journey has been witnessing the rise of young entrepreneurs on TikTok. Whether it’s due to the accessibility of social media or the creativity sparked by COVID-19 lockdowns, so many teenagers are starting their own brands. It’s proof that anyone can do it. Social media makes the process easier than ever, providing a platform to test ideas, build an audience, and market your brand without needing huge budgets.
The lessons I’ve learned along the way have been invaluable. I’ve learned that being clueless at the start is okay and that your willingness to learn and ask questions matters. It’s so important to lean on your friends and family when starting something new, and I can’t thank mine enough for their support. Whether it’s modelling for a photoshoot, helping to pack orders, financing or just cheering you on during tough times, their encouragement and willingness to help can make all the difference. Don’t be afraid to ask for their support, it’s amazing how much you can achieve together.
To anyone in Jersey (or anywhere else) considering starting a business, do it. The hardest part is starting and taking that first step. Monty’s Club has brought me so many incredible experiences: meeting new people, embracing my creativity, learning to make tough decisions, and understanding that while there are risks, the rewards in lessons, opportunities, and personal growth are far greater.”
Photography Evan dos Santos | Words Lucy Clark | Styling Rebecca Wrigley | Models Rebecca Wrigley, Cristabelle Jégard and Georgia Harland.
