From Vietnam to Canary Wharf: The Journey That Shaped Our Approach in Fashion Finance
Written by Nidhi Yadav
Hello everyone! I’m so excited to share a bit of my journey with you today. If you’d told me ten years ago, while I was standing on a factory floor in Vietnam checking garment specs, that I’d be an Operations Partner at an accountancy practice in London, I probably would have laughed (and then ordered another coffee)!
Life has a funny way of coming full circle. I graduated from the London College of Fashion with a degree in Product Development and spent years working for iconic brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Ben Sherman, and Arcadia. My passport was my best friend as I travelled the globe to streamline supply chains and solve complex manufacturing puzzles.
But today, my “manufacturing” happens at Pennyhills, the family business I run with my husband. It wasn’t always the plan (I used to say working with your life partner was the fastest route to divorce!), but after the chaos of the pandemic and the birth of our inquisitive 7-year-old, who is currently obsessed with Pokemon and dinosaur facts, it just clicked.
Why Fashion Experience Matters in Finance
You might wonder what stitching and silhouettes have to do with spreadsheets and tax returns. The answer? Everything.
In fashion, if your supply chain is off by 1%, your entire margin disappears. In finance, the principle is the same. My background taught me:
- Integrity: Doing things right the first time, from the factory floor to the HMRC filing.
- Simplicity: Stripping back complex processes so business owners can actually breathe.
Courage: Making the tough calls when a strategy isn’t working.
Building a Culture of Wellbeing (and Puppy Cuddles!)
I’ve been very open about my past struggles with depression. Years ago, I hit a wall because of a toxic work environment. That experience is exactly why Work-Life Balance isn’t just a buzzword at Pennyhills, it’s our DNA.
I’ve recently taken up running again after 10 years, and that mental clarity is vital. But the biggest boost to our office morale has four legs! 🐾 We finally welcomed our new puppy, Paris, into the family. She’s a 4-month-old bundle of energy who has officially taken over the “Head of Happiness” role at our dog-friendly office.
Whether it’s taking the team on a Segway tour of Copenhagen or playing “The Cube” in Manchester, or just having Paris trot around during a meeting, I believe work should be a place where you can truly celebrate life.
At Pennyhills, we don’t just “do the books.” We help fashion creatives and entrepreneurs find the same freedom I found when I stepped out of the corporate grind and into a business built on values.
Let’s build something beautiful together.
Transitioning from the fast-paced fashion world to a family-run practice has been the best “outside the box” move of my career. I’d love to hear your story and see how Pennyhills can support your journey.
Connect with me on LinkedIn for more insights on fashion finance, puppy updates, and a healthy dose of Pokemon facts!
Ready to get started?
Get in touch with Sach and the team to find out more about how Pennyhills can transform your business.