International Women’s Day: LIVY 

Q&A with Lisa Chavy, founder of LIVY. 

Tell us about your role and your business... 

I am a French designer and entrepreneur. I started my brand LIVY six years ago which grew into a multi-million company and has gathered 125 employees worldwide. We are now open in the UK, Spain, Italy, Geneva, and distributed in many more countries. 

Tell us about your career journey so far. 

Designer at heart, I studied fashion in Paris and I was always passionate about lingerie. I started my career as a designer for luxury brands such as Dior and John Galliano. Early on I was proposed to design for the younger brand called UNDIZ owned by ETAM which developed into a huge success and I contributed to style for 10 years. In the meantime, I really wanted to have my own company and develop my own identity. I launched LIVY six years ago and started to create lingerie that I could not find anywhere, which reflected my own taste. I am my first customer. LIVY is genuinely inspired by my own obsessions and sensibility for architecture, and vintage designers, but foremost, by the desire to help women feel powerful and beautiful. 

Have you faced any obstacles you’ve had to overcome in your business? 

Every day is a challenge, I am CEO of the company, therefore I have to understand every aspect of the business. I am making constant decisions and I keep learning every day. It is a fascinating world for those who are equally numbers-oriented as much as creative and innovative. 

Which women have inspired you most throughout your life? 

My grandmother has been very inspirational. She was a strong character who taught me that nothing is ever impossible.

What made you choose Marylebone Village as a destination for your store?

Marylebone Village is my favourite area in London. It is quaint, with a French touch to it. I. It is nested where the nice luxury brands are,  and I love the atmosphere. 

What do you love most about being positioned in Marylebone Village? 

LIVY fits very well there, it is an elegant environment where you feel welcome.

What does this year's IWD campaign, “Inspire Inclusion”, mean to you?

Inclusion is at the heart of what LIVY is. Women’s empowerment. Every woman. Our lingerie is there to make them feel good, free and an occasion to repeat. They are capable, they are strong, they are smart, they are beautiful, they are different.

How do you “inspire Inclusion” within your business? 

LIVY is always encouraging women to be fearless, to embrace who they are, to be strong and reassured about their power. This discussion rejoins inclusivity. It is part of inclusivity. Every person has the right to be who they are, there should be no limits. Whatever makes you feel good and able to face the outside world is a good step. LIVY is made for every woman. 

Based on your own experience, what advice would you have for women wanting to get into your industry, or start a business of their own? 

Just do it. Know your field and grow organically. Listen. Pick your team carefully. Ask people who know better. Keep learning. The most important thing is to dare to start.

Do you have any tips on how to run a successful business? 

Be genuine in your art and wise in your decisions. Push your ideas with determination and work hard.

Have you put any changes or policies in place to help women succeed within your business? 

My company is composed of 98% women. They are talented, valuable assets to LIVY. The company would not be the same without this amazing crew.