Skims Hits $5bn Valuation

Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand Skims has reached a staggering $5 billion valuation after raising $225 million in new funding, making it one of the most successful celebrity-backed businesses in recent years. Launched in 2019 as an online-only shapewear company, Skims has rapidly grown into a global lifestyle brand offering loungewear, menswear, and beauty products, with annual sales expected to exceed $1 billion. The company is now investing heavily in physical retail stores to strengthen its presence beyond e-commerce, alongside high-profile collaborations such as NikeSkims, which position it in the competitive athleisure market. Kardashian’s personal influence, savvy marketing, and strategic diversification have been key drivers of this growth, showing how strong branding and innovation can transform a niche product into a global powerhouse.

BBQ - Explain one reason why Skims might choose to open physical stores after starting as an online-only brand.

SKIMS

Black History Month

Black History Month is a time to honour the achievements of Black individuals across all sectors, and the world of business is no exception. From historical trailblazers like Madam C.J. Walker to modern UK innovators such as Sharmadean Reid and Jamal Edwards, Black entrepreneurs have consistently driven change through creativity, resilience, and a deep understanding of their communities. Their ventures have not only created economic opportunities but also challenged stereotypes and inspired future generations. Despite facing barriers such as limited access to funding and underrepresentation, Black business leaders continue to thrive by embracing digital platforms, building strong brands, and leading with purpose. Their stories offer valuable lessons in innovation, adaptability, and social impact—key themes for any aspiring entrepreneur or business student. Supporting and learning from Black-owned businesses is not just a celebration of heritage, but a step toward a more inclusive and dynamic business landscape. Check out the story of Sharmadean Reid by following the link below...

Sharmaden Reid

Meta Smart Glasses

Facebook's parent company, Meta, has unveiled its latest generation of AI-powered smart glasses in collaboration with Ray-Ban and Oakley. The new lineup includes the Meta Ray-Ban Display, which features a discreet, full-color screen built into the lens, and an accompanying "Neural Band" wristband that allows users to control the glasses with subtle hand gestures. This innovation is part of Meta's long-term strategy to shift consumer habits away from smartphones and towards AI-driven wearable technology. By combining everyday eyewear with cutting-edge artificial intelligence, Meta is aiming to create a new category of consumer electronics that offers hands-free access to information, from real-time translations to video calls, directly within a person's field of vision.

Meta is launching its new smart glasses with a price point starting at around £299. Analyze the potential impact of this pricing strategy on the product's sales and target market.

Smart Glasses

Legendary Italian designer Giorgio Armani dies

 

Legendary Italian designer Giorgio Armani, who passed away at the age of 91, leaves behind a legacy not only of timeless fashion but also of remarkable entrepreneurial achievement. Armani began his career in fashion as a window dresser and sales assistant before launching his own brand in 1975 with business partner Sergio Galeotti. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident in his ability to identify market gaps—introducing relaxed tailoring for men and empowering professional women with elegant, functional suits. Armani maintained full control of his brand empire, which expanded into perfumes, hotels, restaurants, and home furnishings, generating billions in revenue. He was known for his hands-on leadership, even personally arranging boutique displays well into his 80s. Armani’s success was built on a clear vision, independence of thought, and a relentless work ethic, making him a powerful example of how creativity and business acumen can combine to build a global brand.

What entrepreneurial qualities did Giorgio Armani demonstrate throughout his career, and how did these contribute to the global success of his brand?

Giorgio Armani

Chicken Hotel Pitches to Dragons' Den

 

A businesswoman has pitched her idea of a hotel for chickens on the BBC TV show Dragons' Den. Katriona Shovlin has been running Hen Weekend Chicken Boarding from her home in Upchurch, Kent, since late 2023. The TV programme - in which contestants pitch a business idea to judges - returns for series 22 on BBC One on Thursday. The chicken hotel grew from a hen house in her back garden to care for abandoned birds. But Ms Shovlin soon was taking care of family pets when their owners were away. She said: "We've had up to 20 chickens here at times from families who are going on holiday or in the process of moving home. "One family read about us on social media and drove all the way from Berkshire for me to look after their chickens." The TV appearance is the hen hotel owner's most high profile in the media so far after previously featuring in national newspapers and on BBC Radios 1 and 2 when the business launched. Ms Shovlin said she had been surprised when the TV producers first got in touch. Viewers can see if Ms Shovlin was successful in her pitch for investment on Dragons' Den.

BBQ - Do you think Katorina got the investment?

Dragons Den

Marshmallow Mum

 

A mum-of-two says she has made nearly £10,000 in six months by making marshmallows in the kitchen of her family home. Emily Roberts, 25, from Swansea, started making the treats while on maternity leave from her retail job as something to do with her eldest daughter. But after the sweets went down well with family and friends, Ms Roberts started selling them at local markets - which she said were "sell-out upon sell-out". Ms Roberts, who has now left her retail job to focus on her new venture, said she "never imagined" that her hobby could be turned into a business. Ms Roberts, who is registered as a sole trader but wants to soon convert her business into a limited company, said setting up was not as challenging as she thought it would be. Ms Roberts said she was not yet taking a wage, but had made just under £10,000 since March 2024. She sells her marshmallows at four events each week, either at markets or food festivals. Her advice to anyone considering setting up their own small business was to "go into it with all the passion that you've got". "It’s pointless doing something if you haven’t got your whole heart in it," she said.

BBQ: What entrepreneurial skills are on show by Emily? Is she right to consider becoming an LTD?

Marshmallows

Born With It?

Are entrepreneurs born with the skills they need, or can men and women be trained? Or perhaps, is it all down to a person's early life experience? A great article from the BBC examines all these cases to whether or not you are born to be an entrepreneur. A great read for ALL business students!

Entrepreneurs 

Coney Calzone!

It's a coney calzone! The pizza shaped like a cone. This unique treat was a entrepreneurial idea from 23 year old Dags Hofrats who has become the first person in the UK to sell the pizza. It has been an unlikely smash hit & he has sold 1,000 of the pizza cones at £2.70 in six weeks.

Pizza Cone

Enterprise @ St James' Park

A fantastic day out for Year 12 Business Studies students at St James' Park last Friday. All students really got involved in the enterprise based morning and created some excellent ideas. A quick reminder that team pitches will be on Thursday this week so there is still chance to put the finishing touches to your ideas!

Brand Becker

Boris Becker retired in 1999 having won six grand slams and amassed tournament winnings of over £25m. He didn't stop there as he then begun building a successful career as an entrepreneur.   

Brand Becker

Take Your Ideas Elsewhere...

Most governments say they want to encourage entrepreneurs. Yet when foreigners with ideas come knocking, they slam doors in their faces.

Visas For Entrepreneurs

Let's Get It Started...

Black Eyed Peas singer and star of The Voice Will.I.Am certainly has a few entrepreneurial skills in his locker. He has announced that he plans to start his own car company in order to bring jobs back to East Los Angeles, where he grew up.

IAMAUTO