About Wyn-Wiley Lingerie
The Full Story
Hiya! I'm Cara - the founder of Wyn-Wiley Lingerie. Delightful to meet you.
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I really hope you aren't looking for some dramatic, action packed story as to why I started my little lingerie business. The reality involves a gentleman, lingerie (obvs) and Gwen Stefani.
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Let me take you back to 2016. While working as a summer temp in Marks and Spencers, I was approached by an elderly gentleman who was looking for some new underwear for his wife. His wife had decided she wanted to do a boudoir photoshoot for him, and had instructed her adorable husband to go and find underwear he would like to see her wearing in the shoot. The poor lamb didn't know what to pick, and declared that he found his wife beautiful in anything and everything (DAWWWWW)! Super cute eh? After ten minutes of explaining what a suspender was, and helping him pick something out from the Rosie Autograph collection, I sent him on his way and wished his wife good luck for the shoot. Another happy customer! You're welcome M&S.​
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At this point, I didn't have a clue that I was going to want to set up my own lingerie business, but something did spark my imagination...
The Full Story Cont...
During my time in the underwear department at Marks and Sparks, my love for lingerie truly started to grow. I was surrounded by all these gorgeous lacey items - and got first dibs when the yellow stickers appeared. Safe to say I bought a lot of bras that summer.
After my interaction with the gentleman though, that is when something clicked in my brain - lingerie wasn't just a functional piece of clothing that stopped your boobs from drooping. Actually, lingerie probably meant something different to everyone who buys it. Some buy to feel sexy and desired, some to feel powerful and confident, and yes of course some to make sure their tits aren't hitting the floor.
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Anyway, this fascinated me, the different reasons why someone would buy lingerie (and so did the construction of them, but people tend to find that part boring). So, I researched how to make bra's and pants and then started making them for myself. ​
The Full Story Finale
Fast forward a good few years, and I am sitting in a massive corporate meeting room, staring at a middle aged lady with a clipboard and heels she can't walk in, being told I will be made redundant in a few months time.
After the initial panic, which included a crying/self pity phone call to my husband, I went out on a little walk to try and process the news of losing my job and income. Ideas of my dream job started creeping into my mind - owning my own lingerie brand. But questions like, should I try? Could I do this? Is this sensible? Kept whirling around my mind too.
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While trotting down the street on my mindful walk, Gwen Stefani decided to come through my earphones and shout at me "take a chance, you stupid ho"*. I reckoned she had a point. So here I am, taking a chance.
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*What You Waiting For? - Gwen Stefani (fabulous song!)
The Name: Wyn-Wiley
(Pronounced "win why-lee")
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This is my middle name. The "WYN" is also my mothers middle name, and the "WILEY" is my fathers last name (was formally my last name too until I married my hubby). It is also my big bro's middle and last name.
I have always been a big fan of my middle name. I love people asking me how to pronounce it, and love watching people attempt to spell it. So that is why I chose it as my brand name. I think it stands out from the crowd.
Who is Cara Though?
I'm afraid there isn't much to me - what you see is what you get. I am originally from Edinburgh, but now live in dunfermline with my fabulous husband Mark, and our four year old (slightly bonkers) cockapoo Percy. I have a degree in Fashion Technology from Heriot-Watt University (yes, I promise I am actually qualified to make high quality garments). I am enthusiastic, quirky, occasionally funny and would do literally anything to be a judge on Ru Paul's Drag Race, or meet Beyonce.
The Serious Stuff
QUALITY
Each piece is handmade to order to make sure every item is given the attention it needs to ensure the highest quality of product.
​SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainable and ethical practices are right at the heart of Wyn-Wiley too. Where possible, UK suppliers are used to reduce the carbon footprint of fabrics and trims. Wastage is significantly reduced too by making to order, and any left over scraps of fabric are used to make the Wyn-Wiley scrunchies.
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INCLUSIVITY
Inclusivity is at the top of the priority list too. Because all products are made to order, every item can be customised for those who need. for example, if you need easy access for breastfeeding, please let me know before placing your order and I can make with breastfeeding friendly straps. Designs are always being further developed too to ensure they can be adapted for anyone's needs.
The Wyn-Wiley Beliefs
The Wyn-Wiley beliefs are all about empowering confidence and celebrating individual beauty.
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​The Wyn-Wiley lingerie collection is designed to make you feel comfortable, confident, and most importantly sexy as hell. Each piece has been carefully created to show off and enhance your figure.
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Additionally, I just want to take this chance to thank everyone who places an order with Wyn-Wiley Lingerie. Be it big or small, it genuinely is a massive celebration for me as each order is helping me bring my dream to life and I really cannot thank you enough.
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I also love hearing from my customers and seeing how you style your W-W lingerie, so please don't be shy - drop me a message anytime!
Becoming a W-W Queen
It is super easy to become a W-W Queen - simply make a purchase and subscribe to the news letter, and that's it! You are part of the W-W family.
What does this mean though? Well, you will be entitled to first looks at new products, first access to sales (including sample sales) and exclusive discounts as a thank you for your loyalty and for supporting a small business.
W-W vs W-W
​​Why the two logos? Well, this is where I refused to let an opportunity pass me by. A darling friend of mine pointed out that my "W-W" logo could easily be two sets of boobs - need I say more? As soon as she pointed it out, I couldn't unsee it, and I knew it was too much fun not to use it somehow in my brand.
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I was needing a way to be able to differentiate between standard collections, and limited edition collections. So the W-W boob logo was the perfect solution. Any product marked with this is available for a limited time only - so grab it while you can!