Currently...

I am the founder of http://www.notjustalabel.com/" rel="nofollow">NOT JUST A LABEL, a designer platform for showcasing and nurturing today's pioneers in contemporary fashion.

We set it up in 2008 to infuse new life into fashion, helping designers gain exposure and finance their progression independently by providing an easily accessible retailing forum via our online shop.

NJAL is a creative hub with a red carpet following setting trends and perpetuating innovation.

Before I escaped...

I kick-started my career during my Economics studies when I gained experience in the fashion and media industry working for prestigious design houses and advertising agencies.

This was followed by a modelling career working on five continents, before achieving my MA in International Economics in 2004.

After graduation I joined the world of finance, working for companies such as Ernst & Young and Sal. Oppenheim in Switzerland, and finally the Merrill Lynch MA Investment Banking group in London, specialising on the Consumer Retail sector, advising publicly listed fashion powerhouses.

My moment of truth...

Crashing my 1975 Porsche Carrera on a German highway after a decadent weekend at the Oktoberfest.

While the car of my dreams was wrecked, my guardian angel saved me but also put my feet back on to the ground.

The illusionary high-banker-confidence was gone and while spending time at physiotherapy, I realised life is about more meaningful things (...and yes, it sounds like Zoolander - it's his quote!)

Planning for it...

No plan. I got my bonus, walked over the Millennium Bridge towards Tate Modern and threw my much-hated Blackberry into the river. The BBQ party my (more creative) friends organised for me was epic.

The worst and best bits...

You will find that when running your own business, every day is filled with many small success stories, but also many hurdles and problems you have to tackle.

Overall it is really hard to spot single good or bad events - they all blur into one fantastic experience. NJAL now gets 16 million hits per month!

Best advice...

Don't listen to consultants.

Useful resources and information...

There are a number of organisations and websites providing very useful information.

But to be honest, there is no hand-book on creating a successful business. You just have to be humble and willing to learn.