Denim Entrepreneur Will Mentor A Marie Claire Reader As Part Of Inspire And Mentor 2013

Find out how you can be mentored by fashion entrepreneur Donna Ida Thornton

Most of us have spent an evening over a glass of wine debating an amazing business idea or carving out our dream career.

But putting it into practice is another thing completely. However, Marie Claire is here to help! We have signed up six amazing women from fields including media, TV, food and fashion to mentor six lucky readers over the next few months.

Our next mentor is Donna Ida Thornton, founder of the Donna Ida denim boutique.

The 39-year-old fashion entrepreneur opened her first shop in October 2006 after she started feeling unsatisfied by her career in marketing.

A friend's chance remark led her to explore the possibility of launching her own brand. 'My friend suggested I opened a shop selling jeans, as I was always wearing them,' she says. 'I stayed up all night thinking about it - then decided to just go for it.

'It took a year to write my business plan and find a premises. I had no previous retail experience at all, but when customers came in worrying about finding jeans that fit I would put them at ease by pointing out the areas on my own body I worried about.'

She now heads up a denim empire with four boutiques, as well as an online store and clinics to help women find jeans that fit. 'This year we are focusing on our website and giving our customers the best experience possible,' she adds.

Do you want to be mentored by Donna Ida Thornton? Apply here. Be quick though - the deadline for applications is this Friday, May 17, at 6pm.

TOP STYLE BLOGGER WILL MENTOR A LUCKY MARIE CLAIRE READER

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