FEMALE FOUNDERS FOR IWD '26 - Cara Granger from Cara & The Sky
We feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by brilliant women every single day. We’re constantly inspired by their creativity, in awe of their drive, and so proud of everything they set out to build and achieve.
With International Women’s Day just around the corner, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate them properly. You already know and love these brands, but we thought this was the perfect time to introduce you to the wonderful women behind them, the founders, the makers, the dreamers doing it all.
What's your name?
Cara Granger
How many years have you been in business?
7
How many employees does your business have?
2
What inspired you to start your business?
I was made redundant from my knitwear buying role back in spring 2019. At that time there was no colourful knitwear on the Highstreet. Everything was beautiful, but minimal, neutral. Where was the colour!? There was colour in the supermarkets but it was cheap and boring. Where was the fun colourful knits that I wanted to wear. They didn't exist. So I decided to start a brand that was focused on beautiful design, unique piece, fun colour, and most importantly making it all here locally in the UK.
What is the best business (or life) advice you’ve ever been given?
When I was trying to work out how I would ever be able to have kids and juggle the business a fellow mum small biz said to me, you will grow, but you will just grow much slower than you would like. And that's ok.
What is your definition of success?
Having stability. Retail is VERY up and down, as we all know. I want to grow this brand to a point that it can withstand the highs and the lows of the retail landscape without it feeling like the world is collapsing.
What boundaries have you had to establish to protect your mental health and personal time?
No weekends unless its a show or a very important market/pop up. I used to do a lot of markets every weekend, and with a small family, it's just not possible, nor do I want to be away from my family!
Who is your dream customer?
Someone who wants to dress happy. Who wants to feel good about themselves, who isn't a slave to trends..
What has been your worst business moment? Ie an email sent to the wrong person, a hilarious typo, an ordering error?
Oh wow! There have been so many but that's the beauty of running a small biz, your worst moment can feel all consuming, that nothing will make it right, but then something else happens, and you move on. I would say right when i started my 1st production run there was a major fit issue with one the the styles. I didn't know how to move forward, I had so much riding on a perfect collection. But I got through it and life moves on!
Tell us a joke…
People think I design clothes all day. Babe I answer emails and chase couriers.
Big thank you to the amazing Cara for taking the time to talk to us, and for always providing us with the coolest knitwear!
You can shop Cara & The Sky here.
