Mati is the founder of Mati Ventrillon, a knitwear brand based in Fair Isle, in Scotland. Fair Isle the most remote inhabited island in the United Kingdom. You have probably seen many Fair Isle inspired sweaters every winter, but not many of them have actually been made in Fair Isle, because, it’s not only remote, but it’s also a tiny, tiny island with not so many inhabitants. Mati Ventrillon came under the spotlight in 2015 when her brand was exposed to massive exposure in the fashion and luxury sector. If you haven’t heard of her name, you can do a quick search on Google and you will be amazed by this incredible story. But I don’t want to focus on this part of her journey. Instead, today I want to share with you the heartfelt stories of Mati, of her business, and of the knitwear tradition in Fair Isle. When I first encountered her brand, I felt that it was speaking directly from her heart. It’s intriguing and difficult for me to explain, but it’s something I felt deeply. And my first impression was right: I’ve found out that Mati Ventrillon is a business venture founded on love and passion, and on grit and resilience. In this first part of our conversation, Mati will share with us the story of Fair Isle and how knitwear is an embodiment of the island tradition and history, and how it has saved the community on several occasions. She will also explain why she decided to launch her own brand in 2011, in order to preserve the tradition. This is really an amazing story we love to hear at Mindful Business Founder and I am absolutely thrilled to share it with you today. So welcome, Mati Ventrillon.
Fair Isle, the most remote inhabited island in the UK (03:22)
Today, a crofting community of 54 permanent inhabitants (07:27)
Mati first encounter with Fair Isle and application process to move there (12:14)
Discovery of Fair Isle knitting and of its role throughout history (17:50)
Research and launch of the brand after the dissolution of the knitting cooperative (28:21)
Bringing Fair Isle knitwear on-line and development of the bespoke service (34:33)
The Walpole Group “Crafted UK” Mentoring programme (36:06)
Development of FAIR ISLE ARTISANS to pass on the Fair Isle knitting skills (37:10)
The growth of the business is limited by the space available on the island (39:47)
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CONNECT WITH MATI VENTRILLON https://www.mativentrillon.co.uk/
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Mentioned in this episode National Trust for Scotland and Walpole Crafted
Host: Leekei Tang
Contact: hello (at) betterbusinessfounder.com
Music credits: Mister Sunny Face by Wayne Jones / Blue Skies by Silent Partner / Happy Ukulele by Scott Holmes