Paloma Vivanco

Killer business instincts with the looks of a top fashion model, surely a recipe for
success for the former Apprentice contestant? We discuss her time on the business
reality TV show and her latest venture, fashion brand INACIA

You took part in Series 6 of The Apprentice- what was it really like being a contestant on the show?
It was a lot fun but also very high pressured. There were early starts, late finishes, demanding tasks and then everything culminating in a heated boardroom session. Just when you thought it was over, you would wake up and do the same thing all over again. It was a unique and truly memorable experience and I felt very honoured to be a part of that series.

What was the biggest challenge you faced during your time on the Apprentice?
I think it was the whole concept of being sort of out of control. And what I mean by that is that as adults we are used to being in control of our actions. To have your entire daily itinerary prescribed and losing touch with the outside world was tough. I didn’t realise how reliant I was on my BlackBerry & the internetuntil I went into the household!

Was it difficult hearing criticism from Lord Sugar and the other contestants in the boardroom? Did you learn anything about yourself from the show?
Actually it was. When it came to the other contestants, I took their criticism with a grain of salt. After all we all wanted the job and it was a competition so a lot will be dramatised by everyone trying to defend their corner. When it came to hearing Nick, Karen and Lord Sugar’s feedback however I had to try hard not be defensive about it. I was accused by Lord Sugar as being arrogant. When I look back at my performance, I could see how my assertive behaviour at times might be perceived as self-righteous. I have since learnt to tailor my tone & communication style.

Lord Sugar is on the cover of SYB this month- were you intimated by facing one of the UKs most successful businessmen?
For sure. He doesn’t give much away so naturally you are intrigued by him and are constantly wondering what he ‘really’ thinks about you. I have recently read his biography ‘What you see is what you get’ and I have to say I am little embarrassed I knew so little about him before going into the Apprentice household. I knew his factual business achievements, which I admired. But after reading his book; his plight, his journey, his values, I see him than more than a just someone that ‘made it in business’.

You have a new company selling fine fibre knitwear- what motivated you to break into the clothing industry?
I actually started the INACIA concept before I went into the series. I had been working in Telecommunications for close to ten years and while I loved my career, I had always wanted to create my own products and start my own business. I had an appreciation and understanding for the Alpaca fibre so wanted to take this luxury fibre to the UK & Europe. I saw the Apprentice as a way to test my raw business skills. As I see it, working for large organisations is a very different skill set to launching and starting to your own business. After my Apprentice experience I felt really energised to launch my own company - INACIA. I believe in the fibre and the feedback from clients so far has been positive. The sustainable aspect of my business is very important to me and I’m glad it has been well received. Check out www.inacia.com.

What do you hope to achieve with INACIA?
1. Scale. I’d like to stock my products in big markets like Germany & Russia. I’m also keen to keep evolving the product range as my market evolves.
2. Employment. I get a real buzz out of being able to generate employment for people. Not just in Peru where I manufacture my goods but also here in the UK. Developing roles for people that are passionate about my products and vision is one of the highlights of starting your own business.
3. Sustainable Business. I once read somewhere that being ethically & socially responsible in business was a ‘nice to have’, luxury concept that business people adopt once they have made their millions. I couldn’t disagree more.

INACIA has been sustainably conscious since day one, and will continue to be until the end.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Like all ambitious business people, I’d like to make a financial success of INACIA but I’m also keen to develop other business ideas. I’m aiming to have a portfolio of different businesses that I can start up, build up and then eventually exit from.

Wherever I am in 5 years, I would like to be challenged and surrounded with real, grounded and like minded people that share my thirst for great experiences in life.