Mint Velvet CEO & Co-Founder: Challenges Of The Industry, Brand Identity & Her Son’s Legacy

This week, Charlotte Collins is joined by Liz Houghton, a pillar of the British fashion industry. Having worked at the Arcadia Group for the best part of 20 years, when 2008’s financial crash hit our high streets, she struck out and co-founded clothing brand Mint Velvet. Against a difficult commercial landscape, she filled a much-needed gap in the market and Mint Velvet has since gone from strength to strength. Tragically, she lost her eldest son, Will, in 2016 but used her grief to champion the ‘Don’t Forget The Donor’ campaign. With her family, she also created the Will Houghton Foundation, which works with UK charities to help 14-24-year-olds to reach their potential. For her services to business and charity, Liz was awarded an OBE back in 2017. Today, she talks to us about her incredible life and career, and what it is that drives her forward.