On The Business Show’s second day, an inspiring and candid conversation unfolded with Tommy Mallet, the entrepreneur who transformed himself from a reality TV personality to a powerhouse in the footwear and fashion industry. Hosted by Scott English, founder of Elite Business, the interview offered an open and honest look at Tommy’s entrepreneurial journey, the challenges he faced, and the invaluable lessons he has learned along the way. Here’s a breakdown of some key moments from the discussion.
The spark of an entrepreneurial journey
Tommy Mallet’s rise from reality TV star to founder of a £100 million business is a story of grit, passion, and honesty. Reflecting on the beginnings of Mallet London, Tommy attributed his entrepreneurial spark to a love for creating and a pivotal push from his father.
“I always had a passion for money and building things. When I went on The Only Way is Essex, my dad said, ‘Don’t just be an influencer, go make a business out of it,’” Tommy shared at the start of his candid and inspiring interview.
At just 22, Tommy found himself thrust into the world of reality television, which offered a platform but not the fulfilment he sought. Initially, he viewed his time on TV as a stepping stone rather than a destination. It wasn’t long before he realised that the fame associated with being an influencer didn’t align with his long-term aspirations. “After six months on TV, I realised the TV part wasn’t for me, and I needed to start something I could build on. That push from my dad kept me focused,” he recalled.
Tommy didn’t have a fully formed business plan when he started. He described those early days as a whirlwind of uncertainty. What he did have, however, was a burning enthusiasm for ‘sneakers’ and a relentless drive to succeed. “I didn’t really know what I was doing. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I just knew that I wanted to do sneakers,” he admitted.
His obsession with sneakers quickly evolved into a business idea. What started as a personal passion project grew into Mallet London, a footwear brand that would go on to redefine success in the fashion industry. But, as Tommy explained, the journey wasn’t a straight line to the top.
Watch the full interview on demand:
A vision without a blueprint
Tommy’s entrepreneurial beginnings were anything but conventional. With no prior experience in business and no formal training, he described those early years as “winging it.” Selling shoes from a van and learning through trial and error, he relied heavily on instinct and determination.
“I got pushed into it by my dad,” Tommy said, pointing to the role his father played in encouraging him to aim higher. This encouragement, coupled with Tommy’s innate work ethic, created the foundation for Mallet London.
The first two years were touch and go, with constant challenges testing Tommy’s resolve. “Unless you’ve got a massive fund of money behind you, there’s not a morning that you don’t wake up and think, ‘I could lose it all today.’”
Tommy shared how he dealt with setbacks, including financial pressures, lost shipments, and cancelled orders. Despite these hurdles, he refused to view them as negatives. “If you look at everything as a negative, you become a victim, and I don’t believe in that,” he stated.
Instead, Tommy chose to embrace the struggles. For him, challenges were simply part of the process of building something worthwhile. “The more you push through, the more you realise it’s not just luck, you’re actually good at this.”
The £100 million milestone
Within just a few years, Tommy turned his vision into a £100 million business. Achieving this milestone required more than just hard work; it demanded a mindset shift.
In his interview, Tommy shared how self-belief became a critical factor in his success. “The more you believe in yourself, the more risks you can take, and the more you push forward,” he said.
Tommy highlighted how success often comes down to perseverance. There were no shortcuts, no magical formulas, just sheer determination. He described those early days as a snowball effect, where each small victory built momentum toward bigger achievements.
However, Tommy was quick to point out that reaching success is only half the battle. “The success is the easiest thing to get. Keeping it is the hardest,” he emphasised.
A lesson in resilience
For Tommy, his journey wasn’t just about business growth but also about a personal transformation. Throughout his career, he’s been open about the mental challenges he’s faced, from imposter syndrome to managing stress.
“I personally think I’ve got one of the strongest mindsets in anyone in fashion right now,” Tommy said, attributing his resilience to the struggles he’s overcome. For him, bad days are just that, 24 hours that don’t extend into the next day.
This approach has helped him navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, from legal battles to the emotional toll of burnout. Tommy’s honesty about his mental health has inspired others, making him a role model for resilience in the business world.
Balancing work and life
For Tommy, achieving work-life balance means blending work seamlessly into his life in a way that feels genuine and fulfilling. He admitted that in the early years, he didn’t fully understand the concept of balance.
“At the start, I didn’t understand work-life balance. It’s not about the time you spend with your family; it’s about the quality of that time,” he shared.
Over time, Tommy learned to prioritise meaningful moments with his family. Whether it’s taking time off on weekends or adjusting his schedule to spend more time with his son, he now approaches balance with a greater sense of purpose.
Manifesting success
A recurring theme in Tommy’s story is the power of belief and manifestation. He described how setting clear intentions and holding himself accountable helped him achieve his goals.
“If I want something, there’s not a day, minute, or second that goes by where I’m not thinking about it. It’s like putting the order in and working until it’s delivered.”
Tommy was quick to clarify that manifestation isn’t just wishful thinking however, it requires action. “You can’t just say, ‘I’m going to get that,’ and expect it to happen. You have to put in the work.”
Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
As the interview came to a close, Tommy left the audience with a powerful message:
“Don’t stop until you get it. Get so obsessed. No matter what happens, don’t feel sorry for yourself. If you get knocked down, get up, and just go.”
Tommy’s journey from selling shoes out of a van to building a £100 million brand is an inspiring story of resilience, determination, and the power of belief. It reminds us that success doesn’t come easy, but for those willing to work for it, the rewards are limitless.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Tommy’s message is clear: keep moving forward, embrace the challenges, and never stop chasing your dreams
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