Meet the Founder: If Only If's Emily Campbell
For our March edition of ‘Meet the Founder’, we spoke to If Only If owner Emily Campbell.
If Only If Nightwear create beautiful nightdresses that stand the test of time. Emily took over the business in 2020 from her Mother Issy and has taken the luxury nightwear world by storm. Featured in Vogue, Vanity Fair and more, If Only If nighties appeal to all ages with comfort and elegance at the heart.
Much like ByRuby, If Only If nighties are often gifted to loved ones in times of need. Whether it’s for a new mum, someone recovering at home or a friend going through a tough time, the gift of nourishing food and a beautiful nightie can make all the difference.
Which is why we have partnered with If Only If to create the ultimate care package. Head to their website to create a bundle with a nightie of your choice and a ByRuby gift voucher.
We chatted to Emily about all things business and her freezer staples, including potato smiley faces and martini glasses - quite the pairing!
Tell us a bit about If Only If Nightwear. What inspired your Mum to set up the business and how has it evolved since you took the reins?
The idea came to my mum after she had a nightie made on holiday in India and friends kept on telling her how much they loved it. She was looking for nightwear that wouldn’t make her sweat and critically looked beautiful and felt comfortable! She found a wonderful supplier, who we still work with now, and developed her designs with them. The brand started at fairs all over the country, and year after year it grew from word of mouth.
Since taking over nearly 5 years ago now, I have been so lucky that Mum always said from the start that the business was now mine to steer as I saw fit, and having her trust in me has actually given me the confidence I didn’t know I had.
If Only If nighties are true comfort and elegance rolled into one. If you were to gift an If Only If nightie to a loved one in a time of need which would you choose?
This is like asking me to choose my favourite child! But when pushed, I would say Isabel, named after my mum. I was actually ‘sold’ my own product by customer reviews of this design. I knew that she was going to be a popular design, but when the customer feedback came in, there was no denying that her super soft cotton voile design is a delight to all that wear her no matter what age or size.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start a business?
That hard work pays off, hire people more skilled than yourself and know that kindness isn’t a weakness.
Eat in or out?
Ooooooo both?!
Favourite cookery book?
Julia Bannisters - Finns
Favourite recipe?
Ottolenghi Slow Cooked Tomatoes on Yoghurt (roll it out every dinner party)
Favourite restaurant?
River Cafe
Favourite kitchen utensil?
Wooden Spoon
Coffee or tea?
Depends on the time of day, but a nice strong coffee sets me up for work.
Favourite ByRuby?
So hard to choose, but the Fish Pie is a solid contender (absolute win that my children agree).
What 3 items do you always have in your freezer?
Herbs, Smiley Faces (no judgement please), Martini glasses
Favourite meal (starter, main and pud):
Starter - Tuna ceviche, Main - Steak and Chips, Pud - Apple crumble and custard!
Dream dinner party guest (celebrity or otherwise!)
Dolly Parton - She’s been my idol since I was 7.
Thank you so much to Emily for chatting with us about If Only If and her foodie faves.
If you have a loved one who needs some TLC, ensuring a good night's sleep and a full belly is a great start. Head to the If Only If website today and create a bundle you know they will love.