Tell me about your lingerie business and what led you to setting it up.
Like many women, I had struggled for years to find a bra that fitted properly. The most common mistake is that when shopping for bras, women often have to compromise by increasing the band size to get a cup size that fits. The bra then becomes uncomfortable and doesn't offer any support.
Life changed while I was living overseas. I was properly fitted, and the doors of great-fitting, gorgeous bras were flung wide open.
When I returned to SA from the UK, I decided (with the support of my husband) to take the plunge and start my own business. While exploring various business ideas, I received some valuable advice. Do what you are passionate about because owning your business is tough. Little did I realise how tough. The day-to-day running of your own business is hard, and you have to cling to your passion to keep your dream alive.
You also run Pawfect, a pet product business. Tell me more.
In among the craziness of Sarah Elizabeth, I had another idea brewing - an online store that would appeal not to pet owners but to dog and cat lovers. I envisioned a place that would be "the coolest place for pets to shop". This wouldn't be your average pet retailer; we would be quirky and fun.
Pawfect is a company run by 10 furry friends. George, my black lab, is the CEO, and the rest of our pets all have roles in the company. Their input is how we know all the barktastic pet trends. From shampoo to flea powder, we've got our pawsome clients covered. Pawfect is all about fun, and we try and focus on making people smile.
How do you combine and balance the different roles you play, and what lessons have you learnt in the process?
Juggling the two businesses, both in the growth phase, can be really challenging. Positioning a good team is really important.
I can sometimes be a bit of a whirlwind to work with. If I come up with a new idea I want it implemented. In the early days, I often didn't have structure and would bounce from one idea to the next. With time, I have come to realise ideas are great but I needed to add structure and strategy.
Also, I now lead a team, and it was important for them to know what they need to do and when.
What makes your work meaningful?
Seeing the transformation during a fitting. The customer's body language changes. I recently fitted a teenager, and her whole body posture changed. She was really struggling at school and didn't want to participate in sport any more because she was embarrassed about breast movement. I was able to help her find a bra that she felt confident in. At the end of the consultation, the mother was in tears - she had not realised what an impact it was having on her daughter.
I really believe it is a privilege to walk alongside our customers to help them feel confident so that they can go out and do whatever they want to do.
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