How and Why did you started your business? PipSqueak For Kids came about as I had for a long time dreamt of running my own business, and since having my little girl in 2008 I had noticed such a shortage for unique children's fashion in Australia and Perth in-particular. At that stage it was really just the big retail stores or small boutique style shops selling large established brands that were everywhere. I have a love for beautiful bohemian style prints, lace, trims and textured fabrics and wanted to translate this into comfortable wearable clothing for little girls. PipSqueak For Kids has been through many changes since its beginnings, firstly a stockist, then designing and using an overseas manufacturer, and now after a huge learning journey we are proudly 100% handmade and designed in Australia. How many staff do you currently have? At this stage PipSqueak For Kids is a at home business and a one woman show! While my children are little it has been the perfect scenario allowing me to fit business in around our busy family life. Being a sole trader has given me the flexibility of adjusting my work load when things get crazy at home and knowing it won't be affecting any staff when I do. However as my business grows, and my kids are getting older I will be looking at taking on staff members, hopefully within the next 6-12 months. Where did your business name come from? My business name "PipSqueak For Kid"s comes from my nickname "Squeak", affectionately given to me by some of my closest friends over the years. Being a children's clothing brand I think it suggests a little bit of fun and people know straight out that it is a kids brand. What do you find is the biggest challenge when owning you own business? There are many challenges that pop up in the crazy world of running your own business. But I would have to say the biggest, especially being a mother, is time management. You can have a million dollar idea but if you don't have the proper time to make it perfect and plan it's release properly then it's literally worthless. These days the way you launch a new product has never been more important to determine it's success. So planning your social media posts are just as important as getting that product perfect. They both go hand in hand. When I manage my time properly I can roll out new products in a more thoughtful manner which always translates to more sales. Your best moment so far in your business? I would have to say releasing my first design ever and having it do really well. It was a nerve racking time but made me very proud and concreted in my mind that this is what I want to do. Customer feedback is a lovely thing and one beautiful email can brighten your day. So this was huge motivation for me! It might seem small but I will always remember that time. Most challenging moment so far in your business? My most memorable challenge that comes to mind would be with a stockist as I learnt a lot from the experience. Unfortunately the stockist agreed via email to sell the items purchased as PipSqueak For Kids branded clothing, and then never did. It was quite disheartening to have items out there being sold and not promoted as my designs. I learnt the hard way the importance of listing any terms & conditions and having them signed by stockists prior to taking them on. And even more so the importance of being very selective on who I choose to represent and stock my brand. Your favourite quote or mantra "Do More Of What Makes You Happy" I have it in a huge print in my office space. It is so simple and off course running your own business is not all happy times, but it reminds me that this is what I want to do and I am so lucky to be in a position to do it. That alone keeps me so motivated! What is your advice to Perth Women wanting to start their own business or turning their hobby into a small business? I think if you have something you love to do and you think you can make money off it, then just go for it! With social media these days the best things is just to get started. Create that Etsy account, get onto Instagram etc and get your products out there. The motivation of having your creations praised and then purchased by real live customers is priceless. From there you will learn so much just from being a part of these little creative communities. Watch closely how the successful stores are using social media to their advantage, and follow suit. But most of all no matter what you do, be original. The only disadvantage to this new world of business that we live in is masses upon masses of competition. To stand out you must be unique and stay ahead of the game when bringing out new ideas and designs. What is your vision for your business? My vision for PipSqueak For Kids is simply growth. I want to get my designs out there to more people across Australia and the world, whilst still keeping it as a smaller boutique brand. I currently send a lot of items to the US via my Instagram account but I would absolutely love to have some overseas retailers stocking my clothes. With this growth I can then take on some staff and spend more of my time focusing solely on the design process which is what I love. I do have a few exciting things in the works at the moment but I will keep those a secret for now.. :)
THE QUICK FIVE Favourite Perth Coffee - Manna Foods South Fremantle Favourite Perth Fashion Label - Sea Wolf Designs(Jewellery) Favourite Perth Homewares - The General Store in Osborne Park Favourite Perth Bar - There are many I love, but I can't go past a cider at Little Creatures after a day in Freo. Favourite Perth Restaurant - Recently went to Brown Fox in West Perth. Amazing!
