The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Working with a manufacturer overseas has had its challenges, from time zone differences to receiving order defects, etc. I design the dresses here in New Zealand and they get made in India so when something goes wrong it is not a quick or easy fix. I have really had to navigate some tough situations regarding this. Selling clothing also comes with its own challenges of dealing with customers, size issues, returns, etc. You learn to become very patient, that’s for sure! Another big challenge I have noticed lately is the slowdown of sales and I think this is affected by the cost-of-living crisis so I think having a small eCommerce business at the moment is quite tough!
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
There is a lot of learning and a lot of challenges involved along with a lot of highlights and happy moments. I am very new to running a business. For the most part, I feel like I have no idea what I am doing, and I am just winging this whole thing! To be honest, business does not come naturally to me. I am a creative person and being creative gives me an opportunity to try out new ideas and things that I dream of, but I really need to have my support people around me to keep me on track in order to actually make those things a reality.
Running Lilou solo has been hard, not having anyone else to bounce ideas around with, etc., but in saying that, my hubby is fantastic and is a numbers man, so he looks after that side of the business, thankfully! The juggle is sometimes very overwhelming too, but I am so passionate about Lilou and so proud of what I have designed, achieved and how it is growing that all the pros outweigh the cons and I will continue to learn and grow and put my all into it.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
My goal is to build my brand into a national and then international business. I want to build a strong relationship with my manufacturer and one day visit the factory in India. I want to expand my collection and then scale the business over time, producing new designs for every season and year. Wholesale is top of my list as I really want to get into more stores around New Zealand and showcase our clothing in person. One day my dream is to work for Lilou full time and perhaps have a couple of people working for me and to have a well-established brand!
Visit the Lilou website to check out their beautiful range of clothing. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
