The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
In these early days, there is so much figuring things out as you go along, and trialling and testing different ideas to see what works and what doesn’t. One challenge is recognizing and stop doing the things that are going okay, to focus on the things that are going great. We embraced an opportunity to run a physical concept store, but after a few months made the decision to focus solely on our online store because that was doing so much better.
It’s also about recognizing when something is going well and leaning into that, even when it’s not what you expected. We hadn’t initially planned to make adult clothes. Everyone loved our Windswept Pullovers so much, and we had so many requests for them in matching adult sizes that we just decided to do it! And now that the adult pullovers have sold out SO quickly, I’m thinking of designing a few more matching adult ‘twinning’ pieces.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
I enjoyed my work as a lawyer, and I love being a mum. However, I’ve always had a creative side. I love challenging myself by trying new things. Starting a business of your own can certainly be a challenge. Although there are so many upsides too.
Some of the challenges are getting used to being outside my comfort zone, being willing to put myself out there, to try different things. This also means embracing failure and learning to wear all the different hats.
On the other hand, I love the flexibility and sense of fulfilment and freedom that comes with building our own business. And it’s such an incredible feeling to see my designs being worn by our beautiful customers out exploring their surroundings.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I’d love to continue to grow Wild Island into a successful brand, to collaborate with some more incredible mamas, and to be able to inspire more children and families to embrace an adventurous outdoor lifestyle.
Check out their collections and more about Wild Island Apparel at their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
