The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
The general day to day of running a business and motherhood is all new to me, so every day has its challenges. The last few years have been a huge learning experience, but I do need to reflect and appreciate how far I have come.
Last year we launched our Dear Ted 100% merino socks, 49-piece puzzle and ‘Perfectly Ted’ storybook. As new products, these came with their own unique obstacles.
Another challenge was when I started suppling boutique retailers and selling the bears wholesale. I really had to work on my costings to ensure the formula was workable for both parties and that our brands aligned in the right way. Dear Ted is now stocked in gift stores all around New Zealand and in Australia now too.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
The flexibility of working for yourself when you have a young family is incredible. It means I can spend time with the kids and then during downtime I can focus on running my business. I work a lot during nap times or at night.
The cons are making sure you hit deadlines and you never really switch off, as there is always work to be done for Dear Ted – or just in general running our home.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I am working with some incredible New Zealand companies to bring a couple of gorgeous collaborations to life, so keep an eye out. We are also working on a few new products which will hopefully launch this year all going to plan.
We are now in Australia and Japan next, however I am working on distribution further afield. So, watch this space – exciting times ahead!
Photography credit: @thesearethegoldendays.
Visit the Dear Ted website to find out more, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
