Katie's Fashions

Today I'd like to welcome my new advertiser, Tanya Kriel of Katie's Fashions who recently launched her own clothing label. Last summer Tanya left the corporate world and began her new venture.

Her clothing is simple and stylish, you can just slip it on and you're ready to go... of course you can dress it up or down but that's all up to you! I can see myself wearing one of these little tunics with leggings and boots! Anyway back to Tanya, I thought I'd ask her a few questions so we could find out more about her...

1. How would you describe yourself?

Honest, happy, innocent, driven, hard working, persevering

2. How did you make the change from the corporate world to being self employed? Did it take a lot of planning and courage?

This was quite a process and yet it is actually so simple – the only way to make such a radical change is to take action and that is exactly what I did.  There was quite a bit of brainstorming and planning and decision making involved.  I took my annual leave as a trial period in which I met with as many people as possible in the market and tried a couple of designs and set up all the ground work for my business.  This was the make or break moment.  Everything seemed to fall into place so nicely and I knew that it was meant to be.

3. What one thing do you wish you'd known when you started your business?

I think I was pretty ok when it came to business knowledge, it was the technical knowledge that I lacked funny enough.  I mean I sewed since I was a little girl right through to varsity (but never had formal training to learn the finer detail).  Luckily I have a great team that have put me on a crash course when it came to production and how to do things differently.  We have a perfectly balanced partnership.

4. Have you always had an interest in fashion?

Yes and no.  I was quite sporty and active as a child and did as many activities as possible.  I did however become very interested in the stars and fashion in my teenage years, but really only felt comfortable with my own sense of style when I started my working career.  I do love shopping and fashion magazines – always have!  

5. Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

My inspiration comes from everything I see and encounter, from fashion magazines, media influences, my own passion for fashion infused with an ability to know what needs to change/ adapt in clothes that I have bought/fitted/ worn myself in order to make it more wearable or fashionable.  I love to create simple pieces that will look good on most body shapes and sizes and that are finished off so that a customer can step out in it and not worry too much about accessorising if they don’t have the flair for it (which creates a timeless look) and at the same time allowing space for individuality... for the fashionistas out there that love accessorising.

6. What is your favourite thing to do on a weekend...

To watch all the reality programmes that I missed out on and usually watch E-entertainment on Friday eve’s.  Also to spend quality time with my hubby, having breakfast and lunch together, doing chores in and around the house and garden and taking out DVD’s on Saturday evenings and with my girly dogs, taking them for their weekly walk on the beach.
 

7. Do you have any advice for future small business holders?

Mmmmm – that’s a difficult one.  I just believe in following your heart.  If it’s meant to be, it will.  Yes you need to put in a lot of hard work, time and sometimes money and there are possible sacrifices that you will have to make, but if it is what you want to do, you will get so much satisfaction out of it that you will feel energised to do even more.  Also keep it simple - one doesn’t have to start with a huge business or capital layout, you can have an even more successful business by starting small and doing things simpler.  And lastly enjoy the ride – we only live once!

Thanks so much Tanya, it's been great getting to know you a little better and so inspiring to see how you got everything going!