One is a distributor of gorgeous, designer handbags; the other a producer of handy (and cute) little shoes that ease the pain of wearing gorgeous high heels. Meet our New Kids on the Block…
Business name: Exclusive Bags
The Lady in Charge: Susan Murdock
Location: Wattle Park, SA
Launched: April 2009
Website: www.exclusivebags.com.au
Hit us with your elevator pitch:
Exclusive Bags recently launched the Tempesta range of bags, clutches and wallets in Australia. We hold the exclusive rights to the range for Australia & New Zealand. Our philosophy is to provide our customers with a quality product that delivers a little something different.
What drove you to go it alone?
I have connections with the creator of this new label, and they had no desire to manage this market so I saw an opportunity to build this fantastic brand in Australia and New Zealand. Plus, it satisfies my desire to rise to the challenge of creating something from scratch and achieving success.
Give us five words that best describe you, since becoming your own boss?
Determined, disciplined, driven, fearless, realistic.
What do you find the most difficult, and most rewarding, aspects of running your own business?
The most difficult aspects of running my own business have been the incredibly steep learning curve, the isolation you endure by working at home alone all day, and the detractors that you can so easily give in to – such as not having faith in yourself because you’re “just a mum”. The most rewarding aspects are the tremendous sense of achievement in getting it going and keeping it going. Seeing my products included in features. The flexibility I have to do what I want and, most importantly, being there for my children when they need me.
Business name: Tipsy Toes
The Lady in Charge: Emily Doig
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Launched: September 2009
Website: www.tipsytoes.com.au
Hit us with your elevator pitch:
Tipsy Toes are a lightweight, flexible, fold-up emergency ballet flat that will transform you from staggering mess to glamorous gazelle in one tiny purse sized package. Stairs, tram tracks and late night across-town hikes are now a breeze, thanks to Tipsy Toes.
What drove you to go it alone?
Knowing that all of the decisions I make will be implemented and that I’ll be wholly responsible for the outcomes. For years I had worked in organisations filled with red tape. Going out on my own armed with the experience of almost ten years of working for someone else has been priceless. I couldn’t have done this project without those years of preparation.
Give us five words that best describe you, since becoming your own boss?
Passionate, focused, energised, vigilant, thorough.
What have you had to give up since becoming your own boss – and what’s one thing you’ve acquired that makes up for it?
My Mini Cooper! It was a sad day when I waved her goodbye… but I have to say its been worth the pain. I’ve gained so many valuable skills and have become a survivor; when it’s your brand/reputation on the line you really need to be. It’s a pretty amazing feeling looking over your business at the end of a long week and thinking, “I made this”.
Want to see your new business featured here?
New Kids on the Block is a SNOBS’ initiative to help promote women business owners who are still in their first year of trade. If that describes you, write to us via the contact page and we’ll let you know if you’re eligible.
