Tell us a little bit about what you do
I started a company called Designer Wardrobe. It is an online market place which sells second-hand designer clothes for women. We started on Facebook, and after reaching 15,000 members in a short time I asked my friend Aidan Bartlett to join the team. Together we created a website and app that now has 48,000 members.
What inspired you to start Designer Wardrobe?
I had a wardrobe full of designer clothes and my passion was finding designer items online that I had missed out in stores. I found the experience really uninspiring and wished I could cut out the non-designer clothes. For years I wanted this to exist and it wasn't until three years ago that I was pushed to create this by myself. I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and while off work and in debt with no savings, I was forced to sell most of my clothes to get on top of things. I really felt I wouldn't get value for my clothes by listing them on other auction sites, so I decided it was time to make my dream come true!
What do you consider to be your biggest career achievement to date?
I think the whole process from the beginning of Designer Wardrobe until now is a great achievement.
What has been the biggest challenge starting a company?
I think there are many challenges in starting a company, but the truth is even if we did everything by the book, we can't control one thing and that is growing a network of users that believe in our company. At the beginning, the biggest challenge was growing a network of women who loved Designer Wardrobe as much as I did. It wasn't easy and if that part was easy - I guess everyone who wanted a market place would have one.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
I get out of bed every day feeling blessed to be on this earth and as healthy as I can be!
How do you start your day?
I start my day by picking up my phone to accept posts on the Designer Wardrobe Facebook page. I reply to any urgent messages that I received while sleeping. I then check in with my business partner Aidan Bartlett, take all my health supplements and normally do some cleaning or go for a walk.
Who keeps you grounded?
I am naturally grounded. If I need support, I'll go to my family.
How do you pick yourself up when you fail?
I don't view anything in my life as a failure. As long as I am good to others and I follow my values, I view everything as part of my journey and growing as a person.
What philosophy do you live by?
The most important things in my life are health, happiness and love. My family and friends are my number one always!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
"If you're doing things the way everyone else is, you're doing it wrong. " This quote is from Casey Neistat. I don't do things the way most might, and I have learnt some people can't quite understand that. If I did it their way, Designer Wardrobe might not be here today.
What book has influenced your life?
I loved #GirlBoss.
My top five style tip for the winter season is:
1. Leather jacket for winter - so classic and it will keep you warm!
2. Basic long sleeve thin jumpers that are natural tones, olive greens, greys, soft pinks.
3. Black boots are the best!
4. Stocking up on coconut oil for your hair to revitalise it after the summer. I sleep with this in my hair and wash it out in the morning.
5. Make sure your brows are in check - if your make-up is minimal, at least they will frame your face.
Check out the Design Wardrobe website and App for access to New Zealand's greatest collection of second hand designer clothing:
https://itunes.apple.com/nz/app/designer-wardrobe-buy-sell/id1062469450?mt=8