The Buzz about QueenBee Maternity Clothing - exclusive online interview

July 29, 2008 - PRLog -- What did you do for a living before you started your business?

I used to own a cafe/restaurant for over 13 years (from age 19), then I went back to Uni and studied a Master in Economics/Accounting and worked as a tax accountant for 3.5 years.   I have really been able to utilise everything I learnt in my business and going back to study was the best thing I ever did...

How did you come up with the idea for your business? (was it necessity, an idea you’ve always had etc)

My first son Mitchell never slept much as a baby so I was constantly awake all hours of the night and perhaps you can say I ‘dreamt’ up the idea....!!

How did you begin your business? (Did you get a bank loan, start at the markets, sew in your garage etc)

I approached different companies to set up my website and am lucky I found the right company from day one – they are excellent!!  I never got a bank loan – just got a VISA card and away I went!  My accounting background has helped me to know how to fund the business at the optimal growth rate without the need for finance.  I do import from overseas too so dealing with currency rates and buying overseas dollars has been a crucial part of my business arrangement.

When did it really take off?

I’ve only been established for 3 years so we’re still growing but definitely being on the cover of Cosmopolitan Pregnancy really gave us a HUGE boost!

How did you manage the family/business balance?

Hmm.... I must admit this has been hard – especially as I have wakeful children whom I still breastfeed – YES believe it or not Mitchell at 3.5 years still likes to breastfeed!  I don’t have a nanny but do have cleaners for my home.  My mum and dad have been a great help too – they spoil my boys rotten!


Did/Does your husband/partner (please specify) help with the business?

No not really!  He owns his own wholesale business so we do ask each other for advice and opinions – so being able to speak on the same business level has been great.  He never thought I would be where I am now when I started out – so that’s a great compliment.

Do you have staff working for you? How many did you have in the beginning? How many do you have now?

Yes definitely – what would I do without them?!  We thrive on being customer service oriented and we now have a great team to focus on this – I couldn’t be happier with my staff.  In the beginning it was just me but now I have 5 girls in the office plus alot of other work is contracted out to specialists here and there....

Where do you work from (home, office)?

We started working from home but outgrew it very quickly.  Queen Bee now operates from a beautiful warehouse/office in Belrose Business Park, Sydney.  We just built a mezzanine level in the warehouse to accommodate more stock.

Who looks after your children when you’re working?

Mitchell just started 2 mornings at pre-school every week and Koby is only 6 months so he will still be with me everyday till he’s at least 3 years old.   I’m so fortunate to live near my mum who helps me out heaps with the kids.  I’m also fortunate that my partner owns his own business as well and has very flexible hours.  So he entertains the kids and makes breakfast in the morning whilst I answer all my emails overnight from the UK and US.  He then takes Koby for his morning walk and puts him to sleep.....

What’s the best thing about setting up your own business as a new mum?

EVERYTHING !!  Watching it grow and become so successful has been really rewarding.  But bottom line is my children ALWAYS come first.  I have always wanted my children to have the best of everything in life so I feel really fortunate that I can give them that.  

How many hours a day do you work? Is it part-time, full-time?

I try and fit in a couple hours here and there throughout the day but it’s very flexible.  I take my kids out every day – whether it’s the park or shops, a picnic lunch.... I have my BLACKBERRY CURVE with me all the time so I can answer emails wherever I am.  Alot of people consider work stuck behind a desk in an office but I’m totally mobile with my wireless laptop and phone!  

Were there any challenges when you were getting the business off the ground?

None!!  If you have a well structured business plan then the only challenge is spending within budget.  Sometimes I have to control myself when I see a range that’s really really nice – I just want to buy it all!  But I am very business minded and do end up sticking to plan...

What was your turnover first year in business?

$200,000

What’s your annual turnover now?

Hmm.... totally astounding and you wouldn’t believe it if I told you!!

Any negatives that come with starting your own business as new mum?

None!  Koby was born a month before the Cosmo Cover came out – I remember taking him for his morning walk to our local shops and the lady behind the counter passed me the magazine and I saw the cover and nearly screamed – in fact I was speechless.  I really loved being pregnant during the growth of the business as it really helped me to understand what products were missing from my range, what marketing ideas would be successful and also how a pregnant woman feels and what she goes through during those long 9 months (from morning sickness, swollen ankles, doctors visits, coping with a child already, moving house – you name it, I went through it all too!).  And I’d do it all again if I could...........

Where would you like to take your company next? Do you/Are you planning on exporting overseas?

I am very aware that a successful company should be able to operate without its owner’s involvement in day to day management and that’s what I’m focused on for the next couple of years. Queen Bee still has enormous growth potential and I am yet to implement the MANY MANY ideas and projects I have planned.  I went to a business seminar a few years ago and I’ll never forget what I learnt - that you should always work ON a successful business not IN it!

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QueenBee is an exclusive Australian online boutique which brings you a fabulous range of modern, ultra-chic maternity clothes and nursing wear sourced from around the globe. Shop securely online 24/7