June 15, 2015
Kate Pierce, Antipodean Love
Bio The path that led her to this point
I had always wanted to start my own business and have something of my own.
After having my first child, Ruby, this fire in my belly definitely grew and I really wanted to make it happen.
I wanted something that was going to work with my family and also give me something for myself.
I studied a Bachelor of Arts (Chinese) and Bachelor of Commerce (Management) at Uni, and worked and lived overseas and made many friends the world over.
These friends also started to have babies and I was finding it very difficult to source Australiana gifts for their gorgeous new arrivals.
It is very important for me to give and receive a gift that makes me feel happy and proud. I am proud to come from this part of the world and wanted to give a gift that was representative of Australia in some way but was not at all tacky.
A great deal of my friends were also Australian, living overseas and I wanted to give them a gift that was a little piece of home and from the heart of Australia.
The seed was sown and so the quest began to source Australiana and Kiwiana products.
After many hours rummaging through markets and trailing through the internet I have brought together some amazing Australian and New Zealand designers in my online store.
In essence, all of my experience, my skills, and my passions converged to create the perfect storm when I set up shop.
I feel so lucky because I get to do something I love every single day: sourcing new products, working with handmade goods, or wrapping up orders.
I’m lucky enough to have a small staff of a not so silent and helpful 3 year old, 1 year old, and a very supportive husband.
It is challenging with a small family and running my own business but at the moment I would not have it any other way!
I relish the challenge and I am very excited for what the future holds for Antipodean Love.
Q&A Insider advice & tips
What's been your greatest achievement to date?
This is a tricky one as there has been a few but to be honest I felt an enormous sense of achievement (and nerves!) when Antipodean Love went live. All my research, hard work and juggling acts with a young child and baby on the way came to fruition.
Press features and receiving amazing positive feedback from customers also gives me a great sense of achievement.
What's been your biggest challenge so far?
As a Mum in business I would have to say that my biggest challenge so far would be "time" or rather lack of it. My little ladies are very young, not the greatest sleepers and quite challenging at times but they are my number one priority.
I also need to remind myself that I will get there in the end. It may be a little slower than what others can achieve but it is very much a balancing act with my family and the business that is constantly being fine tuned.
Best lesson you've learned along the way?
As a one lady show, I cannot and will not be able to do it all myself. Where possible and within financial constraints you need to delegate and outsource.
I would also say that a robust business plan that is constantly reviewed and tweaked is vital.
A website, book or resource that has helped you in your business or inspired you and why?
This is by no means ground breaking stuff but Facebook and Instagram really work for me.
I follow a lot of businesses and people that I admire and this sparks a great deal of creativity and connects me with amazing new designs and people.
Which person or brand do you most admire and why?
I really do not feel that I could pin it down to a specific brand or person - there are too many high fives to go around!
There are a lot of ladies in business that are giving it a go, have an amazing concept and delivering it really well with children in tow.
What advice would you give someone starting an independent business in your industry?
Believe in yourself and take that leap, if you never do it you will never know! Don't compare yourself to other businesses that have a team of staff if you are a one person show.
Be confident in your concept, be willing to evolve and change. Work hard, be nice and good things will happen.
Things do take time but with patience and determination you will be amazed what you can achieve and having your own business is so rewarding and fulfilling.
Finish this sentence
Everything changed for me when…
I realised that I had found my groove, things take time and there are so many opportunities out there! I feel confident and excited for the future of Antipodean Love.
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