Maybe you don’t recognise the name ‘Lucy Folk’. But you’ve most likely come across her stuff at some point, because the fash pack (and celebs) love it sick. It all started with food-related jewellery pieces – honestly, who couldn’t be obsessed with someone who got inspired by corn chips and pretzels – and more recently, Lucy’s unique, lego-looking clutches have gone nuts.
She’s been featured in Vogue and WWD, collaborated with iconic brands like colette and notable photogs like Pierre Toussaint – even Man Repeller herself Leandra Medine sings her praises. You know you’re doing something right in the fashion world when Leandra’s on board.
But this rampant success was really the result of some hard af work. Lucy is, after all, a small business owner who’s made bank – not in a few years, but over a full decade. That’s some major commitment, and we had no doubt the Melbs native had some solid tips for aspiring entrepreneurs. So we picked her brain on what it’s like doing her thing.
TALK US THROUGH STARTING UP A BUSINESS
Having a small business is never easy. But it’s exciting, and you need to learn to do everything as it almost always starts as a one man band. My invoicing days are over and I don’t have to ship my own orders anymore, but I know how to do it if the shit hits the fan.
Finding manufacturers has been difficult. We are lucky to be working with an array of artisans that are creating our products, but we still do a lot in house. Exporting from Australia has its challenges. The cost of manufacturing in Australia is high. Budgeting is complicated to predict. There is a lot of risk taking that goes on but you have to trust yourself and be willing to lose everything.
You learn from your mistakes. It’s a rollercoaster but it’s been a pretty fun one. Last year was a full one – so much was going on, but its so nice to sit back and see that all the hard work was worth it! I’ve got the most incredible team behind me so it makes things a lot easier to manage.
WHAT CELEBRITIES HAVE WORN YOUR STUFF?
Snoop Dogg was the first celebrity to wear something – he wore a corn chip necklace! I was pretty excited about it as I am a huge hip hop fan. Since then Beyoncé, Elle Fanning, Cara Delevingne, Solange, Suki Waterhouse, Leandra Medine (Man Repeller), Anna Dello Russo and Gia Coppola have all since worn pieces by me.
WE’RE KIND OF OBSESSED WITH YOUR GORGEOUS BONDI STORE…
I was heavily involved in the development and design of the PLAYA Bondi store. I worked closely with my dear friend Tamsin Johnson, who was the interior designer. I am inspired by Luis Barragan, and this is very evident throughout the store.
WHAT ARE THE BEST/WORST PARTS OF RUNNING A BUSINESS?
The creativity involved, and the people I’ve met that have formed the Lucy Folk team and its little world are definitely the best parts. The most difficult thing is communicating in different time zones whilst on the road. Also I have learnt that it’s best to focus on what your strengths are and work with others that can focus on your weaknesses.
YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE FOR ASPIRING BUSINESS OWNERS IS…
Ensure you have the right balance of skills to structure your business. Creativity is not everything – you need to be able to deliver good product on time and to have the right systems to do this.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Another store, more Lucy Folk collaborations and more. There is never a dull or quiet moment in the world of Lucy Folk!
Images: Supplied.
