Where did the idea for Glamourpuss originate?
I simply couldn’t find anything new that appealed to me. I’d always been a vintage shopper but wanted to have high style things that were shiny and new. I’m such a fan of mid-century design and it remains my inspiration.
I decided to create a brand that produced gorgeous handbags, beauty cases, overnight bags and wallets at prices that girls like me could afford. Offering good value was as important to me as making high quality, practical products.
What gave you the courage to move into your own business?
The courage to run my business full-time came from seeing the potential for success.
I’d always wanted to have my own business, and I started selling of my original range of three products by mail-order part-time. The Sydney Morning Herald did a feature on Glamourpuss and I sold out of every single thing! That piece attracted the attention of a number of retailers who eventually began stocking the brand, and in 2000 I was able to leave my full-time PR job and open The Glamourpuss Store in Manly, Sydney.
Where does your motivation come from?
My motivation comes from a number of different sources. One is the sense of pride I get when I see women walking around carrying a Glamourpuss bag. It is such an exciting feeling.
The desire to delight my customers is a very strong motivation. I love finding beautiful fabrics that I know my customers will adore and then presenting the complete range to them.
The challenge of having my own business is motivating too. If know that if I don”t do things, they won’t get done!
Who or what keeps you inspired?
My creative inspiration comes from the film stars of the 1940’s and 1950’s. Those girls were so glamourous and so stylish. I think of particular stars when I am working of designs and imagine what they would have liked to have carried as they wandered down Hollywood Boulevard in 1955.
Again, the pride I feel in creating my own brand keeps me inspired and excited about the next thing I’m going to do.
What are your three key strategies for success?
1. Creating products that are unique, high quality and affordable.
2. Giving the best possible customer service.
3. Doing what you love to do.
If you had your time again, is there anything in business that you would do differently?
I don”t think so. Everything you do teaches you something and I’m a lot wiser now than I was even a year ago.
Is there any advice you would like to offer others starting their own business?
Be sure that you love what you want to do. You’ll be living and breathing your business so you don’t want to get tired of it.
Continue to work for someone else part-time for as long as you can manage to cover your basic start-up expenses – one of the biggest hurdles I have faced as a young woman in business is capital and cashflow. It is very difficult to fund your business and is something I’m still yet to completely overcome.
Where would you like to see your business in another five years from now?
In five years I would like to see Glamourpuss as a big national and international mail-order business, with a second store in Sydney and a third in Melbourne. I already sell to a lot of women in regional NSW and interstate customers, and also have a good base of customers in the USA, UK, Asia, Europe and New Zealand – the potential is enormous!
For more information about Glamourpusss or to join the Glamourpuss email list, go to www.glamourpuss.com.au or contact Samantha Tunbridge on (02) 9977 5826 or email samantha@glamourpuss.com.au. The Glamourpuss Store is located at 58 Darley Road Manly NSW 2095. National and international mail order is available
