Business in Profile

QUEEN BEE MATERNITY

1. Briefly describe your business.

Queen Bee Maternity is an exclusive Australian online boutique which stocks a fabulous range of modern, ultra-chic maternity clothes and nursing wear sourced from around the globe. We are positioned at the forefront of the Australian maternity wear industry providing world class labels and designs to Australian shores.

Our collection includes maternity clothes, breastfeeding clothes, maternity jeans, maternity swimwear, nursing wear, maternity sleepwear and lingerie, maternity bras and hosiery, maternity evening dresses for formal occasions and comfortable lounge wear.

Queen Bee was established in May 2005 and has grown phenomenally in just 3 years - just recently purchasing our new warehouse in Austlink Business Park, Belrose in Sydney. Our beautiful website can be seen here at www.QueenBee.com.au

2. Why did you start your business?

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! I first began with breastfeeding clothes as there were no stylish garments on the Australian Market and then expanded into maternity wear and never looked back since…

3. Has starting your own business lived up to expectations?

Yes definitely! We've certainly had our challenges especially during growth phases but obstacles just make your business stronger in the long run and we are always looking for ways to better improve our processes.

4. What have you enjoyed the most about running your own business?

Watching it grow and become an enormous success has been very 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. I love being with my children everyday - my eldest son Mitchell only started pre-school 2 days per week when he turned 3 and I plan to stay home with Koby (currently 10 months) until he is 3 too. Being able to take them out everyday has been so worthwhile.

5. What is the biggest challenge for you in running your own business?

I come from a strong business background with a Masters in Accounting/Economics so I have a well structured business plan and the only challenge for me so far has been 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... Basically if it's not financially viable then I have to pass on it. 

6. How do you manage the juggle of running your own business with family?

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 and drops Mitchell off to pre-school 2 mornings a week. We also have a cleaner who comes fortnightly - there's just no time for household chores!

7. Do you have any advice for anyone out there who may be thinking about starting their own business?

Spend the time to write a professional business plan and stick to it!

For more information about Queen Bee Maternity  ...click here