Business in Profile

STYLEHUNTER

1. Briefly describe your business.

Stylehunter is an online fashion directory, a platform for designers and retailers of fashion, jewellery, shoes, handbags, accessories and much more, to expose and promote their products.

Stylehunter started out as a database of products, services and websites relative to Newcastle and the Hunter Region, and quickly evolved to include designers, retailers and online boutiques from all over Australia and New Zealand.

The site was created for fashion savvy woman who are time poor and looking for an easier way to shop. Designed to be user friendly, with an easy to use search engine to help consumers locate businesses quickly by service, product or location

Stylehunter helps shoppers track down their favourite designers and must-have items online, and then tells them where they can buy them, either online or locally.

Fashion fanatics subscribe to Stylehunter to stay connected with local retailers, designers and online boutiques, thru our e-newsletter that notifies them of sales, fashion updates and exclusive discounts.

Visit Stylehunter at www.stylehunter.com.au

2. Why did you start your business?

With three young children I found that shopping was more of a nightmare than fun! I resorted to the internet to find the latest fashions and on season trends. Frustrated with search engines, I decided to start up my own fashion directory.

I also wanted a job that would allow me to work from home, I wanted to be available for my children, I love fashion and it all just fell into place.

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

Yes, although I wasn't really sure what I was getting into at the time. It was more of a hobby at first, I simply wanted to create a directory of fashion for myself and for others to enjoy and the business came second, it just sort of happened.

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

 I love the fact that I can work my own hours, the children love that I can pick them up from school, participate in reading groups, school canteen and do all the running around after school to various activities.

I also love the reward that you get from seeing your vision come to life and the emails you get from people who appreciate all the hard work that has gone into it!

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

Learning to turn off, I am constantly thinking about it. It becomes an obsession…I am constantly checking my emails, coming up with new ideas and keeping ahead of the competition. When I started I knew nothing about managing a website or html codes? My IT people think it's funny now when I walk in talking their language.

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

At the moment I am not juggling very well. Working from home has is benefits but you also need to be disciplined and have good time management skills. I need to learn not to turn the computer on at certain times of the day. My children think that my bottom is stuck to the computer chair!

It will be my New Years resolution to be more organised!

7. Do you have a favourite networking opportunity or event?

No. It is on my to-do-list!

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

Starting your own business is not easy, but I believe that if you have the passion and the vision, you are more than half way there! Surround yourself with positive & supportive people. Write a business plan. Be prepared to do the hard work before you see any reward. You just need to have faith in yourself and if you can visualise it, it will happen... trust yourself and go for it!

For more information about StyleHunter  ...click here