Tea with…Laura Furiosi of Rashoodz Swimwear

We’re doing a series of interviews. Today meet Laura Furiosi! Laura runs Rashoodz Swimwear

What does your business do?

We design and sell a unique range of sun safe babies toddlers and children’s swimwear and accessories. We are the only swimwear that has an attachable hat with clips designed to keep hats on heads. We also have nappy clips for easy nappy changes. Swim nappies, Sunglasses and big kids swimwear as well.

Why did you start it?

I needed to find something to keep my baby’s hat on her head and some kind of swimwear that was sunsafe and not ugly. I was also no longer working and looking for a project to fill my time.

How long have you been in business?

This is our sixth year

What’s a lesson you’ve learned the hard way?

Always listen to your gut instinct it’s usually always right.

Tell us about a business success you’ve had!

Recently picking up stockist stores in Japan getting into House of Fraser and doing a collaboration with Liberty Of London. Also have Rashoodz Swimwear on the runway at the Miami Swim Show USA.

What has running a business taught you about yourself?!

I feel like I can do anything if I try my hardest and I tend to see “no’s” and other barriers as a challenge not the end.

What aspect of running your business do you find toughest?

Trying to balance home and work time. Making sure I am there for the kids and getting work done without the guilt can be difficult.

Which aspect of running your business do you like best?

Getting to have a hand in all aspects of the business from design, marketing, social media, wholesale, retail, sales and accounts. Its much more fun then just having the one aspect to work on.

What’s your best tip for getting stuff done?

I write a list for the day. It keeps me focused and stops me getting distracted.

How do you manage your to-do list?

I get my day’s list done every day no matter what.

What has most surprised you about running a business?

How even though we have been around for 6 years, I still know I have a lot to learn.

How do you pick yourself up on a bad day?

Sometimes I read over our customers testimonials, or flip back to previous years accounts and see how far we have come.

 (Wishful thinking!) I’m giving you $5000 (£2500) to spend only on your business. How will you spend it?

Advertising.

 I’ve got an employee for you. She will work 80 hours over the next 4 weeks. She’s very trustworthy and can do type of work. What would you get her to do?

Become a sales rep for our brand and travel the stores up and down the coast getting our stock into new stores.

What’s your busiest time of the year?

Even though we are swimwear and most people assume summer, it is actually ALL THE TIME. Retail is in Summer and Wholesale is in winter.

What are you most proud of?

That I have made a fantastic brand from scratch.

When you turn a hobby you love into a business, it can drain a lot of the joy out of it, how do you keep it fun?

The trade shows and travel give me a chance to have fun.

What keeps you going when it feels like what you’re trying to accomplish is so far off?

I am not a quitter, and I hate giving up.

Who inspires you?

Peter Alexander and Lorna Jane

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

From my mother “bite off more than you can chew, then chew like crazy”.

How do you manage business and family? Got any tips?

I have three girls under 7. I am extremely organised, everything has a system. I try to balance work and family, but it is hard. The best thing I do now, is take the laptop to their swimming and ballet lessons, I get to work while they work.

What’s a small business you love or respect or admire?

My mother’s law firm, she started it from nothing and it now has many staff and lawyers and offices all over the place. She taught me you can do anything if you try hard enough and want it bad enough. I hope to teach this to my daughters so they too can create something that inspires them and possibly helps the world too.

How many hours do you sleep a night?

7 1/2hrs  I am up at 5:30 and get to bed by 10

Thank you Laura ! Want to find out more about Laura or connect with her? Here you go:

Website: www.rashoodz.com.au
Facebook page: rashoodzswimwear
Pinterest: rashoodzswim
Twitter: @RashoodzSwimAus
Instagram: rashoodzswimwear
Google Plus +Rashoodzau

PS Are you ready to get your business HEALTHY?! We’re opening the Kitchen and starting the Healthy Income Program again on 3 November. Fancy joining us? Register your interest here.

 

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