What was the inspiration behind creating the dream business that is The Luxe Closet?
The Luxe Closet (TLC) was born out of maternity leave (like many other great ideas!) and my personal journey during pregnancy and postpartum. I found it incredibly challenging to find outfits that I could try on with my ever-changing body through pregnancy and thereafter in Geelong. I still had a number of social events to attend but felt a little lost with my style. The constant cycle of buying, trying, and returning clothes was both overwhelming for a time poor new mum and so costly. This struggle inspired me to create a designer dress hire business with a store font where woman can come in and try on beautiful, high-quality outfits regardless of their stage in life. I wanted to offer a solution that combined my love for fashion with the practical needs of women experiencing similar challenges.
Tell us a little about you - your back story that brought you to this point?
Originally I'm from Warrnambool, I moved to Geelong to study Nursing and Midwifery. This led to a fulfilling career across both the public and private sectors as an emergency nurse and midwife. Although I enjoyed nursing I've always had a passion for fashion. From a young age, I attended the races with my dad and quickly fell in love with the trackside style. As I said, my journey to opening TLC was significantly shaped by my experiences as a new mum; during maternity leave I felt a little lost about my future direction and my purpose beyond being a mum. This prompted me to take the leap, follow my passion, and create a welcoming space where women can find and try on beautiful designer dresses without the commitment of a purchase.
What does a day in your life look like?
A typical day in my life is a balancing act between managing TLC and caring for my energetic 2-year-old toddler Olivia. Mornings usually start early with a strong coffee! Livvy and I have breakfast together and some playtime before day-care drop off, then I head to the dry cleaners and post office for my first of many visits to both for the day. It's then into TLC where I juggle between client appointments, online orders and inventory management. Afternoons might include client appointments, filming content or packing our customers outfits to collect the next day and ensuring they have a seamless experience. We do offer late evening appointments to cater for 9-5 workers and mums who can pop out after bath and bed time. If I'm not at TLC of an evening my focus is family time, catching up with my little one and unwinding for the day.
What's something very few people know about you?
Very few people know that I am a huge fan of reality TV. It's my guilty pleasure and a fun way to unwind after a busy day. I can easily get sucked into the drama, which provides a light-hearted escape from the demands of running a business and motherhood.
Describe your personal style and style tips for others?
My personal style is a mix of classic and contemporary trends. I love timeless pieces that can be dressed up or down. Although as a mum I am guilty of activewear on high rotation! My style tips for others are to invest in high quality basics and hire the one wear kind of pieces. Most importantly, wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable. Fashion should be fun and expressive, so don't be afraid to try new things which is where hiring is perfect because you are not making the commitment and can play with your style!
Where does food and wine play a part in your life?
Food and wine are significant parts of my life, both as a means of relaxation and socialising. I enjoy exploring new foods and dining out although I must admit I am a little time poor at the moment to do this! Wine, particularly a good glass of red (BAIE Shiraz to be exact!), is a favourite way to unwind. I also love eating with friends and family, where food and wine play a central role in bringing everyone together and creating memorable experiences.
What does your dream night out look like?
Mt dream night out would combine great company, fantastic food and wine, plenty of laughs and a bit of glamour. I love an excuse to dress up! It would 100% have to finish with dancing long into the night!
What can we expect from The Luxe Closet in the coming year?
In the coming year, you can expect TLC to expand our collection with even more designers, sizes and accessories. We're hoping to host some in store events to offer our clients unique fashion experiences. Additionally, we're working on our online platform to make it easier for clients to browse and reserve outfits from the comfort of their homes. Our goal is to continue providing exceptional service and helping women feel confident and stylish for every occasion.
