We love meeting and sharing the stories of local mums who are forging their own paths, especially after having kids. Barwon Heads-based textile specialist, Nerida Hansen, is no exception. Here's our chat.
Tell us about yourself, Nerida.
Tell us about yourself, Nerida.
I was born and bred in the Geelong region, and live in Barwon Heads with my Danish husband Morten and two children. Before they came along, I spent many seasons in Europe - particularly in Scandinavia - where my love of Scandinavian prints and textiles was born.What led you to start your own business?
I recently finished my job as a buyer, where I developed ranges for kids and teens bed linen. Having had my own wholesale clothing label before, I was itching to have the freedom and flexibility of my own business so I could work around my children's needs.
When I left my full time role, I started my business creating cushions and bench seat cushions for my husband's customers. (Morten runs the IKEA delivery business Big Swedish Store Run which operates around Geelong, Bellarine and Surfcoast). My new creative outlet lead me to some amazing overseas textile designers. I soon realised these artists had great potential here in Australia, so decided to expand my business and work as a design agent. I am now using my buying and wholesale experience together in Nerida Hansen Print and Textiles.
Tell us what Nerida Hansen Print and Textiles is all about.
My business is both a brand licensing agency and online retailer. I have just launched our online store at www.neridahansen.com.au, where I sell a range of products in our beautiful designs. I currently sell wall prints, cushions, floor cushions, tote bags and purses through our website, as well as in gorgeous stockists.
I strive to promote independent artists, and my business model is based around paying every artist for every piece of work that sells. whether it be an entire bed linen collection to a big retailer, or from one single wall print through the online store.
I've had quick success in placing some of my designers textile designs with key retailers, and continue to do so as I offer their artwork and designs in my own online store. Last week I celebrated the release of the Isa Form range of Swedish Fabric into Spotlight stores - Isa is one of my designers from Sweden and we are thrilled to have her gorgeous designs on sale to the public now.
I have selected my designers part by chance, part by finding talent that I truly admire, and think offers the Australian market something new. My key designers are very talented and successful in their own rights. They love my commercial guidance and I love their amazing creative talents so it works well together.
And you support local designers?
Yes - I recently teamed up with Clare O'Donoghuefrom Ocean Grove. This summer we launched her first collection of framed wall prints and vibrant art textiles. The first range of clare's cushions and outdoor textiles sold out as quickly as they came in, so we are really looking forward to developing Clare's brand together. Her framed wall art are often pieces of her most loved canvas artworks, which makes her work accessible and affordable . Her shop is found at www.clareodonoghueart.com
Where do you hope to take the business in 2015?
Between my designers, the online store and our plans to expand into the wholesale market 2015 is going to be a very exciting year. Thankfully I have a wonderful business partner Linda on board now who is working as hard as I am, but leaves me alone to work with the designers to put ranges together, and allow me the time to get out to beautiful stockists, which are the things I love doing most.
Content Marketing For Creatives Seminar - 17th February
I'm hosting a 2 hour networking seminar at Boom Gallery, with guest speaker Domini Marshall (pictured), who has been the social media manager for Kikki K for the past 5 years.Domini is going to talk about content marketing, and the impact that sending clear and effective messages can have for your business. It is a fantastic seminar for all creative businesses who would like to improve they way they communicate their brand and products, as well as understand the various platforms and channels that successful business use.
It would suit artists, designers, fashion designers, photographers, stylists, architects, furniture or lighting makers, jewellery and accessories makers or designers. It will also be great for people supporting creative businesses in PR, marketing or events.
More information can be found on the registration page here.
Contact details:
Mobile: 0417 389 355
email: nerida@neridahansen.
Website: www.neridahansen.com.
Clare O'Donoghue Website: www.