Dorothy & Mr.Lee is all about dressing up and having fun with your image. The label and a new clothing line were launched by Tahlia Downes in 2010. Tahlia creates one off garments from vintage textiles, which are often inspired by their retro prints and antique lace.
The re-fashion trend is already making its mark on the world fashion scene. Tahlia believes that embracing a recycling ethos to curb the effects of excessive lifestyles is important in the 21st century and that much can be learned from the methods first established by women in the 1940s after the war to ‘make do and mend’.
One of the key goals for the business is to show people how to have a gentler impact on our environment. Tahlia is mindful of the fact that fast fashion is a major contributor to landfill and even the processes involved in growing cotton and producing textiles is creating pollution and excessive consumption of the world’s water resource.
Starting Up a New Business
“Dressing-up is my passion, Tahlia says. Creating an image and expressing how I feel is just natural to me.”
Working on Dorothy & Mr.Lee full- time has been a goal for a long time. I studied Fashion Design at the West Australian Institute for Fashion and Textiles for 3 years, then did the obligatory hands-on experience of working in the the rag trade: as a work room assistant, in sales and also as a pattern designer. I became frustrated with a lack of self-expression in fashion and an aggressive industry. I took time off and began waitressing to pay bills and continued to toil away at home on my sewing machine adding up the little gems of experience and trying to figure out how I could ever pull together my own business.
Coming to Canberra in early 2010 started the ball rolling. Upon attending markets, joining Shop Handmade and networking through the Lighthouse Business Innovation Centre, I discovered an incredible underground network of artists and designers who are seemingly unknown to the wider community. With Canberra being the capital of Australia, it has a reputation for black suits and business but underneath it all there is this incredible source of passionate artists.
I was accepted on the NEIS Program (New Enterprise Initiative Scheme) in April 2010. With the encouragement of my mentor and a rough business plan, Dorothy & Mr.Lee was born! I then applied for a microcredit loan and was successful.
Receiving a Micro-credit Loan and Creating a Sustainable Business
I am using the loan to travel to Melbourne early next year to carry out market research. Melbourne is openly Australia’s ‘arty’ capital. I intend to tap into the client base there as I believe that this could be a major source of finance. I intend to be stocked Australia wide, so this is a very exciting starting point for me.
The loan is allowing me to take a step that would otherwise be near impossible. Market research is so valuable and the earlier I learn about my customer, the better! Knowing my customer demographics will allow me to build my business confidently.
The Brilliant Idea Program
The honest and helpful approach of all the women working at Lighthouse is invaluable! They have unknowingly given me so much confidence in my business just by letting me lay all my cards the table and discuss my business with them. As a sole trader, I don’t often have the opportunity to receive honest feedback from women who really know their stuff!!
I knew of the Brilliant Idea workshops and peer support group sessions before I actually attended one, but now looking back I wish I had made contact much sooner. I always come away full of energy and excitement and so surprised at what I have learned and how it has broadened my way of thinking.
Seeing women talk honestly about their own business with no agenda other than to pass on knowledge to others is so inspiring and helps me with what can sometimes be an incredible struggle to turn ‘what I love’ into ‘what I do’.
Top Tips
Spend time really looking at your business and what you want it to be. List out all your options and look at the possible outcomes of each.
Ask for help, discuss with the Lighthouse ladies what they think! But most of all trust your gut; no one knows your business better than you.
What next?
I will continue working on my business with Lighthouse Business Innovation Centre and the ‘Brand Philosophe ’workshops into 2011. My 12 month program with NEIS finishes in April 2011 so I am concentrating on the financial stability of the business when it becomes independent.
Dorothy & Mr.Lee will soon have its own online store and hopefully stock in selected boutiques through out Australia!
Contact details
Tahlia
Dorothy & Mr.Lee
Ph.0415733363
contact [at] dorothyandmrlee [dot] com [dot] au
www.dorothyandmrlee.com.au
