In the studio with Georgia Young
“I didn’t write a business plan or even ask anyones opinion, it was just something that I was doing and no one could say otherwise. I had saved a few thousand in the bank and thought ‘that’ll do’.”
How did your journey unravel from high school graduate through to founding your own successful name-sake label?
I worked at Spotlight for a few years and studied at the Melbourne School of fashion at the same time.
After fashion school, I worked as a dressmaker/cutter for a local couture studio for about 3 years.
7 years ago I started my business in my mums living room. Her living room was never the same after I invaded.
I didn’t write a business plan or even ask anyones opinion, it was just something that I was doing and no one could say otherwise.
I had saved a few thousand in the bank and thought ‘that’ll do’.
I had a crack at making my own website, it was shit. But it did the job and it got me enough clients to start off with.
I couldn’t have started any smaller if I tried and it was the best working at mums house, because when I didn’t have any appointments I could wear my pyjamas while sewing. Whats better than that?
This all feels a lifetime ago, it’s strange to think that my gowns are now stocked all over the world.
“I love plain fabrics of any variety because I feel more creative with them.”
What were the biggest learning curves and challenges of launching your label?
One of my biggest challenges has been our biggest blessing - Growth.
The challenge with growing is that I always have to forecast so far in advance every element of business : Staffing, materials, taxes, pricing structures, problems.
I’ve become pretty good with everything except staffing. I always underestimate it and the result of that is me picking up all the left over hours. It’s not unusual for me to do 80 hour weeks for 6 months of the year. Brutal.
Note to self : Stop doing that please. ha!
What part of your week do you really love sinking your teeth into?
My favourite part of the week is writing a new workroom prep list - LAME!
Knowing exactly what needs doing and what timelines I have to work with is strangely very enjoyable
What are your favourite types of fabrics to work with and why?
I love plain fabrics of any variety because I feel more creative with them.
What would you love all of your clients to know before meeting with you?
We serve tea at consults and its really yummy. Surely that’s enough to make you want an appointment ?
“It allowed me to test the waters, grow a thick skin, and work towards something bigger.”
For all of the young designers and fashion students reading this and looking up to you, what pointers can you share for them?
Without sounding like the world biggest pessimist, it’s really hard. But that shouldn’t deter you.
The thing about most start ups, is that you have to learn to be everything. Not everyone has funding or the financial benefits of hiring someone else to do it.
You have to learn about taxes, book keeping, construction, client relations, solving problems and marketing.
I was a very confident dressmaker but I knew nothing about business. I didn’t even know the basics and because of that, I remember feeling extremely overwhelmed at the beginning, because I had to learn something new about running a business every single week.
The other thing to remember is that there is nothing wrong with starting this way. For me this simple beginning was a blessing in disguise.
It allowed me to test the waters, grow a thick skin, and work towards something bigger.
You are a Melbourne girl, where is the best place for coffee?
I’m a Chai lover and I get my daily fix from BLOOM coffee in Carlton. If I need to stretch my legs, I make my way to either Alimentari or Slowpoke on Brunswick Street, Fitzroy.
Writing this has literaly made me think that I should go get a chai right now, the addiction is real.
Connect with Georgia
Want to find out more about the incredible Georgia Young?
Follow her on instagram @georgiayoungcouture
Or head to her website https://georgiayoungcouture.com
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