Where it all began…
10 Years of Loveduck
I’d love to share a little about Loveduck over 10 years.
What made me determined to make Loveduck successful and why did I create this little business?
My background was in Marketing and Sales with Giorgio Armani in London. I moved to Sydney to run Giorgio Armani Australia. Then jumped ship to a start up company …. Mecca Cosmetica for 15 years – which I totally loved!
There was always a calling of butterflies in me though to start my own business of wearable dresses that were unique and beautifully made. Things you couldn’t buy in a department store and pieces you didn’t see all screwed up on the racks on sale!
I use to sit with my mum when I was 10 as my mum shopped for her outfits in this divine little boutique on the North Shore. I was allowed to say what looked good and what mum should get. It –was clearly lingering inside…So ten years ago I got wind the Pizza guys bar wasn’t working, rolled up and talked him into letting me take over his bar and convert it to the LOVEDUCK TODAY. The happiest journey anyone could wish for!
Where does the name come from?
I get asked that so much – its been a lucky gem!
So the name …..
I was playing with my tiny girls and they had so many divine toys (as girls do!) they were asking for something new and I said:
“You really are lucky ducks – you don’t need anything else!”
Mia aged 6 said: “Why don’t you call your new business Loveduck?”
How could I not?! ….
…And voila ‘Loveduck’ opened …. With a few accessories and about 6 items on each rack - its giggle material when you look back!
And a big ‘yes’ - I was so scared and also excited inside as well.
How do I find the brands and negotiated the exclusivity on most?
Well, Mecca and my amazing boss, Jo, taught me to work hard on things and never give up. She opened Mecca on a shoestring and the staff worked super hard with no budgets, so we had to be creative on ways to get things done.
When opening my business I borrowed my Mum’s credit card to pay for stock for the first 2 years (Of course I paid her back each month as I grew the business!). I had a list in my ‘Secret book’ on the brands I would approach that I had seen overseas. I was determined to open with my fave brands (5 in total) and I did! We now have over 28 + brands and I truly love sharing them all!
I am obsessed with finding interesting brands to share. I love brands that stand with integrity and have gorgeous founders behind them with the same values as Loveduck.
What’s made Loveduck successful in my eye?
Ok, ok I am never buying a mansion out of this business so its lucky mansions aren’t my style!
Without a doubt it’s the friendships and the community Loveduck has around it (and course all the divine dresses!). Often people meet each other in Loveduck randomly and become friends (I love that!). I have personally had the privilege to meet so many amazing ladies who have become friends.
I’ve heard many beautiful stories talking in Loveduck. I’ve heard peoples saddest moments. I’ve shared so many fun times with the gorgeous Loveduck clients. It is this that makes Loveduck so deeply ingrained in my heart and what makes Loveduck successful in my eyes.
What’s ahead?
Short term, this Spring/Summer we have so many divine fun wearable brands to share, amazing gifting and super duper shoes, hats, matches, candles and so much more.
I share my commitment to bring in beautifully made pieces and delivering outstanding customer service as my thank you for supporting my dream business. I will continue to share all the new and divine pieces from around the globe to the loyal and amazing clients and I hope you continue on this journey with Loveduck.
The biggest heart felt thank you from the bottom of my Loveduck heart … thank you merci a lot!
