Meet Sally Hainey Of Sweet Lilly Maternity

Welcome back!

	My guest today is Sally Hainey. I had interviewed Sally in June 2007. Since then there has been a lot of new developments in Sweet Lilly Maternity headquarters. The company has grown leaps and bounds in the past one year. The company has expanded tremendously. Sally has joined us to give us a quick overview of the latest in her business and how she has been coping with all this growth. Read and Be Inspired !!!



Your business has grown leaps and bounds since the last time we caught up. Can you briefly tell us the new developments in your business in the past two years?

	I’m not sure where to begin really, so much has changed since I started the business and worked by myself and now we have become a really big company …. We have moved into new premises to accommodate our growing range which has possibly increased 10 fold. We have workrooms and about 6 contractors working for us to support the Lilly B label which is becoming widely known and accepted as a top design brand for exquisite maternity dresses, evening gowns and maternity bridal. We now have over 50 labels to our range which makes us the largest online retailer for maternity and baby and we consistently advertise and market our brand throughout Australia and other countries.


How have you been coping with this growth (I mean did you have to put in place in some systems to cope with the growth – basically, were there any hiccups as a result of the growth and if so how did you overcome them)?

A completely new infrastructure was required to include new computers, software and operating systems, new staff and ongoing training plus lots of PR to support the growth of the company. We outsource a good deal of the specialized work for the company such as SEO and PR as I am a firm believer in getting what you pay for. For example, if you need a loaf of bread, you go to a bakers and if you need specialist PR work then you use somebody who has expertise in this field.


What is the most rewarding thing about your job?

Reward for me comes from the ability to design all of the Lilly B range of dresses and evening gowns. My strength comes from colour and design and this, for me, is the fun part of the business. I must admit, its really nice to be able to have a good lifestyle from the success of the business. We are going to the UK at Christmas to visit family and friends its really great to be able to do these things.


What is the best advice you have ever received about running a business?

In the beginning, I had a mentor from a very successful business woman here on the central coast. The support she gave me was immeasurable and I’m very lucky to still be in contact with her and see her new business go from strength to strength. I would recommend seeking a good mentor for anybody looking to go into business for themselves.


How many hours do you work each day?

This depends on the demands of the business and whether I feel in a creative mood or not. Sometimes, I can just let the girls get on with the daily running of orders and answering of queries, and sometimes I pitch in too, especially if somebody is sick. Most of the time, I meet with suppliers, workrooms, dressmakers, pattern makers etc and converse with overseas suppliers, however I do pitch in with the mundane things like monthly stock counts.


What is your number one stress relief tactic?

A good bottle of cabernet merlot! These days it quality that counts rather than quantity!


Finally, your five keys to success?

1. Take the time to write a business plan and stick to it - think about where you’d like to be in 2 years, 5 years and 10 years time. 2. Business success comes from the seed of a thought. 3. Brand advertising is a waste of money unless you’re Cocoa Cola. 4. The support of your husband or partner is crucial. 5. The power of positive thinking!

To read more stories about women in the service based industry click Idea Home Based Service Business

Sites Of Interest
http://www.sweetlillymaternity.com.au/



This interview was published on 31st March 2009


To read the earlier interview with Sally click Cool Maternity Clothes.

Visit Sally’s website to get more information about her business….