May 21, 2013
Christie-Ann Williams, i ALLURE
Bio The path that led her to this point
I am a Melburnian at heart and will always call Australia my home, however I have been travelling and living around the world for many years as a expat woman.
Some of the amazing places that I have been able to call home have been the United Kingdom, Greece, China, Japan and Fiji.
I initially started my journeying through USA, London and Europe as a young inquisitive girl.
I further continued my travels as a mature woman working in China and Japan in the corporate world, alongside my amazing husband, and now two beautiful baby boys!
My earlier education was formed around the Tourism and Hospitality industries but I have always had a passion for fashion and previously worked for a leading Australian fashion label throughout my schooling years.
My desire has been to build my own business and run it from wherever I am in the world.
My love of the kaftan came while living in beautiful, hot tropical climates.
It became evident through my selection of clothing that kaftans were my favourite piece of attire. I am known amongst my friends as the ‘Kaftan Queen’!
I found kaftans to be so comfortable and flattering but I realised I wanted more vibrancy and colour than I could find - to match the environment and beauty around me.
The amazing blues and greens of the calming ocean, the bold vibrant tones of the tropical fauna and the emerging colours of dawn and dusk to name but a few.
Hence my i ALLURE beach & resort wear collection was born!
Q&A Insider advice & tips
What's been your greatest achievement to date?
I have so many achievements that I am proud of. Personally - without a doubt my beautiful family. I 'finally' found the most incredible supportive man to marry and we have produced two little men, who each day amaze me. Professionally - having the opportunities to work overseas in numerous countries has given me a fantastic set of life skills - which ultimately has lead me to opening my own business that I just adore.
What's been your biggest challenge so far?
Broadening my knowledge base of marketing & social media - I still need all the help I can get on this.
Best lesson you've learned along the way?
Always do more research and planning - sometimes you get too close and excited about what you are doing that you don't take the time to stand back and really plan effectively.
A website, book or resource that has helped you in your business or inspired you and why?
The internet is one of the best sources of information. I have found so many valuable resources at my finger tips, but it takes a lot of patience and research. I found the lovely Marie Forleo, who offers great advice for women in business, Sarah from Tadah, who is fantastic in offering great tips on social media and Nikki Parkinson from Styling You, who offers real, everyday advice to woman.
Which person or brand do you most admire and why?
I admire Camilla Franks, she is such an inspirational Australian designer at all levels.
I also love the bold prints of Robert Kennedy, who is a talented Fijian designer plus, many, many more.
What advice would you give someone starting an independent business in your industry?
Research, research and research.
Finish this sentence
Everything changed for me when…
I caught the travel bug!
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