March 29, 2014
Libby Hampson, Hampsons Homewares
At a Glance
Bio The path that led her to this point
Wow, what haven't I done? I got married very young at age 20, had three children and divorced at age 29. Now what?!
I have worked in retail, done buying overseas, been a store merchandiser, designed and created a doll range (Flipsy Flopsy Dolls) and now remarried and mum to two more gorgeous kids.
I have always felt like there was something inside of me I should be doing, I just didn't know what?
I was doing some craft with my daughter Billie and thought I could paint on hessian and create some art for presents for my friends.
Something took over me and I was completely obsessed; I was sitting out in winter on the balcony with the hair dryer drying the paint so I could go on to the next letter!
A couple of good friends bought some designs off me and I thought, "Wow, maybe this could work?".
Wanting to describe my son and have it out for all to see, I designed the dictionary cushion and everything took off from there.
I was printing with a friend but really wanted to be able to do it all hours with small kids and a husband who is away a lot so I took over a bedroom in the house where I now do everything!
I print and design my own cushions after teaching myself Illustrator and Photoshop.
I also sew my designs and wrap them for dispatch.
I always style and take a photo of each order before I send it; it's a great reference for me and I send a sneak peek to clients which they love.
I have had clients tell me they have been at dinner parties and insist their host turn on their computer so they can show them my products. That is amazing and makes me feel very chuffed.
My son started school this year so that has helped me have time to expand my business, there is never enough hours in the day though.
Q&A Insider advice & tips
What's been your greatest achievement to date?
Being in Cosmopolitan and Harpers Bazaar is more than I could ever have dreamed of, but I have to admit it's the giving of cushions that means the most to me.
I honestly believe this business has been given to me by a higher being so I can give cushions to people who really need a gift from a stranger.
What's been your biggest challenge so far?
Trying to maintain balance with the family. I get so excited when I think of a new design, I have to start making it straight away, iron it, take images, and upload on social media, all while my family are looking at me asking, "When's dinner?"
Best lesson you've learned along the way?
I honestly believe everything that happens to us in this life is for a reason, everything I have done up to this point has helped me, whether it was so I would learn to never to do it again, or to keep doing it.
A website, book or resource that has helped you in your business or inspired you and why?
Obviously I couldn't live without my designing programs but I do love PicMonkey as well to create professional timeline photos and gift vouchers for clients. I do all my own accounting through Cashflow, again self-taught; being a former single mother I am very good at being resourceful and not spending money where I don't have to.
Which person or brand do you most admire and why?
I absolutely love Oprah and everything she stands for. I am obsessed by her Super Soul Sunday, I love her spiritual side and how she has gone from such humble beginnings. I cried when I saw her reaction when they put the "O" on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. She makes me want to be a better person.
What advice would you give someone starting an independent business in your industry?
Create an original idea; make something that people really want to give and receive. Word of mouth is everything, look after your clients, go the extra mile, if you've made a mistake admit it, keep the communication open, be consistent and follow through with what you promise.
Finish this sentence
Everything changed for me when…
I ignored my husband and uploaded the photo of my son holding his Dictionary Cushion. My husband shook his head and said "no" when I showed it to him, but I LOVED it. As soon as I put it up on Facebook it was a hit with everyone sharing it and the orders haven't stopped since. I am very grateful and I think the moral to the story with me is "keep trying" one day it will happen.
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