What were the first steps you took to launch? And what would you say was the scariest part/your biggest fear?

Getting the right team around me – we employed Tess Llyod (CEO of MUD Australia) who assisted in small start-up companies; Manuela Strano – amazing artist from Coogee, Sydney with the designs and website; Ian Smith - Norms younger brother who works currently with regional Development NSW – and his expertise in marketing; Karen & Pepa @ Shibori, Stanmore, Sydney and from Printing and of course with my husband Norm we were able to pull this together.

The scariest part and my greatest fear was that I did not know what I was doing – In my past life I was a registered nurse – and still a mother to 5 – and I am really good at running the mothership and keeping in on the course it needs to be on. I knew nothing about fashion or running a small business online – and I am still learning, the hardest bit is time management with the family – the farm and the business.

 

What sparked the idea to start this business together as a family?

We were sick of seeing our beautiful merino wool being sold at auction and never knowing where it ended up.

 

Tell us about the importance of your holistic farming methods to regenerate the land you work on for future generations.

Holistic management is a way we aim to live – we look after the people – the land – the animals and the water cycle – we aim to manage the property to always have 100% ground cover – with as many perennial plants as we can – using the animals to mimic nature – with short grazing periods and long rest periods so the land can recover and thrive - leaving Glenwood in a better place than when we found it to pass on to the next generation.

 

Why is being Australian owned, made and produced important to you and your brand mission?

We would not have created Love Merino if it was not important – it is who we are and what we do, we love living in the country – Wellington, central west NSW and we are proud to be Australian.

We support, employ, contract and encourage only Australian designers, artists – its easy once you have a gander.

 

How do you ensure your brand is sustainable and ethical as well as fashion-forward and in-line with consumer demands?

Norm and I have run our merino sheep farm for 25 years now and we have used holistic management and our vision and aim is to always look after the land, the people, the animals, the water cycle – to improve the land and pass it on to the next generation. Glenwood has been in my husband’s family for 120 years and our children are 5^th generation growing up on Glenwood. We run SRS merino sheep and produce the most beautiful merino wool in the world. We ensure and trace our wool from the farm to the final product.

The consumer has changed over the last decade they are more educated and want to know where their product has come from – the story behind it and are prepared to pay for quality

Here at Love Merino we are more than happy for the customer if they are not happy to send their products back – we always look to being able to replace – refund or repurpose. Merino wool is the only natural fibre in the world that when managed holistically can regenerate the landscape.

Who are some of the other brands at Life Instyle who you love/admire?

@bopowomen – I love this brand
@adenandanais – just divine
@atlas_thecollective – so clever
@huxbaby – yum
@casaecucinaaustralia – I love linen
@florenceandmyrtle – mmmm beautiful all round

 

Can you share one of your proudest moments in business so far?

When we won the Country Style fashion award last year in 2019

 

What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?

One of my best friends Sarah Rich from @inquistive – know your audience and be - OPEN – FRIENDLY – KIND, and it can apply to everything from your children – swimming club or your business.

And from my mum - Don’t sweat the small stuff – pick your battles

 

What exciting things are on the horizon for 2021 and beyond?

Love Merino’s 2021 Collection – this is always exciting launching a new collection.

Going forward looking at different ideas, new designs with the knitting of our products with Manny @aandbknitwear, in Brunswick, Melbourne.

Partnering with @thinkpositive, in Alexandria, Sydney to do digital print on the finest Merino scarf and Wrap that will be absolutely divine.

Continuing working closely with Karen & Pepa @shibori in Stanmore, Sydney love these gorgeous girls and our new collaboration with Jen and Bec @everydaychasmere in Castlecrag, Sydney.

 

When you’re not busy with the business, what’s your ideal way to unwind and give yourself a little bit of self-care?

I love to go for a walk with who ever is home up to Franks place which is about 3 km and I take the dogs with me although I am always a little wary with the Jacks in Spring and Summer with snakes because they chase them.