Podcast appearances and mentions of julie mathers

“You've got to get yourself in a position to exit, and then give yourself the time to exit properly. The biggest advice I give sellers is to not be in a rush to sell.”   This is a special episode only available to our podcast subscribers, which we call The Mini Chief. These are short, sharp highlights from our fabulous guests, where you get a 5 to 10 minute snapshot from their full episode. This Mini Chief episode features Dean Salakas, Former CEO of The Party People. His full episode is titled Being sale-ready, Forecasting like a CFO, and Selling confidently on your terms. You can find the full audio and show notes here:

“You've got to get yourself into a position to exit and then put time on your side. Don't be in a rush to sell, but when you are ready, put a deadline in place for buyers to make an offer.” In this episode of The Inner Chief podcast, I speak to Dean Salakas, former Party People CEO, on Being sale-ready, forecasting like a CFO, and selling confidently on your terms.

In this Checkout episode, we sit down with Phil Leahy, founder of MedCart and the visionary behind Retail Global, a leading e-commerce event platform. Phil shares his most unexpected online buy – a house purchased sight unseen – and praises Julie Mathers from Flora & Fauna for her exceptional approach to e-commerce. He discusses the importance of tools like SearchSpring in boosting MedCart's performance and highlights his go-to podcast, The Jason & Scot Show, for marketplace insights. Phil also reflects on the challenges of managing MedCart's growth in a competitive market, all while maintaining his tropical garden!Check out our full-length interview with Phil Leahy here:From eBay to Medical Marketplace: How Phil Leahy is Shaking Up Healthcare E-Commerce with MedCart | #456 This episode was brought to you by:Deliver In PersonShopify PlusAbout your guest:Phil Leahy's journey began in 2007 when he became eBay Australia's #1 seller with his business, Entertainment House. From there, Phil went on to shape the industry by founding Retail Global Events, bringing retailers together to spark innovative conversations and drive growth. After selling Retail Global to Maropost in 2022, Phil made a bold return to eCommerce with MedCart Marketplace, now Australia's leading medical marketplace, providing crucial medical supplies to businesses, consumers, and government bodies. Beyond business, Phil's passion for giving back has been evident through his Frontliners initiative, which has raised over $1 million for charities and delivered $3 million in products and services to support 140,000 healthcare workers across Australia.About your host:Nathan Bush is the host of the Add To Cart podcast and a leading eCommerce transformation consultant. He has led eCommerce for businesses with revenue $100m+ and has been recognised as one of Australia's Top 50 People in eCommerce four years in a row. You can contact Nathan on LinkedIn, Twitter or via email.Please contact us if you: Want to come on board as an Add To Cart sponsor Are interested in joining Add To Cart as a co-host Have any feedback or suggestions on how to make Add To Cart better Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“For me, the four H's were a very simple way of outlining what I stood for as a leader.”   This is a special episode only available to our podcast subscribers, which we call The Mini Chief. These are short, sharp highlights from our fabulous guests, where you get a 5 to 10 minute snapshot from their full episode. This Mini Chief episode features Mike Schneider, Managing Director of Bunnings Group. His full episode is titled Career diversity, genuine empathy, and the 4Hs of authenticity. You can find the full audio and show notes here:

“The danger for CEOs is to allow yourself to be surrounded by people who tell you how good your ideas are. You actually need a balance of people who tell you when you've got something wrong or if you could have handled something in a different way.”   In this Best of Series episode, we replay a chat we had in 2019 with Mike Schneider, the Managing Director of the Bunnings Group, on career diversity, genuine empathy, and the 4Hs of authenticity. 

“The biggest thing a leader can bring to the business is the responsibility to put the right people on the bus. And to have the bravery to say that there's a reason that they need to hop off the bus.”   In this episode of The Inner Chief podcast, I speak to Carolyn Creswell, Founder and MD of Carman's Kitchen, on how to fire people gracefully, doing what you love, understanding menopause and having a genuine work-life balance.

Many of you would know and love the baby and kids brand Snuggle Hunny. It's such a beautiful brand, aesthetically, in the quality of the products, as well as the brand's values, which are very much about sustainability and community.   Well, today I have a real treat for you as I'm joined on the show by Julie Mathers, CEO of Snuggle Hunny!   Some of you may remember Julie as the founder of Flora and Fauna, an online retailer of all things eco. Since selling that business 2.5 years ago and then acquiring Snuggle Hunny, Julie has accomplished a LOT, from a brand and website refresh, new product development, becoming GOTs certified, expanding overseas, and so much more!   Nothing is ever smooth sailing – it's been a wild ride for Julie over the last few years as an entrepreneur – but she very generously shares the details about all those ups and downs and what's working to help grow the brand.   I know you're going to love this conversation! So without further ado, let's welcome Julie to the show.     Episode's Show Notes: https://www.catherinelangman.com/episode-237/  

“The soul of the business was maintained because I drove the culture of the business so passionately.”   This is a special episode only available to our podcast subscribers, which we call The Mini Chief. These are short, sharp highlights from our fabulous CEO guests, where you get a 5 to 10 minute snapshot from their full episode. This Mini Chief episode features Cliff Gale, former MD of Lite ‘n Easy for over 20 years. His full episode is titled Leading with passion, respect for your people and keeping the soul alive in your business. You can find the full audio and show notes here:

“There's been too much focus on profit outcomes in business rather than maybe building the process along the way through empowering people, through effective delegation.” In this Best of Series episode of The Inner Chief podcast, I speak to Cliff Gale, former Managing Director of Lite n' Easy for over 20 years, on leading with passion, respect for your people and keeping the soul alive in your business.

Doctors and health professionals may have called Snuggle Hunny chief Julie Mathers geriatric on more than one occasion, but in my opinion, she's fit a hell of a lot in to a short amount of time. With her husband, she founded and sold an incredibly successful business in Flora and Fauna. She's experienced miscarriage and after trying for some time and some failed rounds of IVF, both of her sons ended up being conceived naturally, to her surprise. Her older boy Woody has Down Syndrome and a heart condition that will require surgery one day soon. He was born at 34 weeks and spent some time in the special care. She returned to work just four hours after his birth. And to their surprise, she was pregnant with her son Alfie just six months later.Now that all might sound overwhelming at best and incredibly stressful at worst, but that's not the story you're about to hear. Julie's story is magic. Her boys run their own races, that's for sure. But, she's not too phased. Woody is Woody and Alfie is Alfie.This is an incredible story regardless of whether you're navigating disability or not and we all need more of Julie and these stories in our lives.From Flora and Fauna to Snuggle Hunny, from Woody to Alfie, from her working class background collecting milk money to big business sales, this is one of the most colourful stories I'll ever bring you.---THIS WEEK'S PARTNERThis episode of Ready or Not is brought to you by Mukti Organics, results-driven and award-winning skin care products made with certified organic ingredients & powerful actives.Purchase the revised and expanded second edition of Mukti's bestselling book ‘Truth in Beauty' for $89 via www.muktiorganics.com and retailers Amazon, Booktopia and QBD Books.---Thanks for listening to Ready or Not! If you liked the show, please tell your friends, subscribe or write a review. You can also find us on Instagram at readyornot.podThis podcast was recorded on the lands of the Boon Wurong people of the Kulin Nation. The land on which we're lucky enough to raise our sons and daughters always was and always will be Aboriginal land.We Pay The Rent and you can too here.

Shit hit the fan for us as we were going to press publish on what was meant to be today's episode with Snuggle Hunny founder Julie Mathers. A big fat tech failure that nearly led Lu to start the whole edit again at 7.25pm last night. But, Loz reminded her of what's important, so here, she shares a quick check in instead.We'll catch you back here tomorrow for an incredible episode with Snuggle Hunny's boss, Julie Mathers.

“If you say honesty is a core value, are you kidding me? Do you want people working in your organisation that are dishonest? That doesn't make sense!”   This is a special episode only available to our podcast subscribers, which we call The Mini Chief. These are short, sharp highlights from our fabulous CEO guests, where you get a 5 to 10 minute snapshot from their full episode. In this edition of the Mini Chief we feature a snippet from our Best of Series with Group CEO of Nuix, Jonathan Rubinsztein. His full episode is titled Bringing values to life, compressing time, and the 3 key principles of motivation. You can find the full audio and show notes here:

“My mantra is first you build it, then you buy it. Finding product-market fit with a startup is by far the hardest thing in the world, but when you buy a company, you probably skip that.”   This is a special episode only available to our podcast subscribers, which we call The Mini Chief. These are short, sharp highlights from our fabulous CEO guests, where you get a 5 to 10 minute snapshot from their full episode. This Mini Chief episode features Joel Holland, CEO of Harvest Hosts. His full episode is titled Why unhappiness is a requirement for entrepreneurialism, switching seats from CEO to Chair. You can find the full audio and show notes here:

“Often the people you speak to are in the same industry and that creates an echo chamber. If you don't have communication with people outside your industry, you're going to be someone else's lunch or dinner in this crazy world of disruption.”   In this Best of Series episode of The Inner Chief podcast, we feature Group CEO of Nuix, Jonathan Rubinsztein, on bringing values to life, compressing time, and the 3 key principles of motivation.

“I feel that if you understand finance and economics, you understand how most of the world works.”   In this episode of The Inner Chief podcast, I speak to Joel Holland, CEO of Harvest Hosts on why unhappiness is a requirement for entrepreneurialism, switching seats from CEO to Chair, and buying versus building a business.

“Yeah, it was brutal, a very, very difficult period of my life. I'd hired a lot of people who didn't have technology experience. What I actually did was I set them and the business up for failure.”   This is a special episode only available to our podcast subscribers, which we call The Mini Chief. These are short, sharp highlights from our fabulous CEO guests, where you get a 5 to 10 minute snapshot from their full episode. This Mini Chief episode features Jeremy Hastings, Founder & Managing Director of both Hutly and Bondable. His full episode is titled Being fired from his own company and successfully returning to transform the real estate industry after working on his inner chief. You can find the full audio and show notes here:

Julie Mathers was 12 weeks pregnant with her first son, Woody, when she and her husband were told that he had Down Syndrome. The same day, they were confronted with the option to terminate the pregnancy. This week, Julie opens up about the process of making the decision to go forward and how 5 years later they have never looked back.  LINKS Check out Julie on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/juliemathers/Check out Snuggle Hunny https://www.instagram.com/snugglehunnykids/For more info on Down Syndrome, visit Down Syndrome Australia https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the best things about hosting a podcast is the education I receive in the process. I've learned about work life balance from Anthony Zaccaria at Linktree, values from Julie Mathers at Flora & Fauna and timing from Gabby Liebovich of Catch. I've even got a recipe for homemade bread from Adam Lindsay from Koh. Today's episode has more than its fair share of revelations for me - on everything from textile weaving machinery settings to what it's like to work for one of Hollywood's most famous martial arts stuntmen. More on that later. Today, we are joined by Nathan Yun and Rex Zhang, old friends and Co founders of Paire - P A I R E - a sock brand that is all about comfort and sustainability. The pals set about reinventing sock functionality to address frustrating experiences with smelly, sweaty, slippy foot underwear and the results have bagged them five star reviews, angel investment and revenue doubling year on year. Their range has now expanded to include t-shirts, towels and loungewear. In this chat Nathan and Rex give us a fascinating window into the world of fabric technology, advice on how a Shopify site can be anything but standard and some sobering insights from their lived experience as Asian Australian founders. Links from the episode:PaireShopify Plus (sponsored)Signet (sponsored)Questions answered:What are your primary marketing channels? How do you make your Shopify site look unique?What are your experiences as Asian Australian founders?About your co-hosts: Nathan Yun from PaireNathan possesses a diverse background in the film industry, having served as Jackie Chan's assistant, and later excelling in business, startup marketing and branding. Witnessing the exploitation during a research trip to India fueled his passion for sustainable fashion. Nathan's creativity and determination, coupled with his eye for responsible business practices, have been instrumental in the success of Paire's revolutionary clothing line.Rex Zhang from PaireRex comes from a family that has been running textile factories for over 40 years. He is a textile expert with extensive knowledge of fabric technology and materials science. Drawing from Rex's expertise and dedication, Paire introduced Supreme CoolBlend, a game-changing thread blending Merino wool and cotton. Rex's commitment to sustainable innovation has propelled Paire's mission to revolutionise the fashion industry, creating environmentally friendly and incredibly comfortable clothing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julie Mathers is funny, super smart, down to earth, purpose-driven and although it sounds totally cliche, inspirational. It's rare that I chat with someone l've never met and instantly, it feels like we've been friends for years. Julie has that skill, that personality, that emotional intelligence and that genuine drive to connect with others. Apart from the fact that she is a highly successful and award-winning entrepreneur (she owns Flora and Fauna, Snuggle Hunny and Nourish Life), she's also a mum (of two), a wife (of one) and the lowest maintenance podcast guest of all time. Enjoy. juliemathers.com@juliemathersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you have babies or young kids, chances are you have something from Snuggle Hunny in your house! This amazing small business is owned and run by Julie Mathers, who joins us on the podcast this week to chat about her tips for running a small business, and how she and her Husband have grown and developed the well known brand Snuggle Hunny!  Julie also shares her parenting journey of birthing her boys in her 40's, and finding out her son had down syndrome during pregnancy. Julie founded Flora & Fauna in 2014, Green + Kind in 2017 and sold and exited them in 2021 (and is now part owner again). Julie is very focused on inclusion and running better businesses. She is very passionate about bringing beautiful, organic wraps and clothes to lots of babies around the world through Snuggle Hunny. If you want to know more about Snuggle Hunny or to purchase some of their amazing products head to www.snugglehunnykids.com.au or @snugglehunnykids on instagram.  If you want to keep up to date with all things Baby Brain, make sure to follow us on socialsInstagram: @babybrain.podcast Tiktok: @babybrainpodcastFacebook: Baby Brain PodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julie Mathers is the incredible founder behind the vegan and eco retailer Flora and Fauna. Driven by their purpose and values, everything Flora and Fauna stocks is vegan and cruelty-free and everything in their range is selected based on ethics and environmental impact. Completely bootstrapped, Julie grew Flora and Fauna to $20 million dollars a year in sales. Until 2021, when Julie sold Flora and Fauna for $30 million dollars, and then went on to acquire the cult baby brand Snuggle Hunny, an 8-figure business that is experiencing really fast growth. But then, and hold on to your socks cos this blows my mind, Julie has not only recently actually bought Flora and Fauna back, but has also bought one of their previous competitors Nourish Life. She literally now owns 3x 8-figure businesses!! Can't wait to dive into how it all happened - alright, let's get into it! @thelazyceo_podcast @floraandfaunaau @snugglyhunnykids Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julie Mathers is the founder and former CEO of eco-business Flora & Fauna, but soon after selling the business to BWX, the cult business lost the strength of its customer base. This is a story about a business decision made by Julie to buy back her company after the cosmetics group BWX entered liquidation. Mathers discusses the company's challenges, successes, and relaunch plans after buying back the business. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj.  Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Do you want to work in a company where your values align or are you okay with the fact that they don't?” In this episode of The Inner Chief podcast, we speak to Julie Mathers, Founder of Flora and Fauna and CEO of Snuggle Hunny, on being adventurous, bootstrapping a business, and first mover advantage.

In this episode of Add To Cart, we are joined by Kelly Jamieson, who founded Edible Blooms as a small family business, keen to bring moments of joy in the form of sweet treat bouquets to as many people as possible. Now, 17 years later, Edible Blooms has grown to include gourmet gift hampers and living plant gift deliveries and took out the 2022 Canstar Most Satisfied Customers Award. In this chat, Kelly shares her decision to move away from NPS as a customer feedback tool, her mini guide to great business plan writing and the best thing about having a sibling Co founder.Links from the episode:The Five Most Important You'll Ever Ask About Your Organisation by Peter DruckerShopify (sponsored)Packleo (sponsored)Questions answered:What's the most common reason for sending and receiving Edible Blooms? What are your top tips for writing business plans?What does Edible Blooms do to positively impact the environment?** Shopify Webinar **Commerce Trends Webinar: ANZ. Join Moderator Kathryn Stavropoulos, Julie Mathers, CEO of Snuggle Hunny, Drew Mansur, Co-founder of TileCloud, and James Johnson Director of Technology Services at Shopify, who will be sharing insights and advice on how your business can find the upside of a down economy.Tuesday, February 7, 2pm AEDT | 4pm NZDTRegister now: Commerce Trends Digital Briefing | Australia and New Zealand WebinarAbout your co-host: Kelly Jamieson from Edible BloomsBack in 2005, Kelly founded Edible Blooms as an online retail gift destination with her sister Abbey and they were proud early pioneers of ecommerce in Australia. Fast forward nearly 18 years and they've gathered a collection of business awards including the 2022 Canstar #1 Online Gift Delivery Company for Australia, Telstra Business of the Year for Australia and SA Business Woman of the Year. Today an Edible Blooms smile arrives on a doorstep faster than every two minutes daily across Australia and New Zealand. You can contact Kelly at LinkedInPlease contact us if you: Want to come on board as an Add To Cart sponsor Are interested in joining Add To Cart as a co-host Have any feedback or suggestions on how to make Add To Cart betterEmail hello@addtocart.com.au We look forward to hearing from you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest today tried IVF twice, before at 42, finally had her son Woody who was born with Down Syndrome. CEO Julie Mathers juggles a multi-million dollar business, her two boys and all the challenges in between. Jules and Mel also talk about the juggle and whether the idea that women are expected to work like they don't have kids is still a thing.Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejuglingactpodcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's interview is a must listen. Julie Mathers created Flora & Fauna, an online retail store selling all natural products, back in 2014 and along with her husband and team, grew it into a $15 million B-Corp certified business and a household name before selling it in 2021. Julie very generously shares not only her personal drivers of what it takes to even dream up something this big, but she also shares some of the key factors that drove the success of this remarkable business. “I was prepared to be different and to take a risk” Julie Mathers What I love about this interview is the experience that Julie shares about what it really means to have a business with purpose and how to implement and communicate your key values in everything your brand does. And how this can be your brand's biggest asset. Listen now for inspiration from Julie Mathers to align your values with your business and create a powerful and purposeful brand. For the full show notes visit https://www.catherinelangman.com/episode-130

It seems like every brand is using influencers. But what if you could instead, turn your customers into brand ambassadors and stay true to your company value of authenticity? That's what Julie Mathers and team decided to do with the major Australian brand Flora & Fauna. Listen to learn more about how they used social media to get those first critical customers, why in-person events are still so important, and how to capitalize on the continuous customer.

In this episode of Add To Cart, we checkout Julie Mathers from Flora and Fauna. She is eCommerce royalty in Australia after placing as the #1 person in eCommerce multiple times - including last year - and successfully sold her vegan, ethically sourced, cruelty-free and low impact eCommerce business, Flora & Fauna to BWX earlier this year. Now Julie is the Managing Director of both Flora & Fauna and Nourished Life. She's also on multiple retail Boards and Advisory including National Retail Association Aus Post and NORA. Nothing like selling your business and doubling your responsibilities! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How many toys do your children have that they never play with? Imagine how great if those toys could have another life, with another child this Christmas? Julie Mathers, Founder and CEO of Flora and Fauna wants you to donate your toys to them. Once donated the toys make their way to The Peninsular Senior Citizens Toy Repair Group where they're made up to scratch before traveling on to We Care Connectand into the arms of a child who will love them. Julie talks about how many toys get binned after Christmas and the difference this kind of recycling can make.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julie Mathers is the Founder and CEO of Flora & Fauna. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode of Add To Cart, we are joined by Julie Mathers. She is eCommerce royalty in Australia after placing as the #1 person in eCommerce multiple times - including last year - and successfully sold her vegan, ethically sourced, cruelty-free and low impact eCommerce business, Flora & Fauna to BWX earlier this year. Now Julie is the Managing Director of both Flora & Fauna and Nourished Life. She's also on multiple retail Boards and Advisory including National Retail Association Aus Post and NORA. Nothing like selling your business and doubling your responsibilities! In this conversation we cover the Flora & Fauna to date from how she took a Photoshop course to create the Flora & Fauna website to how Julie felt when she handed her business baby over to BWX. We also cover the power of words, why retailers are fighting over Unit Load Devices (or ULD's) and Julie's advice for any founders who are considering external funding or acquisition.Links from the episode:Flora and FaunaNourished LifePetaColesJohn LewisNational Retail AssociationAustralia PostSignet & Eco Clique (sponsored)Shopify & LSKD (sponsored)Questions answered:What was the biggest lesson you took from the corporate world which helped you build Flora & Fauna? What advice would you give business owners looking for funding or acquisition?What's the most common question or dilemma you find other retailers coming to you for advice on?This episode was brought to you by… SignetEco Clique is an environmental friendly, cruelty-free and Australian made cosmetics brand. They only use the highest quality, cleanest ingredients - and this extends to their packaging! Eco Clique uses Signet's Geami (gee-armi) Exbox Mini as an alternative to bubble wrap to ensure they are 100% environmentally friendly and beautifully presented for customers. Signet packaging, raffia tape and a sprig of lavender… perfection! Signet has over 5,500 packaging solutions that help leading eCommerce retailers step up their packaging game. Visit signet.net.au to find out more.Shopify PlusThey may do 1,000 burpees before breakfast and benchpress pallet racks for fun but when it came to Black Friday, LSKD needed some spotting. Introducing the well-built Shopify Plus. LSKD re-platformed onto Shopify Plus between the 2019 and 2020 Black Friday sales period to keep up with the huge growth and automate processes through the business. The results were a PB. In BFCM 2020, LSKD handled 50,000 orders - a 1,100% increase from the year prior - even serving 19,000 shoppers at the same time. Talk about some serious gains. Hoo-ha! To read more of LSKD's story and see other case studies visit the customer sections on shopify.com.au/plus. You can also hear the full LSKD story back on episode 76. About your host: Nathan Bush from eSuite Nathan Bush is a digital strategist, Co-founder of eCommerce talent agency, eSuite and host of the Add to Cart podcast. He has led eCommerce for businesses with revenue $100m+ and has been recognised as one of Australia's Top 50 People in eCommerce four years in a row. You can contact Nathan on LinkedIn, Twitter or via email.About your co-host: Julie Mathers from Flora and FaunaJulie is a seasoned Digital, Multichannel and Retail Leader. Extensive experience globally in the UK, Europe, Asia and Australia across home improvement, beauty, department stores, food, home, fashion and specialty retailing. Has worked in start ups and established businesses, Operated at exec and board level. Board Director National Retail Association. Previously Non Exec Director at Whittard of Chelsea and Storevision. Julie is dedicated to the environment and our impact as individuals and businesses. Her aim is to run a best in class ethical business and retailer so the leading values and ethics of the business are underpinned by nimble, innovative retailing with world class business and customer metrics. She is an inspiring leader within, and outside of her business, with a focus on responsible retailing, inclusion and diversity and empowering women in business. Julie regularly speaks on these subjects and coaches individuals wanting to make a difference. You can contact Julie at LinkedInPlease contact us if you: Want to come on board as an Add To Cart sponsor Are interested in joining Add To Cart as a co-host Have any feedback or suggestions on how to make Add To Cart betterEmail hello@addtocart.com.au We look forward to hearing from you! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode of Add To Cart, we are joined by Julie Mathers. She is eCommerce royalty in Australia after placing as the #1 person in eCommerce multiple times - including last year - and successfully sold her vegan, ethically sourced, cruelty-free and low impact eCommerce business, Flora & Fauna to BWX earlier this year. Now Julie is the Managing Director of both Flora & Fauna and Nourished Life. She's also on multiple retail Boards and Advisory including National Retail Association Aus Post and NORA. Nothing like selling your business and doubling your responsibilities! In this conversation we cover the Flora & Fauna to date from how she took a Photoshop course to create the Flora & Fauna website to how Julie felt when she handed her business baby over to BWX. We also cover the power of words, why retailers are fighting over Unit Load Devices (or ULD's) and Julie's advice for any founders who are considering external funding or acquisition.Links from the episode:Flora and FaunaNourished LifePetaColesJohn LewisNational Retail AssociationAustralia PostSignet & Eco Clique (sponsored)Shopify & LSKD (sponsored)Questions answered:What was the biggest lesson you took from the corporate world which helped you build Flora & Fauna? What advice would you give business owners looking for funding or acquisition?What's the most common question or dilemma you find other retailers coming to you for advice on?This episode was brought to you by… SignetEco Clique is an environmental friendly, cruelty-free and Australian made cosmetics brand. They only use the highest quality, cleanest ingredients - and this extends to their packaging! Eco Clique uses Signet's Geami (gee-armi) Exbox Mini as an alternative to bubble wrap to ensure they are 100% environmentally friendly and beautifully presented for customers. Signet packaging, raffia tape and a sprig of lavender… perfection! Signet has over 5,500 packaging solutions that help leading eCommerce retailers step up their packaging game. Visit signet.net.au to find out more.Shopify PlusThey may do 1,000 burpees before breakfast and benchpress pallet racks for fun but when it came to Black Friday, LSKD needed some spotting. Introducing the well-built Shopify Plus. LSKD re-platformed onto Shopify Plus between the 2019 and 2020 Black Friday sales period to keep up with the huge growth and automate processes through the business. The results were a PB. In BFCM 2020, LSKD handled 50,000 orders - a 1,100% increase from the year prior - even serving 19,000 shoppers at the same time. Talk about some serious gains. Hoo-ha! To read more of LSKD's story and see other case studies visit the customer sections on shopify.com.au/plus. You can also hear the full LSKD story back on episode 76. About your host: Nathan Bush from eSuite Nathan Bush is a digital strategist, Co-founder of eCommerce talent agency, eSuite and host of the Add to Cart podcast. He has led eCommerce for businesses with revenue $100m+ and has been recognised as one of Australia's Top 50 People in eCommerce four years in a row. You can contact Nathan on LinkedIn, Twitter or via email.About your co-host: Julie Mathers from Flora and FaunaJulie is a seasoned Digital, Multichannel and Retail Leader. Extensive experience globally in the UK, Europe, Asia and Australia across home improvement, beauty, department stores, food, home, fashion and specialty retailing. Has worked in start ups and established businesses, Operated at exec and board level. Board Director National Retail Association. Previously Non Exec Director at Whittard of Chelsea and Storevision. Julie is dedicated to the environment and our impact as individuals and businesses. Her aim is to run a best in class ethical business and retailer so the leading values and ethics of the business are underpinned by nimble, innovative retailing with world class business and customer metrics. She is an inspiring leader within, and outside of her business, with a focus on responsible retailing, inclusion and diversity and empowering women in business. Julie regularly speaks on these subjects and coaches individuals wanting to make a difference. You can contact Julie at LinkedInPlease contact us if you: Want to come on board as an Add To Cart sponsor Are interested in joining Add To Cart as a co-host Have any feedback or suggestions on how to make Add To Cart betterEmail hello@addtocart.com.au We look forward to hearing from you! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode I talk with Julie Mathers, found of Flora and Fauna, about the practical application of values in her flourishing business.Julie founded Flora and Fauna with a clear vision and values based ethos and has, over the past six years, grown it into a flourishing successful business.Julie offers such great insight into her process and the practical applications of values in the everyday workings of her business. This is such a great chat about the power of values when they're taken beyond lip speak and embedded into all aspects of doing business.Let's dive in.Episode transcript, links and resources available at www.dietitianvalues.com/podcastConnect and continue the conversation over on Instagram - @dietitianvalues

Today we chat with Julie - the founder of Flora & Fauna, an Australian online business who sources and sells ethical, eco-friendly and sustainable products direct to you. Having spent 20+ years working in retail, Julie wanted to create a better business. A business that was conscious of its impact on the world and one that contributes positively to society and drives change for the better. For too long we haven't known enough about how products are produced, what they're made of and who makes them. Retailers have not focused on their own supply chains and the waste produced. Julie set out to change that creating a retailer focused on driving change through Flora & Fauna and also in the industry as a whole.    Julie Mathers is the CEO and Founder of Flora & Fauna. Flora & Fauna is Australia's largest eco and vegan store; it's also a platform for purpose being driven by purpose and values.  Julie founded Flora & Fauna 6 years ago with a clear vision to be the most responsible retailer possible with the best customer service.    Flora & Fauna was named Most Sustainable Retailer at the Power Retail 2020 Awards, Best Small Online Retailer at the 2018 ORIAs and won Telstra Small Business of the Year for NSW in 2018. Flora & Fauna is also a proud BCorp. Flora & Fauna is 100% carbon offset, has saved over 30 tonnes of plastic from hitting landfill by shipping orders plastic-free, offers a recycling scheme and has lots of charity partnerships. Which we discussed in detail on the pod.    Julie has a strong personal desire to create change for the better and frequently mentors and speaks about responsible retailing and small business. Julie was named Number 1 in the 2021 and 2019 "Top 50 People in Australian eCommerce" and Business Person of the Year this Year at the 2018 Gala Awards. She is truly a trailblazer and an inspiration for myself and others in the industry,    Prior to founding Flora & Fauna, Julie has worked in the UK, Europe, Asia and now Australia for the last ten years. She has worked in consulting, private equity and with many retailers, including senior leadership roles in Woolworths, Coles and APG & Co.    Find them at www.floraandfauna.com.au    To find out the whole story, tune into this week's episode.    Topics covered: business, ecommerce, sustainability, online business, ethical, eco-friendly, vegan, organic, natural, flora and fauna, julie mathers,  holistic health, self care, self care   + Follow on Insta @floraandfaunaau + Announcements on Insta @_askelizabeth  + Subscribe to not miss out on the next instalment of Unearthing Wellbeing! + Head to my website www.askelizabeth.com.au to shop & for more details   I really appreciate your support and hope you've got a lot out of this episode that will help you in your own quest of self discovery. Sending love & light, Ask Elizabeth.

Our guest today is Julie Mathers, Founder of Flora & Fauna. After 25 years in retail, Julie decided to use her experience to create a business that was ethically responsible. Flora and Fauna is a “one-stop-shop” for finding ethical and cruelty free products that give back to the community. Launched initially with 30 brands and a total of 500 products, it now stocks over 300 brands and 10,000 products globally. Her aim was to create a platform for purpose and a place where people could make better choices. Leading by example when it comes to the creation of a kinder, healthier and more responsible approach to business and life, Julie was named #1 in the Top 50 People in Australian eCommerce in 2021 and 2019 AND their Business Person of the Year. Julie also received the 2018 Telstra NSW Small & Succeeding Business Award. You can find out more about Flora & Fauna here: https://www.floraandfauna.com.au/

"I think we could all do with just being kinder as a society."Julie Mathers is the founder of Flora and Fauna, one of Australia’s biggest e-commerce businesses, it's BCorp certified, 100% vegan, ethical and cruelty free. She has really kicked some butt in the business world in the last few years being - No 1 in Top 50 Ecommerce People in Australia in 2019 - Business Person of the Year 2018 GALA Awards - Remodista Women 2 Watch Innovation Award Winner 2017.The key topics in today's episode:- Parenting- Being discriminated against as a female- Family & work life balance- Motivations and drive- Business lessons- Finding your values- Finding ethical suppliers- Keeping current- Trial and error- Reducing the business' carbon footprint- Green + Kind- Best eco products- Going plastic free- Having a pet pig- Living a kind lifeGet 10% your order at Flora & Fauna with promo code 'PLANT10'Video Version: https://2lk2f.app.link/MathersConnect with Julie:Website | https://www.floraandfauna.com.au/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/floraandfaunaau/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/juliemathers/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/floraandfaunaauLinked In | https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-mathers-92149b1/?originalSubdomain=auEmail | info@floraandfauna.com.auConnect with me:Instagram | @plant.paradigmInstagram | @tomsimakYouTube | The Plant ParadigmTwitter | @plantparadigmSubscribe to the podcast:Apple | Spotify | Stitcher |Stay happy,Eat plants,Peace

Find us: Head to our community page to register & join the MindfulCommerce community as an expert, brand or merchantInstagram: @mindfulcommerceFacebook @MindfulCommerceContact Us - info@mindfulcommerce.ioWhere to find Lucy Roberts:Brave The Skies - Shopify Plus AgencyReverie The Boutique - A Curation of Luxurious, Sustainable PiecesLinks Mentioned in Episode:CrueltyFreeKitty.com - A Directory of Cruelty Free BrandsSponsor:This podcast is sponsored by Kollectify, a content marketing agency working specifically with Shopify solutions to successfully position and promote the app or agency. Show notes:Krissie Leyland  00:00Hello and welcome to episode number four of the MindfulCommerce podcast. Today, I'm talking to Lucy Roberts, an amazing woman in e-commerce. Lucy is not only the MD of a Shopify Plus agency called Brave The Skies. She's also the founder of an online boutique called Reverie. Reverie is a curation of luxurious, sustainable and vegan pieces. Amongst some very girly giggling, we discuss how Lucy ended up in the e-com space, what it's like juggling two very big roles and how she's breaking the vegan, sustainable and luxurious debacle. And Lucy reveals her top e-commerce branding and marketing secrets, which you simply can't miss. I hope you enjoy.  Should we just start by talking about your story. So what's your story? What are you up to? How did you get to where you are now?Lucy Roberts  01:02Yeah of course. Um, it's quite a big question and I can give a long answer or a short answer. So I'm going to try and go somewhere in the middle. So I have been, I suppose, working in e-commerce since I was 18, which feels like a really long time now, because I've just celebrated my 30th birthday, which was exciting in lockdown. So I guess yeah, I've kind of worked client side and agency side, in the UK and in Australia. Obviously, at the moment, I manage a Shopify plus agency called Brave The Skies, which is super exciting. And the merchants that I get to work with are amazing. So I get to work with RIXO, with KITRI Studios, and it's just, it's really lovely to work with such amazing brands who really care about their products and their branding and that customer experience. It makes my days very, very happy. Um, but it's been, it's been nice to have so much experience on both sides of the fence. So I guess I started on client side, working at different e-commerce brands, here in the UK, and then in Australia. And it was always so interesting for me to be like hearing from customers and working, obviously, within the companies and talking to agencies, because there would always be, in my opinion, such a big disconnect between the brand and the tech partner. And it was almost like we weren't speaking the same language. So after I finished up working for Zimmerman, which was my last client side job, I ended up moving to an agency because I was really, really keen to understand, you know, all of these really creative ideas that we have on the brand side, how do we actually build it? And who builds it and how does it happen? And who needs to do what and how does that work with the ERP and the in-store experience and the online experience and email marketing and ads? So I joined, I joined at the time, it was a Magento agency, and we ended up diversifying into Shopify plus as well. And it was so much fun, kind of being able to fuse fashion and technology. And I ended up, yeah, really happily staying on the agency side. So I've been agency side now I think I'm in my seventh year. And being yeah, being at the at the head of an agency and being able to run it in the way that I want to run it is is super exciting. It's really rewarding. Krissie Leyland  03:32That's so cool. What's your role then as an MD, so I'm never really sure what it is?Lucy Roberts  03:39So it's really funny. So my team members, call me Mama Bear. I call myself an intern. And I guess technically, I'm an MD. It's um, it's a really, really varied role. So it kind of, every day is different, which is amazing, because I love variety. And I love change. There's some days I'm working with new business like talking to new merchants about what kind of solution they need, which tech partners they need to work with. Some days, I'm working with our existing merchants on what their new collection is going to be and how we're going to market it. What the website needs to do to support it. Some days, I'm working predominantly in HR and catching up with all of our team members, making sure they're all happy. And other days, I'm just trying to keep my head above water. Krissie Leyland  04:27It sounds like you are a lot of hats. You might just wake up in the morning. Be like what is on my schedule today. Lucy Roberts  04:37Yeah. Yeah, it's definitely some days it's a case of "Okay, I've actually got no meetings today. What am I going to do? Like where is my time going to be the best spent?" And other days like "Okay, which fire is the biggest? Which one needs to be put out first?"Krissie Leyland  04:52Oh, wow, that sounds really exciting.Lucy Roberts 04:55It is. Yeah, it's very, I think dynamic is a tactful word to use.Krissie Leyland  05:00Yeah, you have to be very organised. I bet Oh, but also quite flexible, which is probably the exciting bit. Lucy Roberts  05:07Yeah. And like, I'm really lucky. I've got the most amazing team and like the team really kind of keeps me in check and like, diverts me where they need me. So I'm really, I'm really lucky to have such a great team.Krissie Leyland  05:18Yeah, yeah, I bet. And So, do you want to talk a little bit about Reverie?  Lucy Roberts  05:24Yeah, absolutely. So I guess I started Reverie, officially, Reverie The Boutique launched at the end of August in the middle of lockdown. It had kind of been an idea that I'd had for, well, probably about five, six years, I'd known that I'd always wanted my own business. And I wanted it to be something but I wasn't quite sure what. And I decided to actually switch to a totally plant-based diet about four years ago now while I was living in Australia. I was working with an amazing brand that at the agency I was with at the time called Edible Beauty. And Anna, who was the founder of Edible Beauty taught me so much about natural skincare, vegan skincare. And I was just completely inspired by her to be honest. And everything at that point kind of came into focus for me like Reverie, could be this amazing destination that fuses luxury and sustainability because there wasn't really anything, anything like that at the time. And I was finding it really frustrating after turning vegan and starting to only use cruelty free products that I'd have to order everything from a different website and like I couldn't go to Sephora or Mecco like with the girls and and just shop because I'd be like, okay, is this is this lipstick vegan? Is it quality free? Okay, who's the parent company? Okay, does it sell in China? It was like, it was really exhausting. And it really took the fun out of shopping for me because my degree was in fashion, I'd always worked for fashion brands. And all of a sudden, it felt like a really, I don't know, like, like an industry that I couldn't be part of anymore. And I was like, well, that's rubbish, because surely there's a way to do it. It's just that maybe the people who are doing it on that prominent or they're smaller businesses that I just have to look a little bit harder for. So Reverie, I guess started off very much. I call it a daydream because obviously a daydream, a reverie is a daydream, a musing. And now I feel like it's become a reality which is super exciting. So I'm working with some amazing brands. The Wild One jewelry who do really beautiful handmade pieces from recycled gold and silver and the Honeymoon Apothecary, which do these beautiful vegan candles. George & Edi, which is a Wanaka based brand, gorgeous home fragrance really lovely diffusers and Edible Beauty as well. I spoke to Anna about my idea, and she wanted me to be her first UK stockist. So having her support throughout has been absolutely incredible.Krissie Leyland  07:54So exciting. I love it. Love it. You know I love it.Lucy Roberts  07:57And you've got your earrings. You love your earrings.Krissie Leyland  08:00Yes I'm actually wearing them right now.Lucy Roberts  08:02Are you? That makes me so happy. Krissie Leyland  08:04They're so nice. So, I'm kind of interested what, you know, your role as MD, as you know, fairly big Shopify agency, so does Reverie help with your roll at Brave The Skies? Lucy Roberts  08:06Yay! Yeah, definitely, I think they feed really nicely into each other. So at Brave The Skies, we got, we got so many inquiries from merchants of all different sizes, obviously, we work with RIXO, Manuka Doctor, you know, hundreds of thousands a year. And then we also get these inquiries from really quite small brands who are just starting up. And it's really difficult because one of the things that I'm really passionate about is helping people is, you know, I think that when it comes to starting a website or a business or anything, information should be really accessible. And more often than not the only tool you've really got is Google. And it's so easy to just go down an absolute rabbit hole and not find the answers that you want. So I guess previously, if we got an inquiry from a really small merchant who had say, zero budget, but had this amazing idea, I'd have to say I'm really sorry, we don't, we don't have the, you know, it's not feasible for us to help you for the budget that you've got. I mean, we're a big plus agency, we've got a lot of overheads to cover, having, you know, a local team. Whereas now, it's really nice for me to be able to spend, you know, half an hour, an hour on the phone to these people and say we as an agency can't really help you but I've completely bootstrapped this on my own. This is how I did it. I'm not a developer, I'm not a designer. I use this theme, I installed this app, I had this idea. I used a Pinterest board as like design. I used Instagram as a mood board like this is how I did it. So it's it's really nice to be able to bring that to Brave The Skies and not just have to turn people away and say we can't help you because you don't have the budget but here's how I did it on a budget. And if you still need development help, I can refer a small agency or a freelancer. And I think yeah, I mean, I mean, I suppose, having worked in e-commerce for 12 years, and, you know, being so lucky to work with brands, like work for brands like Zimmerman and Manning Cartell in Australia, work with brands like KITRI, here in the UK, like, it's taught me so much. And I feel like I've spent so much time with so many different businesses, helping them grow their businesses and their online strategies. And like, okay, like, I've learned quite a lot, I can bring this to Reverie. Krissie Leyland  10:37That's amazing, because they've got all these big budgets and big project you can take little bits from them, but I think it's amazing that you actually, you know, you spend the time with the smaller brands and give them advice. And that's like, it's just amazing, because you can kick start, their small brand and then, you know, what it's like having a passion. And I love that, that's really nice. Lucy Roberts  11:00Thanks. I always kind of say, whenever I speak to a smaller merchant, like I get it, you know, you've got this big idea, but you don't know where to start. And I always give them my mobile number and like my LinkedIn profile, and say, if you've got any questions, I come always happy to answer them. And I just think that everybody should have access to that help. And that information, because you know, when you've got an idea, and you're so like, you like you're so incredibly creative, like you've got so many ideas in you, then I just think if there's somebody who maybe doesn't know, as much as you know, about e-commerce or digital, like, it's almost not fair that they don't get the chance to share that idea.Krissie Leyland  11:37Yeah, I mean, I literally have a video on my LinkedIn where I'm like, come on agencies like, give them a chance, you know.Lucy Roberts  11:45Exactly!Krissie Leyland  11:47You know, and if you can give them advice to kick start it, and then they go and do it, they will probably come back to you when they've got the budget. Then go that step further. So yeah, like I love that. I love it. So if you're a brand and you're listening, speak to Lucy!Lucy Roberts  12:11Talk to me, let me help.Krissie Leyland  12:14Um, so you've mentioned or I think we both mentioned this that often, when you think about a vegan brand in the luxury space, it's like you might have to sacrifice luxury for vegan or for sustainability. So yeah, talk to me about that. And how have you kind of overcome that? Lucy Roberts  12:36Yeah, I think I mean, there are obviously the really big players in the space like Stella McCartney, I think is just paving the way for that luxurious, sustainable vegan lifestyle. Obviously, her designs are incredible. Her brand is amazing, the pieces are just to die for. But it's such a high price point. And it's just it's not accessible to everybody to you know, make the switch to vegan and buy Stella McCartney, you don't kind of get paid for making the switch. And it was the same with with even stupid things like with shampoo and conditioner, like I would always just buy it without even thinking. And the same with moisturiser. And it was you would buy it from these beautiful luxury brands, and you get the really nice packaging and you feel really nice about it. And it was just, it was one of the things that was actually quite daunting for me and perfume as well. For example, I always used to Alexander McQueen and Chanel perfume. I loved the boxes, I loved the bottles on my dressing table. And it was something that I don't want to say it put me off. But for a long time, it was really daunting. I was like, oh, when I I know I need to make this switch. Because I'm eating vegan, I know that I need to switch to cruelty free and vegan beauty. But I'm really going to miss these things like these little luxuries that you just feel, make you feel so nice in the morning when you spritz on your perfume. And that was a problem that I really wanted to address because I was like that's not fair. Like I'm trying to do the right thing. And I want to have these luxuries in my life. Like they make me feel good. And it's it's a nice thing to have. And I started doing a lot more research into it. And now for example, I use one of the cream perfumes from George & Edi, which, I've ended up stocking at Reverie because I love them so much. And then they last for longer, the fragrance is stronger and they look just as beautiful. It's just about, I think it was just really about finding those brands which have luxury and sustainability as their values that have really beautiful packaging. The websites are really nice. The products are really beautiful. And it's almost like it's an afterthought that they're vegan. And that's something that I really wanted to do with Reverie. I wanted it to appeal to people who who are vegan and who do shop ethically and consciously because everything on that is cruelty free. Everything is from a small business. I think everything bar three things on the website at the moment is vegan. And I also wanted it to appeal to people who are luxury shoppers and who really love those beautiful things in their lives. But you know, it's all, it's vegan, it's cruelty free, and it kind of shows you that you can have both and that you don't have to choose.Krissie Leyland  15:14Yeah, definitely. I must admit, I do have a Chanel perfume on my shelf right now. Lucy Roberts  15:19I mean,  they're beautiful, I get it. They're really gorgeous. Krissie Leyland  15:23It's the end of the bottle, and I'm so glad we just had that short, like that bit of conversation. That means I can make the switch now. It's at the end, and then I'm done. Lucy Roberts  15:34Yeah, it's, you know, it's so it's so difficult. It's such, it's such a really difficult switch to make. Because it really does depend on you being willing to compromise on something that you really, really want. Like, I want a Chanel perfume desperately, I miss it. I love the fragrance. I love the smell. But I know too much about it now. And I know that I can get something else which is vegan and cruelty free. And that's completely fine with me. Like I'm happy to make that compromise because I know that I don't have to compromise on the luxury side of things. I know I can get a product, which is just as good. So let's see. Krissie Leyland  16:13Yeah, definitely. What is it about Chanel then, the perfume? What's the bad things about it?Lucy Roberts  16:20I mean I don't want to slag off Chanel.Krissie Leyland  16:23I mean, no.Lucy Roberts  16:27I think the I guess it's a common misconception between brands that say that they don't test on animals unless it's required by law. And those brands being cruelty free. So there's, there's tons of brands that all say, we do not test on animals unless it's specifically required by law. And obviously, in the UK and EU, it's not required by law to test on animals, it's actually illegal. But if you're selling your product in an overseas market, so for example, China, testing on animals is mandatory in order to sell in that market. So while they might not test on animals to sell within the UK, or within Europe, or any other parts of the world, if you want to sell in that market, which is obviously a lucrative, luxury market, so of course you do because it's going to be amazing for your sales, you have to pay to have your products tested on animals before you can sell in that market. So yeah, there's an amazing website actually called crueltyfreekitty.com. And it's the most incredible comprehensive directory of brands, which sell in China don't sell in China, all of their like animal testing policies. It's, it's a brilliant website, I recommend it to anybody who's looking to learn more about which brands are cruelty free.Krissie Leyland  17:37Wow. Okay, I'll be I'll be going on that, and I'll have a look. Nice. Thank you.Lucy Roberts  17:43Of course.Krissie Leyland  17:45So switching it up a little bit, but staying on the Reverie topic, what was the branding process, like, because I love your branding, and your Instagram feed.Lucy Roberts  17:55Thank you. Thank you so much. Um, to be honest, I'm really I'm really lucky because my, my fiance is a designer. And he helped me so much with the branding, with the fonts, with the colours, with the way that the website was going to look. And the he actually runs his own design studio called Field and Black. I think you've actually spoken to him before he was gonna help you out with something. Yeah and you know, having  a live in designer is like, super handy when you've got no budget to do anything. So yeah, I was I was really, really lucky that he helped me out so much. And he's been, he's been so supportive of everything to do with Reverie, because I have kind of a constant fear of not wanting to do something in case it goes wrong. And I think especially when when you work in e-commerce, there's almost an immediate expectation that if you launch your own business, then of course, it's going to go really well and your sales are going to be amazing, and everything is just going to sell out immediately. So it was quite daunting, like putting it out there like this idea that I'd had for so long. And I didn't know if I was ever really going to be ready to do it and to share it but my fiance was incredible about and so like, so when my mom and my sister, my dad and my best friend, Charlie, they were all just always encouraging me like "No, you do it, you should go for it." So yeah, they were they were an amazing part of kind of actually bringing Reverie to life because I definitely wouldn't have done it without their kind of encouragement and support for sure. Krissie Leyland  19:31Yeah, definitely. I think um, top tip everyoneLucy Roberts  19:39Get engaged to a designer.Krissie Leyland  19:43I mean, what can I say that's a bit perfect, isn't it?Lucy Roberts  19:48It's an unfair advantage.Krissie Leyland  19:53Okay, so similar to that topic. I'm wondering, you know, I know that when I got on your Instagram, I just feel really relaxed and mindful and at ease and positive. So is that part of your marketing strategy? Or is it just part of like, what you feel like putting out there in the world?Lucy Roberts  20:15I suppose, I suppose a little bit of both really. I've, I used to know an amazing woman who is actually a brit, she lives in Australia and she has a brand called Flora and Fauna. It's um, it's like a vegan superstore. It's absolutely amazing. I mean, if there's anybody who lives in Australia that wants to make a switch to a vegan lifestyle, Julie Mathers started Flora and Fauna to be just that, it's got everything. And I was really lucky to meet her a couple of times while I was living in Sydney. And she always used to tell me that she, she founded Flora and Fauna on kindness. And that is what she leads with for everything. Kindness to the environment, to the people that she works with, to animals, to everything across the board. And that really stuck with me. And I also have a wonderful friend called Beck who actually also has her own small business called Silky Studios does the most amazing silk scrunchies. Unfortunately, they're not vegan. So which is the only reason why I wouldn't stock them on reverie, but I use them, I have bought them. They are incredible. And she told me when I started Reverie, that if you become your own brand, then your brand will always feel honest and will always feel authentic. And that's probably one of the best bits of advice I've ever had about Reverie. And I want it to feel like me, I like to think that I'm a nice and positive and warm person and I want the brand to feel like that as well. So kind of a healthy amount of escapism in the Instagram feed like lots of really nice travel shots. But I just want it, I want people to feel how you feel like calm and mindful and, you know, like you're in this really nice destination where the outside negativity doesn't matter. It doesn't affect you, and you can just relax. That's really what I want Reverie to feel like. This whole idea about it being a daydream and a fanciful state of musing. I love that, I think it's just sometimes it's nice to just switch off a bit from everyday life. Krissie Leyland  22:18That's so nice. You just feel like content when you look at your Instagram feed, like "That is me, that is the brand"Lucy Roberts  22:27Yeah. And it could be you know, burning one of the really beautiful candles or it could just be having one of the pieces of jewellery on or, you know, the sleep masks or the bath salts, anything like that. Just almost finding that time in your day to just relax and that, that's the reverie for me. It's just those little, those little luxuries.Krissie Leyland  22:47I love it, whilst being kind to the planet.Lucy Roberts  22:50Exactly, without compromising on anything.Krissie Leyland  22:52Yeah. And also the Duchess of Cambridge.Lucy Roberts  22:59Oh my god, I love her. Honestly, anyone who knows me will know I have been to Kate Middleton fan since literally day one. I've had my hair blow dried like her, I dress like her. Krissie Leyland  23:13And then she just was wearing a necklace that looks, Is it the exact same one?Lucy Roberts  23:17It's not unfortunately, but my mum actually texted me the morning that she saw Kate wearing that necklace because my um, basically my mum has helped me so much with Reverie. She really keeps me in check. Because I just want to buy everything, stock everything and do everything at a million miles an hour. And mum's always like "No, I don't think that product is right" or "I don't think that's correct." And I'm like, No, Mum, this is gonna be really good. And she actually said that about the pearl choker. And she was like, I don't know if that's on brand for Reverie. It's a little bit modern. It's a bit too trendy. And I was like, No, I've got a really good feeling about this necklace. And she texted me the picture of Kate wearing and she's like, okay, you're right.Krissie Leyland  23:23That's amazing I saw it I was like, No, way, is that the same one?Lucy Roberts  23:44I wish it was honestly, if I could send a Reverie gift box, it would be the Duchess of Cambridge. Krissie Leyland  24:15Has anyone like... did you see an increase in sales because of the photoLucy Roberts  24:21Sadly not. I was really excited about it though.Krissie Leyland  24:25I can imagine you probably dancing around. I've got the giggles now.Lucy Roberts  24:33I know this. This always happens to us. Krissie Leyland  24:40Oh, okay. Yeah, I'm gonna try and stop laughing. So, yeah, so what does your marketing strategy look like? Taking in, like keep in mind that, you know, you've worked with all these big brands with bigger budgets and stuff like what have you taken from that? Lucy Roberts  24:55Yeah. Um, it's a really it's a really difficult question because the honest answer is that I am completely winging it. I am just seeing what, that's just me being completely honest, I'm just trying to see what works and trying to see what people respond to. So I've tried doing like a big gift away on Instagram, you know, you're kind of standard, like this post and share it and tag a friend and make sure you're following the page kind of thing. And that went really well, I feel like people responded really well to that. And it was also a nice way to introduce the products to somebody as well, which was great. Whoever won, you know, you send them this beautiful box, and it's a nice way to get the products out there a bit more. I do a lot of just emails, email marketing, and I like to make them quite conversational and kind of talk about why, why I really love the products and why I think they're really, really great. So or, or whatever, make a really great gift. And I've tried Facebook and Instagram ads. And that's actually something that I'm looking for a little bit of help with, so if anybody's listening to this, they know how to do Facebook and Instagram or Google Ads really well, please let me know.Krissie Leyland  26:06I actually do know a few people.Lucy Roberts  26:09I was gonna ask you about this. And I was hoping that you would know some people. So yeah, I haven't got the world's biggest budget. But if you, if there's anybody within like your community, or like the MindfulCommerce network, like super keen to talk to someone about helping me with that, because I think that that is quite a good strategy. And whenever I've randomly thrown some money on an Instagram ad, it seems to do quite well. But I know that it's not, marketing is not my forte like e-commerce is. E-commerce is my thing, really. So if there's anyone you can connect me with, who knows more about digital marketing, that would be amazing!Krissie Leyland  26:45I may have someone in mind who i'll tell you about after this. Right. So, okay, now I'm completely changing the subject. Lucy Roberts  26:58So that's okay. Let's jump around. We always do this, we do this all the time. So that's fine.Krissie Leyland  27:03I could go off on so many different tangents. Yes, so sustainability in e-commerce. Obviously, this is a big topic and it's probably a joint favourite topic between us. So what do you think are the biggest environmental challenges in e-commerce? Lucy Roberts  27:29That's such a big question Krissie. You know, that's a big question.Krissie Leyland  27:36I know.Lucy Roberts  27:37I don't even really know what to begin with this one, to be honest, because I think that, I think the first problem happened years and years and years ago, where fast fashion rose really quickly. And it was kind of this immediate demand that you wanted to have a rip off version of something that you've seen on the runway or on a celebrity, and I think brands, brands responded to that really, really quickly. And companies sprung up with that as their whole business model, which is, you see something on Saturday, on a celebrity in a magazine or on a runway at Fashion Week and by the Wednesday, you're selling it to like thousands of people. And at the time, I think everyone was ready, quite naive to what the impact of that actually was. And it was like, Oh, my God, amazing, you can get, you know, you can get a version of a Gucci bag or a YSL blazer, and it's a fraction of the cost, and you get it before the brand has even manufactured it. And it was, you know, I think I was probably even a bit of a sucker for it. At the time, I was probably about in my late teens, I suppose, early 20s, when this was really happening, and it was quite exciting, you know, being on a fashion course, at uni and thinking, Oh, my God, yeah, you've got the the Primark version of the whatever it was, an Alexander McQueen dress or whatever. And it was quite exciting. Whereas now I think we're really feeling the impact of that and the effect of it, which is, well, what is that done? I mean, it's completely exploited factories all over the world where, you know, you can't pay your workers a living wage, because they're working around the clock, and you have to manufacture this fabric in double time. And the quickest, cheapest, easiest way to do it is not sustainable. And, of course, the way in which these things are manufactured, it's done cheaply, so that you can sell it cheaply so that people don't have to wear it for that long, because it's not really going to be in style for that long. So the reality is that all of those products, more often than not just end up in landfill. And because the fabrics that they've been developed from aren't sustainable, they're obviously not natural fabrics. They're not biodegradable. They've got thousands of micro plastics in them, and it just goes straight back into the planet, into landfill. That kind of over consumerism almost about to the right term, it's constantly servicing that demand and then meeting the new demand rather than almost challenging the customer to shop with longevity and sustainability in mind. And it's just every single brand, it's a race to the bottom and a race to see who can ship their products, the fastest by air mail or by courier vans or whatever. And it's this constant need that's now now now now now, I want it tomorrow. And I want this, I want that. And brands are constantly on the back foot. Because they feel that the only way that they can meet that demand is just to figure out a way to do it.  Totally at their own costs, and definitely an environmental cost. Yes, probably the biggest problem that I see. Krissie Leyland  30:43Definitely, I totally agree. And I don't think that the brands will like that. They're probably quite stressed about it, you know? Lucy Roberts  30:51Yeah, exactly. Krissie Leyland  30:52They have to keep up with all the other brands and who's the fastestLucy Roberts  30:57Exactly, and who's who's doing next day shipping for free, like who's doing same day shipping, you know, in some postcodes, you can get it the same day, like, how stressful is that to have somebody constantly on your orders grid, refreshing in case something comes in, like, I can't imagine the amount of anxiety that someone must feel for that. Krissie Leyland  31:15It's horrifying. It stresses me out thinking about it.Lucy Roberts  31:19No same thing here. And it's just, it's this constant demand for now, and immediately and cheaper. And there's no, there aren't really any brands pushing back on that. I think other than, you know, your really big ones, like Stella McCartney that really incorporate that whole messaging in their brand. And I guess the people who follow her brand are really invested in those values as well. So they're happy to shop with a brand that matches those values. Whereas your run of the mill average customer who doesn't really care too much about sustainability and doesn't really care too much about the fabric content of their jumper or top or dress or whatever. They're not going to ask the questions. They're just going to think, well, I'll just shop with the brand thats the cheapest I can get it to me the quickest.Krissie Leyland  32:02Yeah, I mean, I do think that there's obviously the rise of conscious consumerism, and people are waking up to, you know, these green washing brands. And it's, it's hopefully changing, hopefully, and in five years time, we'll be moving towards a more sustainable world. Lucy Roberts  32:24I hope so. I really hope so. I think it's just, it just takes a couple of the, I suppose the market leaders of your high street stores, of bigger fashion brands, just to start educating their customers on where the products come from, where they're manufactured, why the price is what the price is, and really start making it part of their brand identity as opposed to just being these faceless, brandless fast fashion brands. Krissie Leyland  32:55Yeah, I agree. I do think that small brands like Reverie, do have power and I do think, you know, if we, if we get together and do it together, fight combat, you know, and just boycott them all.Lucy Roberts  33:13I hope so. I hope so. And it's kind of it's it's something that's so beautiful about small businesses, because they're these tiny little ideas that have become online businesses that specialise in these beautiful products. And that's really all I ever wanted for Reverie, I wanted it to be more than just an online shop, I wanted it to be a destination where you can go and you can browse. And you can see really beautiful content, and you can shop and you can send gifts. I wanted it to be very inclusive and very, I suppose very socially and environmentally. And it's if more brands, if more brands do that. I mean, it's definitely the way that things are moving. I mean, with all of the David Attenborough documentaries that people are seeing now. I mean, hopefully people are actually listening to what he's saying, rather than just thinking, Oh, yeah, David, David Attenborough is really cool, he's really awesome. It's like, yes, so do what he's telling you to do now. I really hope that that's going to be the way that it's moving. Krissie Leyland  34:10Yeah. And if you you know, you watch you watch David Attenborough programmes, and you're really inspired and, and then, yeah, if you don't do anything, then what's the point? Anyway... Lucy Roberts  34:23Another rabbit hole, we could go downKrissie Leyland  34:26So many, oh, gosh, find myself in them all day. On a personal note, then, um, what's your vision for the future? Where do you see yourself in five years? Oh, sounds like an interview question.Lucy Roberts  34:40It does sound like an interview question, one which I wasn't actually prepared for. I mean, there's so much more that I want to do with Brave The Skies. You know, the agency is it's changing really quickly. we're evolving really quickly. There's new brands who want to work with us, which is awesome. I've just actually hired an incredible general manager who I'm so excited to start working with. And I think that she's going to be a real breath of fresh air. And so I definitely see Brave The Skies as a big part of my future, regardless of what happens with Reverie. But I want to spend more time building Reverie, I feel like I've got so many ideas for what I want to do with that, I would love to introduce clothing at some point as well and really make it more of a lifestyle boutique, or sustainable, you know, beautiful vegan fabrics and your bamboo silk, which is what the eye masks are made from. And linen and organic cotton, I would love to, I'd really love to expand the product range into my own stock rather than just essentially other people's products and ideas. So I would love to do that. And I think with Brave The Skies, I'd love to I would love to focus more on working with brands on their marketing strategies, and what they're going to do with that new collections and new products and possibly even be part of that process would be amazing. Krissie Leyland  36:07Wow, good. Nice. Lucy Roberts  36:09Yeah, a lot. Quite a lot of thingsKrissie Leyland  36:13I love the vision, though. It's good. It's all good. Brave The Skies are very lucky to have you. And also it's very nice to hear that the, did you say Managing Director, not your Managing Director, but your new person is going to be a woman? Lucy Roberts  36:34Yes. Oh, my God, I'm so excited about that. Yeah, I'm super excited. There's, there's not enough of us. There aren't enough of us in management positions or leadership positions, you know, industry, industry wide, but specifically in a e-comm and tech. I think we're very underrepresented gender in that sector. And I think, you know, it's, it's so nice, I speak to so many of our clients who have, who have actually said that one of the reasons that they like working with our agency is because we're female lead. And there aren't really any other plus agencies, there might be one or two in London, who have women at the top as managing directors or COOs. And I think naturally, as women, we're a lot more empathetic. And you think a lot more about the bigger picture and the end customer and you know yourself how you feel when you open a beautiful new delivery and whether or not that's a new dress, or a pair of earrings, for example, you know, the feeling that you want that customer to have. And if you, if you know that feeling, and if you know how to create that feeling through technology, through packaging, through branding, it means that the client has the most amazing experience with you, because you understand this to be their customer, and you understand how their customer wants to engage with their brand. And you know how to advise them how to make that brand feel like that comes really naturally to me because I am a customer. I'm an avid customer of so many of the brands that we work with. And it means that I can get a shipping email or an order confirmation email and say, not really too sure on the tone of voice here. Like it doesn't really make me feel particularly engaged. It feels a little bit business-y, a bit cold. How can we change that? So yeah, it's yeah, again, I feel like it's an unfair advantage, being a woman.Krissie Leyland  38:31I think it's great. I think it's great. And, um, congratulations, by the way on being nominated for amazing women in e-commerceLucy Roberts  38:42Thank you so much!Krissie Leyland  38:45I honestly was thinking about nominating you because I saw it I was like - who... ah I know! How does it feel to be nominated? Lucy Roberts  38:55Oh my god. Honestly, I was so excited. I was so so excited and so touched that somebody or some people, you know, thought that and it was yeah, it's an amazing, I suppose recognition to have your name out there as someone thinks that of you. And I posted it on my LinkedIn profile. And I just got the most amazing comments from, you know, people who I haven't spoken to for years. And it was just oh, I honest, I felt quite emotional, to be honest. Oh, I know. It's only you know, there are hundreds of thousands of women who are in e-commerce who are absolutely incredible. And I have no expectations that I'm going to even come close to winning. But it's just, it's nice on a personal level to feel I suppose, recognised and supported. Yeah, it was. Yeah. quite emotional. I think is the word. Krissie Leyland  39:47Yeah. I mean, it's great. Its Yotpo isn't it?Lucy Roberts  39:51Yeah, it is and they're donating I think $5 for every nomination to a girl's charity which which is just incredible. I think supporting, supporting young girls with education and progression. It's just it's such a hugely important part of like, the global economy and like what girls can do and what women can do when they're educated and empowered is just, there's no limits. So it's it's definitely an amazing thing to be part of, even if it is just for the, you know, for the support of the charity.Krissie Leyland  40:23So exciting. So exciting. So, yes, I think I need to wrap this up. Lucy Roberts  40:30We could chat for another solid few hours. Probably. Krissie Leyland  40:35I mean, we need to meet in real life one day.Lucy Roberts  40:37We do! Well COVID has kept us apart hasn't it like we've been chatting for months now. And it's always been video calls and and Facebook Messaging. Krissie Leyland  40:46Yeah. I'm normally me with another idea. Lucy Roberts  40:51Or me being like, Krissie, what do you think I should do about this? Krissie Leyland  40:56I love it. So if you could give your say, I don't know, one or two tips to an aspiring brand, a sustainable one, What would that be? Lucy Roberts  41:10Oh, and I think, I think I would actually have to repeat Beck's advice to me, which is just to be your brands, be honest, be authentic, and it will be the easiest thing in the world. just build a brand around you and what you think is right, and your passions, and I don't think you can go wrong. Krissie Leyland  41:31Perfect. And did you kind of like write a list? Or, you know, at the beginning, where you're like, what is my Why? What is, Who am I? Lucy Roberts  41:42So, so that is something that Joel, my fiance was trying to get me to do for years. And I really put off doing it. Because I was like, these questions are so intimidating. I don't know the answers to these questions. I really don't want to do it. And he sat down with me and did it. And he was like, I know the answer to all of these questions because it's just you. So yeah, he was, he definitely guided me through the whole process, I wouldn't have done it on my own. I was ready to just wing the whole thing. What happened? And he was like, No, you can do this, answer this question. You know, write this down. See, I can't I genuinely can't take any credit for every, it's all been my mom and Joel and my sister and  my dad and my best friend. They're the real brains behind the operation. Krissie Leyland  42:33I should have interviewed them on the podcast.Lucy Roberts  42:37Next time, I'll bring them all you'll get much more from them. Krissie Leyland  42:43Because that's like my favourite thing ever to just, I'm probably very different to you then. Because I like sitting down and just like brainstorming and being like, Who am I? What's my vision, what's my why I can get grounded. And then I'm ready.Lucy Roberts  42:57That's such an amazing quality, though, like you're so good at that you've got because you've got so many ideas. And you're really good at getting them all out and putting a structure to them and writing it down and mapping it out. And I think I naturally find it quite intimidating. And I feel like things are very safe inside my head. And like I kind of know what it is I know what it looks like, if I close my eyes, I can really visualise it. And the second I put it down on paper, it becomes very, you know, it feels like it becomes very real and quite scary. And I feel quite intimidated by that sometimes, which is something that I need to work on. Krissie Leyland  43:33Very interesting. And so you're probably if you're visual, then maybe it'll be mood boards. And like you said, Pinterest boards and stuff like that. Lucy Roberts  43:42Exactly. I've got thousands of Pinterest boards, and my Instagram saved items is quite out of control.Krissie Leyland  43:49Wow.Lucy Roberts  43:50But I feel like I get so much more from an image and I can look at an image and be like Yep. Okay, so that's how I feel. And that's how I want it to look. And that's how I want people to think when they look at it, whereas writing it down is I don't know, it makes it very black and white and it doesn't feel as I suppose warm and cozy to me. It's like a big image mood board does. Krissie Leyland  44:10Yeah. Or like your Instagram feed. Lucy Roberts  44:12Exactly. Yeah. And it's nice to you know, when you're looking at different images, we looking at the colors and like the tones in them and the way that they make you feel like that makes me feel very comfortable. I wish I could do mind maps better. And Rachel Jacobs, who we both work with. She is amazing at mind maps, and she did this major one for me in our catch up last week and I was like, oh god, this is so good but also so intimidating. Where do I begin with this? Krissie Leyland  44:42Yeah, that's so interesting. It is funny, isn't it? How everyone's got different ways of just mapping things out. I mean, I like oh my god. My reason I think the reason why I do start so many different random businesses. I just really like the Ideas phase and then like the branding, so like colours and then like the fonts and yeah, like and then and then it happens it is like it comes to life. Lucy Roberts  45:10Exactly. But you're so good because you do all of the planning, you do everything. You've got all of the information, the whole structure and plan is down before you do anything. It's so good. Krissie Leyland  45:20Yeah, but then I'm like, oh, okay, now I've got it. What do I do now? Lucy Roberts  45:24Now what? That's fine. We work well together. We bounce off each other really well.Krissie Leyland  45:30Yeah. Oh, well, I'll let you go and have your lunch. Lucy Roberts  45:3It was so great to talk to you. Krissie. Thank you so much for inviting me to do this. Krissie Leyland  45:40Thank you. And best of luck with everything I know you're going to be great. Lucy Roberts  45:45Too Kind. Thank you so much, and we'll catch up soon. Krissie Leyland  45:49Yes. Perfect. Lucy Roberts  45:51Thanks so much Krissie. Krissie Leyland  45:53This series is sponsored by Kollectify. Kollectify is a content marketing agency working specifically with Shopify solutions to successfully position and promote the app or agency. Episodes go out every Monday, so don't forget to subscribe or you might miss a few knowledge bombs. And finally, if you'd like to join the MindfulCommerce community with lots of conscious brands and ecommerce experts, who are all working together to make change, please email info@mindfulcommerce.io and I'll send you the deets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I interview Julie Mathers, the ethical Founder, and CEO of BCorp Certified Flora & Fauna, the world’s largest self-funded vegan and cruelty-free product website. She launched the business in late 2014, aged 38. Flora & Fauna has done more than 8,000 SKUs and they have a warehouse and small retail shop located in inland Sydney. Julie is very driven when it comes to our planet, animals, and making a difference.  Describing their business as a platform for purpose to do good, one of their initiatives has saved more than 30 tonnes of plastic after their move to minimal packaging. Adding a personal touch by handwriting each order, they have now done it more than half a million times. The business grew from $60,000 in sales in their first year to now $20 Million per annum, growing almost 700% in the last three years, and more recently, 30% per annum. They mainly sell in Australia but a little to New Zealand, the UK, and the US.  Julie and her husband started as the two full-time employees and they now have over 40 full-time employees. They got their funding from their initial savings and have sustained their growth from profits. Julie is very passionate about disability employment. She felt she had succeeded when she realized they were making a difference and when they employed the first people, bought a warehouse, and won the national Telstra business awards.  Flora & Fauna was awarded the Top Sustainable Retailer in 2020, Best Small Retailer and Best Online Retailer 2018, and was shortlisted as a finalist for Responsible Retailer of the Year at the World Retail Awards 2017. Julie highlights that the hardest thing about growing a small business is keeping going and says that the one thing she would tell herself on day one of starting out in business is, Don’t give up, and stress less” If you’re an existing or aspiring small business owner, get ready to be inspired! This Cast Covers: The global impact phenomenon that is Flora and Fauna. From a small entity in November 2014 to the huge platform for purpose that they are now. Using their reach, engagement, and profits to make a difference. The measurable results of how they save the environment with minimal packaging. Starting out as a bakery worker at age 16 and how her immense love for retail-led her to where she is today. Growing 699% over the last three years and sustaining a 30% growth over the last very challenging year. Shipping all their products from Australia to the US, UK, and New Zealand by focusing more on the speed of shipping. Expected turnover of over $20 Million in 2020, 6 years after their first year turnover of $60,000. Their immense growth in terms of team members brought about by a continuous increase in the number of orders. How the shed outside their house inspired her to start the business. The surprise and emotion of winning in the national Telstra awards. Seeing success in all the little moments of achievement in one's small business. Her passion for disability employment and making a difference through her business. The importance of working out what you want to achieve with marketing before you invest in a marketing channel. Owning 100% of the business from starting with her own money and growing it solely from cash flow. The challenges in the skincare industry and the advice she has for anyone who wants to get into it. Successfully managing their cash to achieve their business goals despite the stresses they had to overcome. Growing the business by running her own race and focusing primarily on her plans. The experience of moving from corporate to a small business. The importance of a small business owner being relentless. Lessons from their previous hiring blunders that enabled them to win at building a team that fits into their culture. Learning to let go as an owner and founder to give team members the opportunity to do what they’re best at. Working tirelessly hard to build Flora and Fauna, and focusing more on the flexibility that the business affords her rather than on the idea of work-life balance. The difficulties she experiences when she tries to shut her mind off when she’s not working. Investing in a lot of professional development and the impact it’s had on her as a small business owner. The benefits of having a great network you can pull on rather than having a specific mentor. Additional Resources: Delivering Happiness By Tony Hsieh Creative Little Souls The Mentor with Mark Bouris    Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com). License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode, Annette interviews Julie Mathers, the Founder of Flora & Fauna, about how she left full-time employment to build the largest vegan, eco-friendly store in the world. Mentions on the show - https://bit.ly/2FGDKd0 Stay in contact with me here: Instagram – @annette_lackovic Facebook – @annettelackovicofficial

In this episode, Annette interviews Julie Mathers, the Founder of Flora & Fauna, about how she left full-time employment to build the largest vegan, eco-friendly store in the world

How does having a child with additional needs affect parenting? And what are the correct terms to use?  Leigh and Tegan chat to Julie Mathers, a mum to 16-month-old Woody who lives with Down Syndrome, about what life is like with a child who has additional needs. Plus, Leigh’s WTF moment of the week was when she had to use a snot sucker on her sick little bub… But trying to pin a toddler down versus a baby is a whole different ball game!    CREDITS Hosts:Leigh Campbell & Tegan Natoli Guest:Julie Mathers Producer: Pariya Taherzadeh & Bridget Northeast CONTACT US Share your WTF moment by leaving us a message on 02 8999 9386. Send us an email at tgm@mamamia.com.au Looking for a community of like-minded parents?  Join our Mamamia Parents Facebook Page... https://www.facebook.com/groups/1047713658714395/   Want a weekly parenting newsletter from Holly Wainwright?  Sign up here... https://www.mamamia.com.au/newsletter/ Looking for other podcasts to listen to?  You'll find all our Mamamia shows at https://mamamia.com.au/podcasts/ This episode is brought to you by Mamamia.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 25 years working in retail, Julie Mathers decided to take her experience, combine it with her passion for the environment and animal welfare, and create a business committed to making a meaningful impact on the world. So in 2014 Julie launched her online store Flora and Fauna, specialising in ethical, eco-friendly and vegan products. When the business launched there were 30 brands and 500 products; now their range has over 300 brands and 8000 products, sourcing the best ethical and low-waste skincare, food, fashion, and lifestyle products. I talk to Julie about the ethic of hard work, the concept of thinking like a proprietor and how Flora & Fauna has managed to grow so quickly while maintaining its eco ethos. Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses. Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode is a great case study of how to successfully rebrand without alienating your customers. Imagine building a multi-million dollar brand that you absolutely love, only to find (due to legal reasons) you have to rebrand it, not once, but twice. All this whilst going through an ugly separation, and being a single mum of a newborn. It's a highly charged episode 502 of The (award-winning) Small Business Big Marketing podcast.   Today's guest is Rebecca Klodinsky, founder of the of bikini label IIXIIST In just six years, Frankii Swim has burst onto the Australian fashion scene, quickly developing a tribe of loyal, bikini-loving wearers … most of whom are women!! The label then quickly found itself on the global stage thanks to the likes of Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner and Rhianna. It's now a runaway success turning over $7M this year, and making founder Rebecca Klodinsky, a very happy camper. But it hasn't all been smooth sailing, as Rebecca has had to navigate an ugly separation from her partner, along with two expensive and time-consuming rebrands due to legal demands.  The brand is now called Exist … spelt IIXIIST …. And yes, I do ask her about why that name. This is a very honest chat about how to successfully rebrand without alienating your customers,  with a passionate business owner, who's now a single mum of a 20-month old baby.   Timbo's Top 3 Attention Grabbers I love her mindset of seeing opportunities not problems. This links many of my guests.  I loved her willingness to be transparent, and tell it how it is.  And I love her deep respect for the power of marketing.  Again, something that links the majority of my guests.   Links & resources mentioned in today's episode Last week's episode - How to adapt your marketing during Coronavirus with Ben Newsome of Fizzics Education Other successful female entrepreneurs Timbo's interviewed: Julie Mathers of Flora & Fauna Abigail Forsyth of Keepcup Melanie Perkins of Canva   This week's Monster Prize Draw winner Tolita Dukes of marketing agency 8Seconds   Thanks for tuning in. I'd love to hear your thoughts or questions about this episode, so feel free to leave them below ... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we're chatting with Julia Mathers, the founder of the world's largest online vegan and cruelty-free store, Flora and Fauna. They source and sell 100% vegan, ethical and cruelty free eco-friendly and zero waste products. Julie explains how she's created a transparent business and sheds light on an industry based on ethics that's riddled with greenwashing. Flora and Fauna is a female-founded, small Aussie business and a certified B Corporation, meaning they've undergone rigorous critiquing for their environmental and social impacts. Coming up on the show:Julie's goal to change the retail industry Choosing purpose over profit Doing the hard work for discerning consumers At Ecolust Podcast, we tell stories to empower your sustainable lifestyle. As Australian millennials, we want full lives and we like nice things. But we don't want to be part of the problem anymore. We want to live better - for the planet, for others, and for ourselves.We're making it easier for others to live sustainably, too. By sharing our stories of struggle and triumph, our lessons empower others. No eco-shame here. We release podcast episodes every Monday + show notes at www.ecolustlife.com/podcastDon't want to miss a thing? Obv. Join our fortnightly newsletter for recommendations, updates, and lols. Sign up at ecolustlife.com. Want more? Duh. Follow us on Instagram @ecolust.life. And if you feel like we're your people… there are more of us! Join our private Facebook group, Sustainable and Intentional Lifestyle, to connect with a bunch of savvy, intentional legends. Ecolust is a two-man team, working from home in our undies, so we'd love your support. Please, please, please hit ‘Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, ‘Follow' on Spotify and leave a nice review. We also love it when you tag us in your Insta story whenever (and wherever) you're listening to the show. Legend.

Today we’re chatting with Julia Mathers, the founder of the world’s largest online vegan and cruelty-free store, Flora and Fauna.They source and sell 100% vegan, ethical and cruelty free eco-friendly and zero waste products.Julie explains how she’s created a transparent business and sheds light on an industry based on ethics that’s riddled with greenwashing. Flora and Fauna is a female-founded, small Aussie business and a certified B Corporation, meaning they’ve undergone rigorous critiquing for their environmental and social impacts.Coming up on the show:Julie’s goal to change the retail industryChoosing purpose over profitDoing the hard work for discerning consumersAt Ecolust Podcast, we tell stories to empower your sustainable lifestyle.As Australian millennials, we want full lives and we like nice things. But we don’t want to be part of the problem anymore. We want to live better - for the planet, for others, and for ourselves.We’re making it easier for others to live sustainably, too. By sharing our stories of struggle and triumph, our lessons empower others. No eco-shame here.We release podcast episodes every Monday + show notes at www.ecolustlife.com/podcastDon’t want to miss a thing? Obv. Join our fortnightly newsletter for recommendations, updates, and lols. Sign up at ecolustlife.com.Want more? Duh. Follow us on Instagram @ecolust.life. And if you feel like we’re your people… there are more of us! Join our private Facebook group, Sustainable and Intentional Lifestyle, to connect with a bunch of savvy, intentional legends.Ecolust is a two-man team, working from home in our undies, so we’d love your support. Please, please, please hit ‘Subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts, ‘Follow’ on Spotify and leave a nice review. We also love it when you tag us in your Insta story whenever (and wherever) you’re listening to the show. Legend.

Now, more than ever, independent business owners need to step up (or step into) the role of CEO in their business. It's time to take control. But taking on a leadership role in your own business is challenging even at the best of times. Last month I heard Julie Mathers, CEO of the worlds largest Vegan eCommerce store Flora and Fauna, speak at Inside Retail Live. I came away from our time together motivated and empowered by her passion for purpose driven business and the leadership role she has carved out for herself. At short notice, Julie kindly agreed to chat to me this week about Unleashing Your Inner Leader. We cover a lot of ground. Including; - how long it took her to become the CEO of her business - the differences she found between independent & corporate retail - how they've built the best team for their business - the importance of defining your purpose - why experience & failure make you a great leader After the show, join the conversation or simply stay in touch at Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thesalenaknight] or Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thesalenaknight/] The Bringing Business To Retail Podcast is an independent podcast produced by Salena Knight in collaboration with The Retail Academy. This month's feature product is my Re-engaging Your Email List Business Builder Workbook. Grab a copy today and start leveraging your customer database https://theretailacademy.net/shop For more click here

Does the idea of building a profitable business that turns over $15M after just 5-years appeal? What about winning a swag of business and personal awards along the way? I thought it would. Well, Flora & Fauna's Julie Mathers has done just that, and bacon has played no role whatsoever! It's a very Vegan episode 488 of The (award-winning) Small Business Big Marketing Show thanks to American Express and my very own marketing book … The Boomerang Effect.   A little bit more about Flora & Fauna's Julie Mathers … Julie Mathers (with her hubby Tom) founded Flora & Fauna, the world's largest self-funded, 100% vegan store just 5-years ago with a crystal clear vision to become the most responsible retailer possible, offering the world's best customer service.   Well, she's doing something right, as 5-years on, Flora & Fauna: Stocks 6,500 products Will turn-over $15M this year And Julie was recently named #1 in the Online Retailing Industry Association's Top 50 People in Australian eCommerce AS WELL AS their Business Person of the Year   Here's why you'll be better off after this chat: You'll discover how and why being a purpose-driven business grows your bottom line How being ethical is also a solid growth strategy How you can build a tribe of loyal customers who are with you for life Why employing people with disabilities is good for business And plenty more   I started off by asking Julie what it's like to have grown such a successful business in such a short time, whilst doing a load of good for the planet ....   “Don't look at employing people with disabilities as a burden or a cost … see it as an opportunity.”    - Julie Mathers, Flora & Fauna   Here's what caught my attention from my chat with Flora & Fauna's Julie Mathers: I love how Julie's so succinctly articulated her purpose as helping the world make kinder choices. I love how showing kindness and compassion has lead to Flora & Fauna having a very inclusive workplace. I love that she's created her own house brand called Green & Kind.   “It's really, really important to know why you're doing what you're doing. And unless you can be incredibly authentic about it, and really honest with yourself as well,then you're going to struggle (in business).”    - Julie Mathers, Flora & Fauna   Other resources mentioned in episode 488 of The Small Business Big Marketing Show: Flora & Fauna on Facebook Flora & fauna on Twitter Flora & Fauna on Instagram Flora & Fauna on YouTube Last week's interview with Lumber Punk's Tyson McMillan Interviews I've done with other business owners who are doing a world of good: A Nourished Life's Irene Falcone Nick & Lucas from Orange Sky Laundry Jenn Lim of Delivering Happiness   This week's Monster Prize Draw winner: Dave Harrisson of Heavy Metal Merchant - an online store dedicated to providing best official heavy metal merchandise.     Please support the following businesses who make this show possible:   American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   Switchnode Australia's Internet isn't great. That's why Switchnode exist. The solution is here and it's wireless.   If something in this episode of Australia's favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. [ For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big Marketing ] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s no way around it: customers are paying attention to sustainability. Creating unique sustainable initiatives must be in the menu. Savvy consumers are demanding to know from where products are sourced and are looking for higher levels sustainability from brands. Julie Mathers (Founder/CEO of Flora and Fauna, Australia's largest cruelty free & vegan shop with exclusive eco friendly products) and Sarah Mullen (COO of Adore Beauty, Australia's online beauty boutique) join Marc Raco on location in front of a live audience at Online Retailer in Sydney Australia. They discuss the challenges and knowledge required to take the next step.the next level of ethical advancement required to meet an aware and conscious consumer. 

Episode Notes. The best bits 1. Julie: We launched with 500 products from 30 brands in November 2014. We just went, let's see how this goes. Laura: Was it Dropshipped? Julie: No, no. I'm such a true blue retailer. I'm like, No, no, own your stock, take the risk. So then we bought all the stock, and we're lucky because where we live is on acreage and when we bought the place, it came with a warehouse, which was great. So for the first few years we used that warehouse. So yes, we bought all the stock. Because I was really focused on the customer experience from the start. And my belief — unless you get it really right - just have your products and ship it out same next day to your customer. And give them one box as well. Because I think one of the worst experiences I've had is I've ordered six products off a well-known department store. And I got six different boxes, six different days, six different trips to the post office to get them. 2. Julie: If you don't do this now, you will never do it. Flora and Fauna was kind of, as with any start-up, it starts slowly, unless you have lots of funding, which we didn't, but it was a case of 'Come on, back yourself on this one.' And it's difficult to go, to step away from the corporate world, and go, 'Crikey, I'm basically going to a salary of zero.' But I knew that I sort of have to give myself that opportunity, and the appetite to do the reverse. And I could've taken the easy route out, and gone, 'Cool, I'll go get another corporate job somewhere,' or, 'I'll go work at Woolworths,’ and I just really didn't want to do that. So I'm really glad that I did what I did. And I sort of had the guts, really. Laura: I can't believe it's been 4 1/2 years. Julie: I know, I know. It's nuts. And it's... Your whole perception on things changes, too. You know, you don't care about the salary you get that you're so hung up on before. It becomes completely irrelevant. And actually, as long as you can pay mortgage, that's all that matters. And so you develop — this is what happened with me anyway — you just develop a whole different reason for being. And you're going into work because you're making a difference. Because you're building something, because it's fun. You're not going into work because your contracted to go to work. 'And I have to work those hours a week, and I get paid at the end of it.' It's like no, actually you're not getting paid at all. And we don't know when we're gonna pay you. But the joy in building things, and the frustrations, too, but the challenge is just brilliant. And I would say to people, 'Look, if Flora and Fauna were to fall over tomorrow, and you know, that's it, gone, I would not regret at all, what I've done for these four years, because it's been such an amazing journey, and I can wholeheartedly say that I have given everything to make it what it is right now. 3. Julie: I think this is where it's so important to have really strong partnerships with those brands. So we work with them on promotional plans for the year. But it can't be a 'beat them over the head, give me more margin.' Because that just doesn't work. One of our brands yesterday told us that they just pulled out at one of the big supermarkets. They'd make the call. A small brand had told the big supermarket No. Because they didn't like the way they were treated. And so it's so important that you have strong relationships and partnerships and you work together on things like content, things like social media, things which are modern-day retailing, as opposed to, bash over the head, give me more margin, and pay for your spot on the store. Laura: Do you think that's being... Because I guess there's been this whole brands that have went direct to consumer probably for a number of reasons, one being the big retailers are not moving fast enough, and maybe that we've been treated from the bigger retailers as just not being good enough, and nobody really stands for it. Do you see that as being a main reason for why... Or do you think it's just, 'game on, don't tell me what to do, there's no rules anymore?' Julie:I think that is part of the reason, the hang on we’re not been treated greatly but I think also you know, go to your customers direct, take all the margin why wouldn’t you do that. Plus being online is so accessible now so every brand can do it and do it well. So I think there is a few reasons on why this has happened but I think the accessibility to the customers is something that brands didn’t have in the past because everything was store based and most of them didn’t have their own stores but now its online its like game on.

Rachel and Julie talk about everything from the journey to launching Flora and Fauna to adopting a pet pig and the future plan to expand the website into an experiential retailing space.

“It's really important to tell your brand and company story.” Alexandra Sloane, Facebook's Australian head of marketing, joins The Mentor to talk about how businesses can use story-telling on social media to find customers, grow their audiences and make more sales. Also joining us is Julie Mathers, founder of Flora & Fauna, Australians largest online store for eco-friendly products. Julie talks about how she grew her business from the ground up by creating communities on Facebook and Instagram, and how she tests and trials her Facebook marketing.  Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses. Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's retail and manufacturing  -- sustainability, transparency, and conscious consumption... Julie Mathers (Chief Experience Office (CEO) & Founder Flora & Fauna, Australia's largest vegan beauty and lifestyle store), Phoebe Yu (Founder and CEO of ettitude, an Australian bedding startup offering high quality, modern, minimalistic bedding ataccessible prices with a focus on innovative fabric technology), and Anna Julia Forster (Passionate Shoemaker, and Sustainability Advocate), join Pavan Bahl on location in Sydney, Australia at Online Retailer City and Nora Network, for a conversation presented by Fluent Commerce. In this episode A focus on sustainability, educating consumers Julie Mathers of Flora and Fauna, a "B-Corp", across beauty skin care, fashion, and even chocolate Pheobe Yu of ettitude, the world's first organic bamboo lyocell fabric, in manufacturing they recycle water in system, whole process is sustainable See trends, people want that life style Anna Julie Foster Shoes – bespoke shoemaker, launching a sustainable premium footwear brand for women, but vegan products aren’t there yet, focus on transparency, cutting out plastics and chemicals, and won’t add to trash pile The sustainable initiative has moved to "must do this", with fashion as second largest polluter in world In Sydney a lot of attention and being mindful to sustainable Very few compostable facilities in Australia, despite compostable materials, so they end up in landfills, can't provide sufficient services Growing up with recycling in other counties, looking at if Australians are good at recycling? Chasing brands that are sustainabley minded, and using naturally sourced materials, and working with suppliers to advance their journey toward sustainability Simple things brands can do to advance sustainable – go to the factory and tell them you don’t want those thin plastic bags for clothing anymore, switch to natural materials (i.e. corn starch based bags) A merchandising approach can reduce impact, and even increase revenue Tracking and tracing the impact and cooperation of brands Customers buying in good faith, but looking at levels from start to shelf, could be misleading for customer Impact of blockchain for transparency, brands not there yet, happening with food more A focus on internals of business as much as what the customer sees How China got away from a "no waste ethos" as they grew Sustainability, transparency, conscious consumption

Eco-friendly and vegan products from Australia... Julie Mathers, Founder and CEO of Flora and Fauna, Australia's largest cruelty free & vegan shop with exclusive eco friendly products, joins Pavan Bahl, Marc Raco, and guest host and Kelly Stickel (CEO of Remodista) at Shoptalk Europe in Copenhagen. Powered by Sennheiser. Mathers reveals how her company offers all natural and vegan products, from skin care to fashion, and how essentially they “sell life”, Flora and Fauna’s 3.5k SKUs with many brands, and its private label brand Green and Kind In this episode: Flora and Fauna is vegan and cruelty free, with a goal to change the way people shop Vegan and cruelty free can be polarizing Flora and Fauna is subtle about it, so it is important to get customers in the door before focusing on that. Brands are turning more and more to eco-friendly, how is affecting them, not being able to produce enough products as soon as consumers are educated, and how a full generation is thinking about this Requirements to be a brand on Flora and Fauna – vegan products, cruelty free down to fiber levels Considering packaging supplies Is Flora and Fauna in a position as a thought leader, and could they offer certifications Flora and Fauna’s business is from 80% Australians and New Zealanders, which for them is big market, due to marketing efforts A huge move---consumers can now request less packaging, as something that makes social and financial sense to the company Handwritten notes as part of entire relationship with consumer base How the warehouse is hub of the business, meetings are in the warehouse which is the touchpoint of the business, the warehouse is light and bright, located in the outback with beautiful view (plus, a chocolate tasting, and having fun) How the handwritten notes started, people are wanting to receive a box of delight, and Mathers wanted deliveries to be memorable International growth is future of the company, a priority for 2018, and focusing on English speaking countries Flora and Fauna has signed up with delivery provider who can deliver pretty much next day, even overseas, and how Flora and Fauna wants to partner with same customer service rigor as them Rising above the noise of companies in the same space People are not searching for products as much as problem The role of social media in marketing, and targeted micro-influencers An ecofriendly Wheel of Grid Destiny spins for Off the Grid Questions, covering the inspiration for being social conscious in the world, how Mathers turned vegetarian at 16 years old, when she was building solar cookers in Spain, being surrounded by and rescuing animals, and selfless and mindful superpowers. Plus, an invite to share thoughts on focusing on positive change…

Julie Mathers is the founder and CEO of the multi-award winning Flora and Fauna, Flora & Fauna is Australia's largest cruelty free & vegan shop with exclusive eco friendly products. They launched in 2014 and now do several 1,000 orders a week and are experiencing accelerating growth of over 500% year on year. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy