Tell us about your business:
Robintail is a handmade clothing and accessories label for babies up to the age of five. Our products are stylish, modern and are handmade to the highest quality. I love a bit of the vintage and quirky and often use these two elements to create once off outfits that Mums and little princesses alike delight in!
What inspired you to start your business?
A friend had a baby girl and as we are in a rural area, there wasnt a lot of choice as far as baby clothing went. At the time I was busy with my former handmade business creating bags and dolls so I didn’t have the time to make anything. I decided to add the Robintail clothing line to my range so I could fill that gap in the local market, as I figured it must be even more frustrating for people who werent able to sew to find a nice outfit for their babys birth or special occasion!
Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?
Quite an interesting one and I dont often share it as it does surprise people. When I began making the clothes, I wanted a name that stood out and was easy for people to remember. I loved a lot of the little girl names but knew myself, with so many of them out there, I had trouble remembering which business was which when it came to purchasing. So I fiddled around with a few ideas that originally included Lilly Bliss and Cookie and Peep. These just didn’t suit and one day I was walking around our farm when inspiration struck. I had hand raised a funny chicken who was called Robin. She had a quirky personality and a larger tail than all the others. I often called her Robin Tail. I liked the shortness of the name, the fact it was definitely different and also that it didn’t have any competition in a Google search so from that day it kind of stuck!
What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
That would definitely have to be customer feedback! I can be having a bad day and a message lands in my inbox that just makes it all worthwhile. I love getting photos of happy little princesses in their Robintail. I wouldn’t be here without all my lovely customers!
Have you tried something in business that didn’t work as planned, or on the flip side “ worked out better than expected?
Robintail itself turned out better than Id planned! As I mentioned I initially just added this to my range for fun. A friend joked that I wouldn’t be making any dolls and bags anymore once people got onto my new range. I thought that was funny and completely shrugged it off. However, when I launched the website in 2011, it was a different story. The orders just started flowing in! Its been a whirlwind ride with a few bumps on the way, but Im so glad Robintail has been such a success.
What would be your best tip for someone thinking about selling their handcrafted goods?
Hmmm, thats a tricky one! Ive made so many mistakes that I have lots of tips but these would be my top 2. Do your market research “ find out if there is a place in the market for your type of craft and what difference can you offer. Its easier at the markets but online, its like being a goldfish in the ocean. There are lots of fish out there and many are bigger. Find your niche, what you can offer and go for it! Secondly, dont hesitate, find a graphic designer you love and get your own branding happening from day one. It can put people off and set your business back if you have to change your style and look halfway through. It can be expensive but it is definitely worth saving for and you will thank yourself in the future. Your brand will be stronger, more consistent and you will feel more confident for that.
What is your favourite item you make?
That would have to be playsuits! Before I was online, I had no idea they were on trend. I had just seen some on old vintage and retro patterns and just wanted to make them! They were the first pattern I drafted when starting Robintail and I cannot get enough of them. I dont make a lot of playsuits all the time but its definitely my favourite when I do get to make a run of them! They are great for summer and my customers also layer them with gorgeous tights, a bodysuit and cardi in Winter!
Any personal or business highlights in the last year:
Reaching certain goals in my business this year was great. Originally I was taking a lot of custom orders and I just wanted to get to the point where I was doing my own thing and people were happy to buy it. I was so thrilled when I reached this stage and when I packaged my final custom in September, I felt free! I really enjoyed doing them, make no mistake, but it was a stage I needed to move past in my business for my sanitys sake.
3 things about you (not business related) that people might not know:
I collect Enid Blyton books, I quite enjoy black and white movies “ they are like vintage Chick Flicks without the predictability and I have an addiction to tea!
