Lately I’ve been doing blog posts on Adelaide, showcasing her beauty and business. Well ladies, todays business isn’t just for the locals…it’s for ALL of you. I know right I’m caring and sharing this week LOL. I popped over to the studio of local and online label ‘Three Parsons’ and had a coffee ‘n a chat with Natalie, she’s the designer and all round boss lady.
Natalie is creative, warm and has had her fair share of life changing moments, I could have chatted for hours…well we did and then I morphed into a rally car driver to get to my parent/teacher meeting. I was late but it was worth it, grab a cuppa and take 5 minutes to get to know Natalie and her label ‘Three Parsons’.
Tell me about your business?
Three Parsons is an online boutique, it’s designed by me and I do sell a few other labels on the site to compliment it. I decided to test the waters releasing my own designs that are relaxed,easy to wear, affordable and stylish.
I’m not one for a big fanfare so quietly slipped into launching an online store in December 2013…the response has been great.
My designs are versatile and I’m thinking of Mums and daughters when I create them. They will each style them differently, Mum might wear a dress as a tunic over skinny leg jeans while her daughter will wear it as a dress with ankle boots but both will look incredible. It always gives me a buzz to see how my designs are styled.
What made you decide to work from home?
I had a successful boutique for several years but redevelopment of the site and a landlord who played by his own rules forced me to close down. I walked away from a shop I loved that had held a special spot in my heart and spent a year at home being a Mum and wife. During this time I got the itch to get back into fashion and decided the time was right to start creating my dream of having my own label.
What inspires you?
I had a sister who was vivacious, sparkly, fun and a light in my life. Tragically she ended her own life and the sadness and grief was overwhelming for all of us. Being the older sister who used to mother her it was hard to accept, I wish I’d known that her light was fading. Her death changed my perspective on life, like what was important and what happiness meant and that led me to start my boutique by the sea, she gave me the courage to do that.
I’ve also watched my mum battle illness, she’s been through a lot and has incredible strength and resilience and that reminds me to just get on with it and not sweat the small stuff.
Tea or coffee?
Tea but I won’t say no to coffee.
Chocolate or chips?
Chips, love savoury.
Mascara or eyeliner?
Mascara.
Predictions for winter?
There’s always going to be lots of trends but my line will have lots of neutrals, I usually work with colour so that’s a change. Of course there will be black a little leopard print and knits. I struggle to find flattering knits so decided to do them myself.
Hardest thing about running an online business?
Most of my customers are in my age group (40 ish) and online buying is still a fairly new thing for them, some get nervous about it which is one of the reasons I do lots of free size pieces for ease of purchase. Delivery costs are also pretty phenomenal, I’d love it if they were cheaper.
What is it that you love about your work?
I adore choosing fabrics, seeing them all lined up can be daunting but it’s a feast for the eyes. I love creating and seeing things come together, the vision to the end product and then seeing how my customers style the pieces.
Plans for the future?
I’m going to keep going with the online store, and might look to get more bricks n mortar stores stocking it. Who knows really, I’m living this little dream right now.
What you wish you knew 6 months ago?
That is was going to be full on and crazy! I’d thought I’d slip under the radar but then it just took off!
How do you achieve work life balance?
With difficulty, aren’t we all like that juggling family, friends and work?
My biggest challenge would be the online customer service. People have access 24 hours a day and I hate leaving a question go unanswered so always try to set aside times throughout the day to get back to them. That can be consuming and I often work well into the night, but I’m lucky to still be able to fit my work in around my life.
Big thanks to Natalie for opening her studio and her heart to me.
You can find Three Parsons on Facebook HERE and you can view the collection at their online store HERE.
oh how lovely Natalie sounds..I was so very sorry to read about the loss of her sister. Such a tragic thing.
I really love the Three Parsons clothing..their materials used are something different..Can’t wait for autumn/winter to be out xx
Beautiful attention to detail and Natalie is gorgeous.
i love Nat!!!!!!!
She’s awesome!
Loved reading this. Natalie has an amazing persona and is amazingly talented. Xx
Thanks Sheri, yes Natalie is creative and an awesome human x
a good interview and insight into her losses! … she is strong and her passion obviously drives her!
a fantastic story! thanks jen!
she is very talented and her fabrics are lovely!
kim- marie from kimba likes had a gorgeous 3 parsons off the shoulder dress on for valentine’s day … I think!
and everyone was commenting on how fabulous she looked! … good to get her name out there!
cheers hun! love m:)X
Thanks Merilyn isn’t it nice to know a bit about the person behind label