Haus of Dizzy
Q&A WITH KRISTY DICKINSON
Tell us the story of your business - was there a particular moment, person, or need that inspired it?
I was in between jobs and really wanted to start my own business, I was in the park one afternoon and read Girl Boss by founder of NastyGal Sophia Amoruso and it inspired me to take all my old clothes and accessories to the markets and sell on eBay to start saving to buy my tools and materials to start my business.
How did you come up with your business name?
It was by using a term for people that annoyed me and I would call them Dizzy Moles. It then, in turn, became an endearing and affectionate term amongst my friends. I then moved in with two 'Dizzy Moles', and we were planning a house warming party and then brainstorming a title for the facebook invite and came up with Haus of Dizzy! When it came to finding a name for my business one of my housemates suggested Haus of Dizzy, as I was the original Dizzy Mole and always known as the Queen of Bling in my friendship circle.
What first steps did you take to turn your business idea into a reality? Was it scary/difficult, or did everything come easily/naturally?
It's all happened organically, I never put pressure on myself and just let things fall into place.
Tell us three things that make your product stand out.
A strong Logo- A good product mix - Bright bold colours.
Describe how you felt when you started to get your first customers. How has your relationship with your customers grown/changed since then?
I absolutely love my customers and every time I see my repeat customers I remember exactly what they purchased. Having a great relationship with my customers is really important to me.
Describe the kind of person who buys your products. Why do you think they love your business? How do they benefit from your products?
My customers vary from little girls and boys to an older crew. I have a great product mix which is inclusive of everyone also with lots of nods to Indigenous heritage. I want my customer to feel happy, confident and filled with pride when they wear my jewellery.
Tell us three things that excite you about doing what you do.
I love what I do and I want to be a role model for Indigenous kids and my community and show people you can come from living in Housing commission and poverty like I did, but that if you work hard enough and you keep that passion you, too, can have your own business. I have never taken out any loans or been offered any grants, I created HOD all off my own back with determination, and that really excites me.
How do you keep your business fresh and exciting? Do you have any new, upcoming products in the works that you can tell us about?
I'm always thinking of new ideas for HOD! I'm currently working on 7-day stud sets which include the Indigenous Pride collection, The Women Power Collection and Self care collection. I'm also working on a fine jewellery collection and working with 18ct gold and precious gems.
What energises and inspires you, generally?
My community of beautiful Queer and Indigenous people.
Who is your biggest inspiration, and why?
Lauryn Hill, I have always been a huge fan and her album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill really helped me get through my awkward teenage years. She recently toured Australia and wore my jewellery at the Sydney and Melbourne shows.
Where do you think your area of design is headed in 2019/2020? Are there any subtle or big design/business trends that you’ve identified? Have they affected the direction of your business?
I feel like there are more and more Indigenous designers coming onto the scene and breaking the stigma that all aboriginal art is all about dot paintings.
What kind of role has community and/or the support of retailers played in the success of your business?
I have a lot of support from my community as I like to give back to my community. I am involved in a lot of activism including the stop Adani movement, Water is life through the seed mob, Djirra Indigenous organisation Stop violence against women, Trade unions, Girls Rock and plenty more. I also hold workshops at children's hospitals and young women's detention centres.
What advice would you give to someone who has a creative business idea?
Don't be shy and just go for it! Always be true to yourself and always stick to your own style.
