Soul Economy

We here at Soul Economy had the pleasure of learning more about Thea & Sami Design & Print Studio recently. Soulful entrepreneur Thea runs the textile-design studio in Brisbane which specialises in hand-printed sustainable fabrics and eco fashion, accessories, homewares and gifts. Read on to find out a little more about this inspiring designer.

1. Tell us a little about Thea and Sami? How long ago did you start the business?
Thea & Sami began with a dream of setting up a studio in Brisbane for printing natural (and now organic) fabrics and making wearable art.

The studio was set up 2 years ago but I’m not sure I would say that it was a business in the beginning. I have learnt a lot since then.

2. What inspired you to start Thea and Sami?
After returning to school as a mature-aged student and studying Textile Design in Canada, I knew that I would want to open my own studio and business upon returning to Australia.  I was fortunate to have my partner’s support in achieving this.

3. Tell us a little about your product range. What are the most popular products?
Our range is ever-expanding.  We are currently designing a new range of hand-printed organic and natural fabrics that will be available for sale by the metre but also featured in our upcoming eco-fashion collection.

The most popular product to date has been the Brisbane Skirt. I have been selling it for 2 years and it is now available in organic linen. I plan to design and make similar skirts for other Australian cities. The printed hemp tea-towels are also popular.

4. Where can our soulful consumers buy your products?
Products can be purchased on-line through our website www.thea-sami.com.au or through our stockists (list on website).

5. What have been your greatest challenges in setting up Thea and Sami?
The greatest challenges for me has been finding suppliers and manufacturers; especially in Brisbane where most of these people can only be found through word-of-mouth. And of course, as in any small business, cash flow! I no longer sell goods on consignment.

6. What have been your greatest successes?
I consider it a success every time somebody chooses a Thea & Sami product. It validates that the designs are of a quality that a customer will appreciate enough to buy it.

Other successes have been winning a Memento Award in 2007 for my Brisbane Skirt design and being chosen as one of 12 new designers to participate in DEBUT at Fashion Exposed last September.

7. It is great that your fabrics are organic and natural, how do you ensure that this is achieved?
Fabric sourcing takes a lot of research. Before buying organic fabrics, I ask for suppliers to forward me any certificates that ensure that the fabrics have been certified organic by a recognised body.

8. What advice would you give to others keen on starting their own responsible businesses?
a) Until you start making money, you will probably need some kind of supporting income (or supporting partner).
b) Networking is key for making contacts and sharing knowledge.
c) Bartering products and services is a fantastic way to save precious cash flow. Other small business owners are often open to the idea.

Now we here at Soul Economy like to get to know our soulful entrepreneurs a little better, so on a more personal note:

1. What are you reading at the moment?
All my reading of late has been for increasing my knowledge and that includes on-going researching on-line. However, I am currently reading an inspiring book that I was given for Christmas: 100 Great Businesses and the Minds Behind Them by Emily Ross & Angus Holland.

2. What is your favourite fashion piece?
Of course, I like whatever we are currently designing. However, I also have a lovely collection of vintage clothing. Myfavourite would have to be a fitted jacket made from embroidered wool crepe.

3. Who would be your dream next door neighbour?
If I’m totally honest, it would be somebody who can make me laugh and de-stress. Robin Williams comes to mind.

4. What is your favourite food?
I love food! I probably prefer Mediterranean cuisine because of growing up in a Greek family with a great cook for a mother. I am missing the fresh and organic ingredients available on the Island (Greece) – figs, tomatoes, calamari, yummy etceteras.

5. What one change would you like to see in the world?
I wish we could stop the exploitation of children and especially girls in poor countries. I think education and fair trade is the key.

Thea and Sami
Unit 1, 61-63 Steel Street
Capalaba QLD 4157 AUSTRALIA
M: +61 (0) 411 270 263
F: +61 (07) 3899 9272
E: thea@thea-sami.com.au
W: www.thea-sami.com.au
Blog: www.theaandsami.blogspot.com

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