For those who’ve been living under a pile of clothes, what is Your Closet?
Your Closet is an online designer dress hiring service that allows women to wear incredible luxury dresses for a fraction of the retail price. We work directly with Australia’s premier designers to offer full size-runs and the latest collections to our wonderful customers.
How did you get the idea?
I was at school in year 12 and thought it was so silly that many young women were spending hundreds of dollars on a dress for it to be only worn once. I soon realised that the idea of renting dresses could be applied to lots of different events, such as the races, corporate events, weddings, birthdays and all other celebrations.
What’s the biggest win you’ve had so far?
The biggest win so far was our success on Shark Tank and the amazing opportunities that’ve come from our episode airing. It was such an experience and I feel a lot more confident pitching in front of professionals, and communicating our ideas and vision.
Shark Tank gave me the confidence to pitch in front of professionals.
What was your biggest mistake?
Not perfecting our logistics before launching the business. It caused a lot of stress in the early stages and once we focused on logistics, it became a lot easier to scale and grow the business.
What needs to improve/change for Australia to become a global leader in innovation and tech?
Possibly more of a community for all the startups out there, where we can learn from each other and create strategic partnerships.
Once we focused on logistics, it became a lot easier to scale and grow the business.
Do you have any tips for acquiring new users and/or scaling your business?
Social media’s been one of the best and most cost-effective strategies for acquiring new customers – Instagram in particular, as our business is very visual. Working with fashion influencers has made a massive impact on our business.
If you hadn’t started Your Closet, what would you be doing?
Probably working in the fashion cupboards at a glossy mag.
If you could go into business with anyone alive or dead who would it be?
Steve Jobs. His focus on innovation and creativity was incredible.
What sets you apart from the competition?
We differentiate ourselves by offering exclusive designs before anyone else, which is really important for our customers.
If I could do anything differently, I’d spend more time on product-to-market fit.
If you could go back to the start, tell us two things you’d do differently.
I’m happy with my journey thus far, it certainly hasn’t been easy but I’ve learnt so much. If I could do anything differently, I’d spend more time on product-to-market fit before launch – and also work with a logistics specialist earlier on.
What’s a secret you’ve been dying to share?
We’re hosting our first pop-up in Melbourne and I’ve been organising it since January, so can’t wait to reveal it to our customers.
Tell us one thing about yourself that most people don’t know.
I used to be a swimmer, which consumed most of my life until 17, then I turned my focus to launching Your Closet.
What’s the best piece of advice you’d give someone starting out?
No is never no – it’s just not right now.