Birdie Cashmere - Pure and Simple Luxury
This would have to be one of my favourite shoots from 2016. I've had to restrain myself from sharing these photos until this seasons launch for Birdie Cashmere. I was thrilled when I first met Rebecca Trinca, designer and founder of Birdie Cashmere. Birdie provides great quality fabrics and classic designs at an approachable price point.
I had visions of wanting to do a shoot in a beautiful chalet with a snow covered pine forrest outside. One day this might happen, but I feel we achieved a look and feel that represents the lifestyle of Birdie Cashmere, that is classic and contemporary.
When and why did you start your own business?
I started my business 4 years ago. Birdie arose out of a desire to design and create quality knitwear that is both Classic but at the same time in Fashion. There is so much instant fashion around and it seems that beautiful pure knitwear has largely become a thing of the past, so my desire was to bring pure knits back in a wool and cashmere blend. This Blend is beautiful and soft and at a level that is more affordable to most than Pure Cashmere.
How do you find balance with kids, Family & time out for yourself?
This is a tough one….
When you are starting a business, it is all consuming and I know we all get the balance out of whack no matter how hard you try to do it all, it is impossible. My children are now all out of school as of last year so I am freed up a lot more.
I have made a decision recently that I will try to do no more work on weekends as it just eats into all aspects of your life otherwise.
As we grow I am looking into employing someone to help out with the things I can delegate too.
How did you prepare yourself to start your business?
I am a creative person and unless I am creating or designing I get a bit tetchy...I have had other small businesses in ceramics and jewellery and now knits. I love to learn a new field. There has been lots of research and trial and error too. I have always had a thing for knitwear and love pure yarns so it really just started as an idea...backed up by a lot of hard work and determination.
How do you know when you are ready to do something?
If you think too much about this you will never think you are ready or take the leap….you literally just have to do it and give it your best and believe you can do it.
There is lots of learning along the way. The best way to approach small business is that it is about problem solving most of the time and being prepared to accept this is fifty percent of the challenge.
What was the biggest fear or challenge for you starting your own business?
I guess most people fear it not being a success or taking off..but once you start the journey you become too busy to worry and the more time invested the more determined to make it work :)
What does a typical day look like for you?
Lots of different hats….design, manufacturing, marketing and admin so very varied every day.
What do you love most about your job?
The variety of tasks and the amount I am learning.
It is satisfying being able to produce a garment from start to finish and then see it sell out.
How has working with Prue as your photographer contributed to your business?
Prue has been a great asset. I love how organised she is and she always answers queries immediately and of course takes she takes great images which are key in promoting the Birdie label.