MAKING YOUR PASSION YOUR PURPOSE

Have you ever wondered what drives someone to start a business like Sewunique? Sure, I've shared the inspiration behind it before, but what I rarely get the chance to delve into is the deep-seated passion that fuels my journey and keeps me going, no matter the challenges. I firmly believe that discovering and nurturing a passion is one of life's greatest blessings. It's the secret sauce that aligns you with the life you've always dreamed of.

Back in 2018, when I kicked off Sewunique, I had no plans for it to blossom into what it is today. Initially, it was just a hobby, a bit of fun testing out my new sewing machine. It wasn't until my Brazilian friends pointed out a gap in the Australian market for Brazilian-style underwear that the spark of a business idea ignited. My first market stall, where I sold handmade Brazilian underwear for $10 each, brought in a whopping $150. I was so thrilled with this modest success that I celebrated with friends at the pub, thinking I'd hit the jackpot in life!

With zero business skills but armed with sewing and graphic design skills, I ventured into creating more of my own products. The early days saw me clumsily snapping iPhone photos on my kitchen table and uploading them to Shopify. The response was surprising, and at times, I found myself with more sales than I could handle. Juggling time and resources became a challenge, and there were moments of feeling overwhelmed. But quitting was never an option. The positive response to my work fueled my hunger for success, and I embraced the endless possibilities that lay ahead with an open mind.

The learning curve was steep, and the challenges were many, from personal setbacks to logistical nightmares. But each hurdle became a stepping stone as I honed my skills and found ways to improve, with the motivation of one day making it smoother so I could continue to create freely. Sewunique became more than a business; it became my baby, a literal growing entity from my mind and a source of immeasurable positivity and adventure.

Amidst the chaos, the idea of creating swimwear emerged. Initially hesitant, I realised it was the key to scalability. After years of crafting lingerie, I found myself understanding patterns like the back of my hand, and my mind overflowed with fresh ideas.

Unexpectedly, the most rewarding part of this journey has been witnessing the transformation in women when they wear my designs. The joy and confidence radiating from their faces are like a bright light, and as the brand grows, seeing my creations worn from the confines of homes to the public beaches, brings immense joy. This is just one example of how finding your passion will surprise you with unexpected happiness.

Sewunique started as a bootleg operation, unplanned and spontaneous, and I wouldn't have it any other way. It's a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the thrill of embracing the unknown. I always remember this when I am overwhelmed. When I get the chance to make custom designs for special occasions, I re-live the whole sensation from start to finish - initially challenged but inspired, then ultimately happier than expected with what has been created.

Thank you for reading. I hope you feel inspired today to go out and create your dream! First you need to find your passion, then you need to do one thing - never give up.