Name and Location:
My name is Fleur Brooks and I live with my 5 beautiful girls and my gorgeous husband in Sunny Queensland.
Your business?
Mint and Lilac, an online Baby Boutique.
How long has Mint and Lilac been operating?
My close friend Kathryn and I started Mint and Lilac towards the end of 2007. Recently Kathryn has gone on to help her husband run their new bike store, and Mint and Lilac is now solely owned by myself – a thrilling new challenge!
What inspired you to start your business?
We were frustrated at the lack of unique brands and products available in Australia, as most stores seemed to simply carry the same basic brands. We wanted to venture out and give discerning mums the opportunity to find something New, Stylish, Luxurious and Affordable without having to leave the comfort of their home.
Shortly after our initial launch, we also made the decision to stop selling clothing and focus on our niche, which is Gifts, Accessories and Nursery items for both Mums and Bubs.
What are your top 3 best selling items?
Without a doubt, Pediped shoes are our most popular brand - We receive SO many email requests for them that we started placing new orders with Pediped every fortnight! We are the top ranking Australian supplier for Pediped on Google and can access great deals on these gorgeous baby shoes.
Our second best selling product would be the Lalapanzi Travel Beds and then thirdly would probably be the beautiful leather Designer Nappy Bags.
What is a “typical” work day for you?
A typical day?!
Well, there is the morning rush first off (older girls to school, hubby to work, younger girls set up with morning activities and feeding the baby), and then I usually sit down to check and respond to emails. Between feeding and amusing the younger children (2 & 4), and feeding, changing and playing with the baby (12wks), I will organize customer orders to be sent, place any new supplier orders needed, upload new inventory and follow up with any needed admin tasks. Of course, then between all this, there are always the household duties as well!
In the evening, once the girls have all gone to bed, I may also spend a few hours being ‘creative’ and design a new homepage, newsletter or product image etc
When you’re not working, what do you do for fun?
We are a household of Mountain Bikers! My husband designs and builds Mountain Bike Tracks , runs a Mountain Bike park and organizes Mountain Bike events. The three older girls (4, 6 & 8) all compete in biking events too. So, my ‘downtime’ is usually spent out at the Bike Park walking the bike tracks with the two younger girls, while the rest of the family rides!
Tell me three things on your own wishlist?
Oh, easy! An iPhone (who doesn’t want one of these?!), a night out with just my hubby, and a lock for the toilet door!
WEBSITE: Mint and Lilac
Thank you so mauch for participating, Fleur! Anyone who is expecting, or has a newborn should also check out the gorgeous new range of slings Fleur has!
If you are interested in participating in an interview with Mama Loves to Shop, please contact me!
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