Lula the Collection

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Lula the Collection

Before Hudson’s birth, I was always intrigued by the idea of having a Moses basket for him. Sadly, we never got around to finding, just the right one. I can clearly remember the first time I saw Lula the Collection pop up on my Instagram feed. My immediate reaction, ” That is exactly what I had pictured in my head”.

“Handcrafted lifestyle products ethically sourced from Africa. “

I landed the honorable opportunity to interview, Louis Blignaut, the owner and founder of Luna

Q & A with Luna the Collection

When did you start Lula the Collection, and why?

The LULA dream started about 1 year ago, but only launched to the market in Feb 2018. I saw a Moses Basket that a friend ordered from overseas and was most intrigued at how unique it was – I had never seen a woven item like that in South Africa. I realised it was the combination of elephant grass material and the unique Ghanaian style that made these products so extraordinary and so I needed to get them right from the source, so that is what I did.

Describe Lula the Collection in five words.

Handcrafted lifestyle products ethically sourced (From Africa)

Explain the selection process of sourcing new products.

While there is definitely room for growth into new & different products for LULA (watch this space!), I wanted to keep my range small and focused to start. I’m currently only focusing on the Ghanaian woven products which I just adore.

Your Instagram account is gorgeous. Who photographs your products and who does the styling?

The lovely Derryn Schmidt does my photography & I do the styling myself (with her guidance of course – she has a great eye!)

What challenges have you faced whilst running your company?

I am still working full time, so LULA is a side hustle! It’s been an incredible creative outlet for me, but of course, time isn’t on my side so there’s a lot of late nights and weekend work to be done! Importing from Ghana is no small feat either so it’s been a journey to understand the market there, as well as all the extra costs and requirements that come with importing from an African country!

How do you overcome these challenges?

I’ve embraced the unknown as it has been an opportunity to learn.

Ask lots of questions, be open to new ideas, get excited about the small wins and share your journey with everyone and anyone as you never know where it might lead you.

What do you love about owning your own business?

I love the creative freedom it gives me!

Which job title best describes you?

Creative Doer

How many days per week do you work on average?

Is this a trick question? Every day! 🙂

Do you consider yourself an Entrepreneur?

Absolutely!

Name three things that you can’t go a day without and that help you run your business.

Wifi, iPhone/Macbook and local suppliers.

What advice do you have for someone who wants to start their own business or brand?

Have a very, very clear idea of what you are trying to achieve. If you truly understand who you are (as a brand or product), it will help inform every single decision you make. Remember, you can’t be something to everyone. Pick one thing, and do it well. And when the world zigs, zag!

Do you feel like you are living your passion?

I am passionate about what I am doing, if that answers the question 🙂

Is there anything you know now, that you wish you knew when you started your business?

The ins & outs of logistics & finding the right Ghanian contact (This took me forever!)

Which people have been enormously helpful to you?

My dad has helped invest some moola to get me going – I will forever be grateful for him.

Who is your target market? If I were to give you a referral, who would I be looking for?

Each purchase empowers artisans and preserves culture, so people with an appreciation of slow fashion and those who value quality.

The products:

The most important point, that Louise makes in this interview, is that you need to define and know yourself (your brand, strengths and which path you want to take) Take that path and pour all your creative energy into it. In conclusion, ” And when the world, zigs, zag”

 

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