INTERVIEW
Favor Lane Turns 8! IN LATE APRIL, FAVOR LANE PARTY BOUTIQUE CELEBRATED ITS 8TH BIRTHDAY! WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT! SHELLEY TALKS TO US ABOUT RUNNING THIS ICONIC PARTY BUSINESS. ESTHER TALKS TO SHELLEY SYKES
Tell us about the last 8 years of your fabulous business.
Over 8 years you have stocked some amazing products ranges.
The last 8 years have been like having an unlimited pass to Which has been your favourite? Disneyland! That feeling of fun, excitement and literally being Tough question…I don’t think I could pick a particular product surrounded by all things bright and beautiful. It probably sounds range where tableware is concerned, as I love them all. If I look cliché but I have honestly been working and living the dream. at our entire party store and what I could never remove from the Don’t get me wrong, the early years involved a lot of trial and error equation, it would be balloons. They are my everything, especially but with every mistake that was made, a wealth of knowledge was the balloon garlands. gained. We don’t get to see every party set up but our products have been a part of thousands of special celebrations over the We know its a bit of a tough time for the party industry with all years and that makes me so happy.
the COVID - 19 restrictions. How is it going? How did Favor Lane
adapt to the restrictions posed upon parties?
What has been your greatest achievement during this time?
Overall we’ve been doing okay during this time. I think it helps
Simply getting to where I am today. As any mother who is running when you’re an established business. I do feel for businesses a small business would know, the juggle (and the struggle) is real. who have just started out or who have had to let go of valued The fact that I have managed to build my business and have staff. From the beginning, I’ve really tried to look at the positive substantial growth year after year has been incredibly rewarding. aspects. As a sole trader, there are always so many areas of the
business that require attention. When times are busy there is a
You have also had the opportunity to work with some amazing need to outsource and have somebody else take care of those businesses on collaborations. Which one stands out for you?
things however at this point in time, I’m able to attend to them
The stand out without a doubt was the Favor Lane Dream Party myself. I’ve enjoyed spending time on my website, updating my which was gifted to the two 2018 Little Telethon Stars (Perth’s Pinterest boards and revisiting my business plan. I’ve got myself Kaide Stratton and Charlotte Meredith). This initiative was a back into doing product flat lays which has always been a passion lifelong dream of mine and came to fruition by reaching out to of mine. I’ve also put my creative hat on and come up with some my fellow industry peers. The collaboration included 13 other new initiatives for our customers with regard to celebrating small Perth event industry business owners and included a fully styled, at home. catered and professionally photographed 2-hour party. We are yet to set a date for Kaide’s party. Charlotte’s party went ahead When all this is over, what’s next for Favor Lane? in January this year and was a huge success. Seeing Charlotte’s I’m bracing myself for a mountain of orders! And you may just face when she entered the room is something that will stay with see something pretty huge being offered. Yes, that’s a hint so stay me always. 32 confettifair.com.au
tuned! h
