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.

The last 8 years have been like having an unlimited pass to Disneyland! That feeling of fun, excitement and literally being surrounded by all things bright and beautiful. It probably sounds cliché but I have honestly been working and living the dream. Don’t get me wrong, the early years involved a lot of trial and error but with every mistake that was made, a wealth of knowledge was 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 years and that makes me so happy.

What has been your greatest achievement during this time?

Simply getting to where I am today. As any mother who is running a small business would know, the juggle (and the struggle) is real. The fact that I have managed to build my business and have substantial growth year after year has been incredibly rewarding.

You have also had the opportunity to work with some amazing businesses on collaborations. Which one stands out for you?

The stand out without a doubt was the Favor Lane Dream Party which was gifted to the two 2018 Little Telethon Stars (Perth’s Kaide Stratton and Charlotte Meredith). This initiative was a lifelong dream of mine and came to fruition by reaching out to my fellow industry peers. The collaboration included 13 other Perth event industry business owners and included a fully styled, catered and professionally photographed 2-hour party. We are yet to set a date for Kaide’s party. Charlotte’s party went ahead in January this year and was a huge success. Seeing Charlotte’s face when she entered the room is something that will stay with me always.

Over 8 years you have stocked some amazing products ranges. Which has been your favourite?

Tough question…I don’t think I could pick a particular product range where tableware is concerned, as I love them all. If I look at our entire party store and what I could never remove from the equation, it would be balloons. They are my everything, especially the balloon garlands.

We know its a bit of a tough time for the party industry with all the COVID - 19 restrictions. How is it going?

How did Favor Lane adapt to the restrictions posed upon parties? Overall we’ve been doing okay during this time. I think it helps when you’re an established business. I do feel for businesses who have just started out or who have had to let go of valued staff. From the beginning, I’ve really tried to look at the positive aspects. As a sole trader, there are always so many areas of the business that require attention. When times are busy there is a need to outsource and have somebody else take care of those things however at this point in time, I’m able to attend to them myself. I’ve enjoyed spending time on my website, updating my Pinterest boards and revisiting my business plan. I’ve got myself back into doing product flat lays which has always been a passion of mine. I’ve also put my creative hat on and come up with some new initiatives for our customers with regard to celebrating small at home.

When all this is over, what’s next for Favor Lane?

I’m bracing myself for a mountain of orders! And you may just see something pretty huge being offered. Yes, that’s a hint so stay tuned!