4 minute read
Boots make me merry
Frustrated with getting wet boots on her daily Winter commute to her banking job in the Docklands, Dani Holloway went on a search for a quality pair of gumboots. But when she couldn’t find any that weren’t overpriced or didn’t look silly with her corporate attire, she set about creating her own. Inspired by her time growing up in country Victoria Dani created Merry People, high-quality, comfortable and fashionably understated gumboots for both adults and kids.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
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I live with my partner Nick Pearce in Richmond. Nick is the co-founder and CEO of an amazing social enterprise called HoMie. Our lives are pretty busy and we have been focused on trying to grow our respective businesses.
What were you both up to work wise before the idea for Merry People came about?
I was working at a bank (ANZ). I worked in many different positions around change management. Whilst banking is very different to gumboots and eCommerce, there were many skills I developed during my time which have helped me with Merry People.
Towards the end of my time at ANZ I was also the Victorian lead for the Pride Group which I LOVED! We were a small team that worked to ensure diversity and inclusion for LGBTI staff, and customers through processes and policies. (I also got to dance at Mardi Gras for ANZ a couple of times which was an amazing experience!)
Your mum is from India and moved to Leongatha in the 80’s with your Dad. Tell us a little bit about her journey and how she influences you.
My mum moved to Leongatha at a time when there were no coloured people in the region (well, none that I remember.) She tells a story of a time when Dad dropped her at the local supermarket to do some grocery shopping wearing a saree and her bindi dot - she said everyone was just staring at her like she was a creature from space!
As a young child I remember her (and my Dad) telling me about the poverty in India and continually telling me how lucky I was to have basic things like clean water, a warm house and food on the table every day.
I think because of my mum’s (and dad’s) travel/ living experiences and values around kindness, I have always felt grateful and been a kind person to anyone I interact with, whether they are sleeping on the streets or a business contact. I try to treat everyone with the same level of kindness and respect.
What’s been the hardest part of starting your own business?
I loved my market days when I started, but they were very challenging at times. My confidence was low, I had no money in the bank (struggling to pay rent) and I was still learning the ropes of being a business owner. (I did many markets with no/or hardly any sales.)
I just kept showing up every day at my laptop at 10am and every weekend at the markets. I eventually I got better at selling and understanding my customer, which markets worked and which didn’t.
There are continually new challenges in running a business, however I have recognised that times I felt the most challenged have been the times I have grown and learnt the most.
Hearing how happy our product makes our customers (on socials or through reviews or through the emails we receive.)
We get customers contacting us to tell us they were stopped in the street by a stranger telling them how great they looked and how confident and stylish it made them feel - and that literally makes my day!!
Equally, I really love my team! Tim, Emma, Katey and Elgie. I feel so lucky to work with such amazing, intelligent and fun people who love and care for Merry People as much as I do.
How has Covid-19 affected Merry People?
We have had some negative things like higher costs (as we buy our product in USD/the very weak AUD), international orders are having extreme postal delays and all our retailers have been shutting down their physical stores.
We’ve experienced the uncertainty of stock deliveries/custom and stock delays as our product is made in China. And of course the uncertainty and fear of staff losing employment.
However we are fortunate to be mostly an online business and we have been able to send orders throughout COVID19. I think moving into cooler weather has also really helped us.
What places in Melbourne have you been missing the most during isolation?
I have missed going back to Leongatha the most, missed my family and cuddling my niece and nephews! In Melbourne, I have probably missed going to the gym the most (I am not sure if that sounds sad) but I really love fitness. I have adapted and also enjoyed doing my own thing at home.
What’s next for Merry People?
So much! Develop new products, keep growing in the US, work on some more collaborations with like minded brands (like our recently collaboration with Blunt Umbrellas) and keep finding ways we can make our customers Merry!
