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I have completed a Diploma in Fashion design and Technology and an Advanced Diploma of Advertising. I originally planned to find a career in advertising, however I seeked more altruistic endeavors.

I have a background of many sorts with Fashion teaching me patternmaking, design skills, how to use an industrial sewing machines, grading and costings. Advertising taught me how to market your brand, opportunities in PR and understanding your market. Together these skills have been invaluable in building Lydra from scratch.

From a young age I have always made things with my hands. I never dreamt that I would get to do this as a career. I soon realized working fulltime really required you to be passionate about what you do and returned to study Fashion design at RMIT. So began Lydra.

The thing I love most about Lydra is working with beautiful ladies who have a passion for craftsmanship. They have so much to teach and knowledge to share, it’s fantastic working alongside them. I also love coming into work everyday and knowing I am building a business that will lead by example for the industry in terms of local manufacturing and locally sourced fabrics. I want to educate others about social and environmental business practice.

My friend gave me fabric from Nepal and I sewed a fitted dress out out of it. Whenever I wear it out, I always get compliments. It’s nice that no-one else will have the same dress as me.

Issey Miyake is extraordinary. He pushes the boundaries and was the first person to combine Western and Japanese styles, resulting in the revolutionary, ‘Pleats Please’ range.