When I started Talulah back in 2005, I was just a young and wild spirit. Looking back, it's hard to believe that it's been 18 years since I began my journey of creating pretty dresses that I loved wearing myself. I have always been drawn to making fabulous statement dresses with frills and a touch of fun and frivolity. Creating these garments allowed me to channel my creativity and share that same joy with my customers. Life in colourful dresses just felt so much fun.
I had always dreamt of building a fashion empire since I was a little girl with big, starry eyes. Watching my family run their own businesses, I learned from a young age that I could do the same. I had a passion for fashion that I knew I could turn into a successful business venture. Even though I wasn’t academic in high school, I knew that I was ready to take the plunge and give it a go.
The catalyst for starting Talulah came when I began sewing dresses and selling them at markets, home parties, and in boutiques and each piece I handmade. As demand grew, I realised that I needed to take the business more seriously. I couldn't keep up with hand-sewing all the pieces myself.
One of the most significant influences on my life was my father, who sadly passed away. He was a colourful character who had a fabulous and out-there eye for fashion. He started his life with nothing and had to hustle his way to success. He used to tell me that unless I had the hunger to succeed, I wouldn't make it. At the time, I used to push back at him, but looking back, I realise that he was right. I had the hunger, and I was determined to go for it and not look back.
My mother and father had been in business together their whole lives. My father was an interior designer who created the wildest and most colourful spaces. We grew up in a house that was painted aqua blue and purple, complete with a three-story bird aviary that ran through the house with an array of the most colourful birds. He built developments that were very forward-thinking and was all about branding. From restaurants to entertainment projects, he showed me how to create something that stood out.
I didn't have the money to start Talulah, so I got credit cards and knew that I had to make it work. If I didn't, I would go back to my job and pay off the credit cards. I had my first collection made in India and then got involved with a fashion agency in Sydney during Fashion Week. I sold my first collection into 60 beautiful boutiques that week, and I knew that this was a sure sign that Talulah was going to be a success. And so, that was just the beginning of my journey as a fashion designer, building my own empire and creating beautiful dresses that make women feel confident, vibrant, and alive.
Love Kelli xo
