I recently received a lovely email from Lisa Preston telling me about her brand new venture - an online lifestyle store called Style Trader. After working for many years in the fashion industry for some of Australia's most iconic fashion labels - Sass & Bide and Easton Pearson were a couple - Lisa has used her experience and great style to bring us unique pieces from around the globe.
With my own move from graphic design to interior design, I was curious to hear the story behind Lisa's step away from the fashion industry. I asked her a few questions and Lisa was kind enough to oblige. Here's what she had to say...
VIC: You started your career in the fashion industry, what led you to start an online homewares shop?
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| Turkish Kilim Rug |
With my own move from graphic design to interior design, I was curious to hear the story behind Lisa's step away from the fashion industry. I asked her a few questions and Lisa was kind enough to oblige. Here's what she had to say...
VIC: You started your career in the fashion industry, what led you to start an online homewares shop?
LISA: It has been something I've wanted to do for a very long time, but the right time never presented itself. After moving back home to Newcastle from Brisbane for the birth of our son Oscar, and also for my husband's work, I was at a bit of a crossroads with my career options. I had previously been working at Easton Pearson as the International Sales Manager. This allowed me to travel, be surrounded by creative and vibrant personalities, to meet so many influential people in the fashion industry, oh and also to have access to the most divine clothes and accessories. The bar in terms of fashion labels and employment options had been set exceptionally high, and so the conception of Style Trader began. The right time had finally presented itself.
You have recently added some gorgeous Saint James tee's, do you plan on adding more fashion to the shop, and what can we expect to see coming in the future?
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| Moroccan and Dotty Cushion |
How do you find running a business while taking care of little Oscar?
When the conception of Style Trader began Oscar would have been about four months old.
At the time I thought that it would be the perfect situation - I get to spend time with my son and work from home! Now Oscar is almost two, Style Trader keeps growing and keeps me very busy, as does my little man. There are days when I think how am I going to do this - grow a successful business, and also be a great Mum! At the end of the day it is trying to find that happy medium, which I am continually searching for.
At the time I thought that it would be the perfect situation - I get to spend time with my son and work from home! Now Oscar is almost two, Style Trader keeps growing and keeps me very busy, as does my little man. There are days when I think how am I going to do this - grow a successful business, and also be a great Mum! At the end of the day it is trying to find that happy medium, which I am continually searching for.
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| Yarn Wrapped Antlers |
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I have been very fortunate in my career and have worked for some pretty amazingly talented women. Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton of Sass & Bide, and Pamela Easton and Lydia Pearson of Easton Pearson. All four of these woman I admire greatly and attribute all my influences and inspirations to them. Travel has also played a huge role, as well as some dear friends and my family, who without their continuous support Style Trader would not be up and running.
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| Colour Pop Plateau Basket and Big Dot Pillowcase in Mint |
You have recently added some gorgeous Saint James tee's, do you plan on adding more fashion to the shop, and what can we expect to see coming in the future?
I've always been a sucker for a good stripe and anything French. St James tee's have been a staple in my wardrobe for years and I wanted to share these easy wearable pieces.
I would LOVE to offer some more fashion to Style Trader! I'm off to Los Angeles and New York in August, so who knows what will happen…..watch this space! We do have some great leather pieces arriving from Cleobella, some gorgeous jewellery from Elvis Et Moi, and some amazing blankets and bags from Turkey, where I have been designing and collaborating with local Turkish artisans.
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| St James Minquiers Top |
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| Banjo Leather Bag in Brushed Gold |
I love a great success story. Make sure you pop over and see the full range available at
Style Trader, and sign up for the newsletter to be first to hear about any new arrivals.
Style Trader, and sign up for the newsletter to be first to hear about any new arrivals.