My Revelations - Alex from Oobi

Meet Alex Creator and Designer behind Oobi

    

1. Where do you reside? 

In a Sydney suburb called Darlinghurst.  

2. What is special about where you live?

It’s inner city with lots of history, lots of people and a fun boho vibe. It’s the sort of suburb where although it’s busy, there’s a real community and a great neighbourhood to live in with great people, there’s always something happening. I grew up in Bondi so I’m used to crowds! 

3.  How did you get your business started?

I started it at Glebe markets and was approached on my first day by a major buyer who said “come see me on Monday”. What a boost of encouragement! 

4. What is your favourite childhood memory?

When my auntie brought her dog who had just had puppies round to our house. I called “puppy, puppy, puppy” and 8 big-pawed, saggy-skinned pups jumped all over me, licking me and wagging their tails. For a little kid, that felt like being trampled by elephants (but in a very fun way). It was slightly scary, totally cute and turned into one of those ‘can’t stop laughing’ moments. I remember looking up and seeing my whole family laughing and taking photos.

5. Who inspires you?

I’ve recently been inspired by the women I’ve got to know really well on my Facebook page. They share the most incredible life stories, they encourage me and build me up and they blow me away with their thoughtful feedback, kindness, enthusiasm and generosity. It’s the most amazing feeling in the world and it makes me want to create the best ranges ever and try to be worthy of their encouragement.

6.  Describe your perfect day?

Walking down to Rushcutter’s Bay with my friend Kris (and an occasional entourage of kids and dogs), then stopping for a BIG coffee. Then yum cha with my extended family and friends (on my perfect day there is no diet so I eat extra red-bean dessert and there’s no work so I don’t have to worry about breathing garlic on my colleagues), an afternoon of reading the papers on the couch, then playing great music and having friends and family over to sit on the balcony with some wine and cheese and watch the sun go down.  

7. Favourite holiday destination?

Tokyo 

8. What are some of your favourite items that you could not live without?

Chilli, Origins body moisturisers, perfume (I wear it every day), Ray Bans and bandaids (I hurt myself a lot, I am extremely clumsy). 

9. What is your favourite product for kids and why?

Anything for dress-ups, stickers (I loved stickers so much when I was a kid) and a handmade dolly or blankie that’s been made traditionally that can be kept and treasured forever.

10. What is one product you have bought that you did not need but just had to have?

More jeans to add to my extensive collection. 

11. What is your family’s favourite meal?

Burritos! 

14. Are you fashion conscious? If so what is your favourite label for yourself?

I am fashion conscious but I’m not a follower of fashion trends anymore. Akira Isogawa is my favourite designer and he made my wedding dress which was part of the Powerhouse Museum retrospective of his work – he is an artist and it was an incredible garment, not overly “bride-y” as you can imagine but just perfection. 

15. What is the best thing about owning your own business?

Having people call me “m’am”, the great fearful ‘hush’ when I walk into the room, PA’s who fetch me coffee and give me massages and turning up to work after lunch and leaving before 5. JUST KIDDING! The best thing is feeling that we can achieve our goals and our dreams together as a team and that anything is possible because we all share and believe in this pretty cool thing that I created. That’s unreal.

16. To finish off would you like to add a favourite photo? Tell us why it is your favourite.

I have to put this ‘bear beanie’ picture here. It’s the photo that put me on the map as a children’s fashion designer. Those beautiful eyes and the sweet garment worked together so well that people just responded to it. The little model has been in almost every single one of my fashion shoots and she’s the reason I keep going up in sizes/ages – where could I be without her.

Thank you so much for sharing more about you Alex. xx