A brief intro by Wynona...

  I'm Wynona and I am a crafty-holic. I was born in Vietnam, raised in

  Australia and married to an English man. Together with our 2-year-old

  daughter Ivy, we have just embarked on a sea change, moving from

  Sydney to the south coast. I started Ivy Designs, a children's clothing

  and accessories label, with my wonderful sister Anna (both below).

 Day-to-Day...

 What time do you get up? 

 What daily rituals must you do to feel normal? 

  What do you wish you'd do every day, but haven't

  been able to incorporate into your routine?

  What's your mantra/personal philosophy?

  Who inspires you?

  What are you passionate about?

  Handmade anything, cooking, magazines, Ivy Designs,

  renovating and decorating.

 What do you wish you knew then that you know now? 

 Having a baby and starting a business means little time 

 for sleep and play. Below pics: Stunning shots featuring

 some current Spring/Summer 09/10 pieces.

  What always puts you in a good mood?

  Giggles from my daughter, my husband's silly sayings,

  a beautiful burning candle, nice glass of wine and a little

  bit of me time. Below pics: Pieces from their current range.

 Tell us how your business began...

  My sister and I started Ivy Designs about a year ago, after we

  both had baby girls. We are really proud that our items are

  produced locally in Australia. The Ivy Designs' catchphrase is

  "handcrafted style for the modern child" which means that our

  items have a retro look about them, often incorporating unique

  handcrafted touches, but they are made for children of today.

 Where did the idea for your business come from? 

 Anna and I have been interested in arts and crafts since we 

 were little. Starting our own business was something we 

 always wanted to do. Motherhood gave us that push and 

 inspiration to make our ideas come to life. 

  What's your professional background?

 of Technology Sydney, I worked in the media industry for a 

 number of years (with also a 2 year stint overseas). Anna 

 worked in the beauty industry. 

 What is the best thing about owning your own business? 

  Working your own hours (which often means odd hours!) and

  watching your business grow. It's very fulfilling knowing

  that you are responsible for it all. 

  Any tips for mums thinking of starting their own business?

  It's a lot of hard work but if you are passionate about it, it beats

  working for someone else! Networking is really important, support

  others and share your knowledge - as it will come back to you ten fold.

  Below pic: Ivy Designs current homepage.

 Most challenging moment to-date in

 running your own business?

 Working with little start up capital and juggling work 

 and family life. Also working in an industry that 

 neither of us have any experience in.

 How do you balance your life as a business 

 owner, woman, a mother, a friend? 

  With great difficulty! I would be lying if I said it 

  was easy and smooth all the time.

  Travel...

  What is your favourite family holiday location? 

  It used to be our island getaway in Tasmania but we 

  will have to find a new one now that we have sold it. 

 Shopping...

 What's your favourite destination for shopping? 

 Honestly, I am a big online shopping fan. I can shop 

 in Sydney, Paris, London and New York...all in one 

 evening and without leaving my office! Below pics:

 Previous season designs.

What are your favourite online shopping

sites at the moment?

 Etsy, Baby's Got Style, The White Company,

 Cath Kidston...many more.

 What are your favourite designers/labels?

Alice McCall, Paperwings, Willow, Antik Batik, Lover...

again many more!

Do you have a favourite market/s to visit?

What places in your neighbourhood do you like

to go to for shopping?

My Messy Room in Summer Hill was the local favourite 

but we will have to find another one now that we have moved. 

Below pics: Some of Wynona's fabric from Japan, a delightful

outfit offering from their Summer range, studio sneek-peek

and Ivy Designs hair ties.

 Buy Ivy Designs here.

 Follow their blog here.