Today we are talking to Annelize Frost of the oh-so-gorgeous Panda and Frost. It was a no brainer asking her to be a collaborator of our big makeover competition which has only now come to an end! (Come and see who our winner is!) Panda and Frost sponsored our awesome monster plushie (featured below) which added some serious fun to the room. Brody adores his little monster friend so much, it’s become one his favourite sleep toys.
Also, look at his gorgeous sleevless hoodie that we received from Panda and Frost too, can he be any cuter in it? Yup, that’s right they do some cool kiddies apparel too!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNoS7nlB5Ys/?taken-by=leighgeary
Let’s hear more from Annelize and her thriving business….
1. Is this your full time job? If not, what do you do?
It started of not as my full time job, but the intention was always to leave the job and do something fulltime for myself. I left my job 4 months after we launched Panda & Frost.
2. How and when was your brand born?
It has always been something I wanted to do even before I had kids. I wanted to do something with my talents & passion ( work from home with my kids.. not so easy haha)and use my qualifications to built a business of my own. I had some amazing colleagues while I was working in the floral industry (my pre-Panda & Frost job), one of them became my partner at that time.
3. Was it an overnight success or did you experience many teething problems?
Our first responds was absolutely amazing, I didn’t expect it to kick of so well, but teething problems definitely came as we grew and we still get them. Things we need to resolve and work on so we can become better at what we do. The hardest thing for me was not starting the business( cause we had the skill to do it), but keeping the momentum and building it up along the way.
4. What has been your greatest lesson in the industry? Any tips for people starting out?
Sjoe, a lesson learned recently, very very important. Sometimes you get sucked into the comparison things, BUT we all creative in different ways & different styles, so there is enough space for everyone to do this, just stay true to yourself..which brings me to a very important point. Don’t worry much about what everyone else is doing. There is quote I saw that said: I’m to busy working on my own garden to notice yours is greener.
Make sure your groundwork is solid. Do something proper the first time around.
5. As a momtrepreneur what are some challenges you face with having to balance it all – family, work and other commitments?
Oh WOW all of them. I started of Panda & Frost with an infant less then 2 years ago and now I have 2 kids. 2 years old and a 10 month old.
Life happens and you cannot control certain things so time was big deal for me so far. Working from home, have 2 babies at home with me and my husband traveling and having his own business that requires his proper attention, juggling kids, needs, husband, home, business and making time for my personal needs. We are still working on juggling that, but managed to create more time for me to focus on the business without dividing attention. Do not overload yourself, sit down and plan, plan plan.. see what you can do to help yourself. If time is a big issue…outsource.
6. What is the dominant theme running through your product range? And what is your signature product?
Our plushies have been such a big hit.
We create new themes every season to stay in tune with what is happening outside in the creative world, but our styles stays the same, true to us.
7. Who/what are your biggest influences? Or your greatest inspirations? ( I’m guessing your little ones!)
Hahah you are completely right! Also I have worked in the creative field always and somehow I wanted to be able to express my creativity without having to abide by someone else’s ( bosses) rules. If you like it, you buy it, if not..thats okay J.
8. What has been your biggest achievement thus far as a brand?
To be recognized by people, to be seen as a favorite by some. To be able to stock some of our items internationally. Mentioned on bigger social media platforms.
9. What are your future hopes for you business?
To perfect what I am doing, to be able to always do what I love and that people will love it just as much. Build a strong brand so that I can eventually open a little store. I want the brand to stand the test of time & do a little bit more international shipping.
I don’t know about you but I’m feeling all kinds of inspired to take projects to the next level and following your heart when it comes to doing something that you love and doing it well. Keen to see more of what they offer? Go check out their platforms below.
Hi I’m Leigh! Did you enjoy reading this post? I really hope so and would love you to stick around a little longer! Please feel free to browse my blog for other articles or to keep up with all the latest news and to be the first to hear about some great competitions, come and find me me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also email me directly at leeloobaggins@hotmail.com or simply subscribe below and never worry about missing out!
