and green breakout spaces, and how her wheaten terrier, Molly, helps her to switch off.  Inside Retail: What does a typical day look like? Shelley Simpson: I always start my day with a dog walk – my calendar has lots of meetings so it’s nice to get moving early. Our Marrickville studio includes the office and production teams, so I’m able to be hands-on working across production and new product development, as well as sales, finance and marketing.  IR: What is your approach to promoting a healthy work-life balance for yourself, and your employees? SS: We offer flexible work hours, which is especially beneficial for the working parents and the practising artists in our team. We actively discourage our team from working past their contracted hours, so they can enjoy their leisure time during the week. Personally, I live between Sydney and the Coal Coast, enjoying a balance of city and beach lifestyles. Molly, my wheaten terrier, comes everywhere with me. IR: Can you discuss any specific initiatives or programs that you have implemented to support employee well-being and work-life balance? SS: For wellness, we offer the entire team a subscription to the Headspace app. Due to the physical nature of making, we offer full-time team members at the studio a monthly massage on-site. When we renovated our studio, we created green breakout spaces indoors and outdoors for the team to enjoy.   After 29 years in the business, I still love the satisfaction of seeing a kiln opening and the beautiful combination of products it reveals. I like to book-end my day with another walk or a swim. My partner, James, is the cook in our family and will generally cook dinner while I might take some calls later, working with our teams overseas on a new store opening. IR: Are there networks or individuals that you’ve leant on for business (and other) advice? SS: I’m well supported by my management team and can’t live without the other directors and senior management. I have a network of other women in business who I love catching up with to workshop issues. IR: How do you keep track of day-to-day and longer-term tasks and goals? Do you use apps for this purpose, or other strategies or techniques? SS: As a management team, we have weekly and monthly meetings regrouping on results, active projects and longer term goals – this allows us to take the temperature across different areas of the business. Annually, we have a management retreat to consolidate and give focus to our work, goals and strategy.  IR: How do you turn off from work at the end of the day? SS: I’m lucky to love my job, and from the beginning, it’s really been my passion, hobby and business. I find my work creative, enjoyable and invigorating. Having said that, dogs are a great way to switch off. When it’s time to head to the park, it’s time to end the day! Having a home out of Sydney where I can relax is a great way to change gears. I’m at the stage where I know how to draw the line – there’s always tomorrow! IR: What advice would you give to somebody who is looking to start or develop a similar type of business? SS: Be prepared to make mistakes and learn a lot. You need to understand your own value proposition, and especially the value of saying no. Protect your brand integrity. Look after your team and planet from the start. Finally, don’t take yourself too seriously. This story first appeared in the May 2023 issue of Inside Retail Magazine Australia.