Female Figure #4 - Georgie Daphne

By Joey AzmanJuly 23, 2021

Welcome to Female Figures #4! This week I'll be sharing my chat with textile designer and artist - Georgie Daphne. I met Georgie in 2019 at a trade show called Life Instyle (where you will find everyone in the retail - design industry!) At the time, Georgie was pregnant with her second child, and was immaculately dressed in a bright colourful outfit, she was very memorable amidst the sea of people you meet at these trade shows! We had a chat and have kept in touch since. Today Georgie is an established artist, mum of 2 and design collaborator to large brands like Frankie Gusti and Jumbled.

Georgie's business journey started from the life changing experience of becoming a mother with her firstborn. It's definitely a trend around here that magic happens when women become mothers - they seem to somehow find the energy to throw themselves into deep into their passions and build amazing businesses, usually while the baby is asleep! Georgie's creations are bright, colourful, ethereal and inspired by the natural world - Plants in particular! So if you're a plant lover, you're in for a treat - check out Georgie's prints or paintings and have a read of her journey below! xx

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and how you came into business?

Georgie: Hi! My name is Georgie! I live in Melbourne in a fun little mud brick home out in the suburbs with my two energetic boys (1 and 5) and lovely husband. My creative brain is a bit scattered, finds interesting shadows that no-one else would notice and always with too many painting ideas. My journey as a textile designer and artist started a long time ago but my business journey started in 2017. I had the opportunity to do a solo exhibition in Ringwood at a local gallery and because I was on maternity leave with my first son I dived head first into painting during his day naps and late at night. This was the beginning of me discovering my true style after 7 years of designing textiles for large Australian retailers. The exhibition lit a fire in me and helped me to start finding my purpose. A year later I actually started my business where I completely dived in the deep end and launched at Life Instyle and had the wonderful Design Files feature me. I had no idea what I was doing! Now there are two sides to my business, products which are limited edition prints, original paintings and cards and the other side is my textile design and illustration services for other fab businesses.

2. How are you finding your Moodyboard and has it helped with your line of work?

Georgie: My Moodyboard lives on my wonky art desk. I have put up my own paintings that brought me the most joy. So when I'm stuck for ideas I refer to my own ideas for new ideas. This way I'm constantly building on my own thoughts to continually make my paintings full of Georgie only vibes!!

Georgie's Studio - Styled by Michelle Mcilrath @shelstragram and Photographed by Ruby Henshall @ruby_henshall_photographer

3. What does your typical work day look like?

Georgie: I try to sleep in as much as I can get away with! My husband often gets up for our two little boys and gets their breakfast ready. Lately I've been trying to eat my breakfast purposefully uninterrupted (that’s a huge deal when your a mum of little ones!) so that I can start the day right. This is my time to check emails and write a list of what I want to get done that day. Then its pretty much kid activities, housework, all day. Sometimes when my youngest is having his day nap I’ll set my 5 year old up with something fun like painting on the floor in my studio so that I can quickly get some painting done at my desk. From 5pm till 7:30pm its absolute madness in our house. While my husband has been working from home during Melbourne's number 4 lockdown we’ve been having a quick dance party just before dinner. Its really just a tactic to wear the little ones out so that they go to sleep easily! I do most of my painting and working on my business from about 8pm onward most nights.

4. As a mum, what are the challenges you face when running a business, and what do you do to overcome those challenges?

Georgie: Time management is always my biggest challenge. If I write a realistic list on the white board on the fridge and just get that done each day then I'm happy.

5. As a business owner, what tips do you have for others who are just starting out/ thinking of starting a business?

Georgie: Hmm I still feel like I'm starting! In 2019 I did as many markets as I could and I'm so thankful for that now. It was so good to learn what people are actually looking for and to chat to all the other lovely business owners and what works well for them. I also listen to loads of podcasts and have recently been listening to a bit of clubhouse. I would say just keep on learning and trust your gut instinct!