Mom Entrepreneur: Laura Dickinson
Business: Spree Fashions Inc.
Website: www.spreefashions.com
Spree Fashions is a distribution company, offering some of the most popular, trendiest and hottest lines from the United States, Canada, Brazil, Netherlands and other parts of the world. Every season brings new designs – the latest innovations, colours and trends that we are excited to share, encouraging the success of our retailers and suppliers alike. Our lines include footwear, clothing and accessories with well known brands such as Mim-pi, Monster Republic, Baby Lulu, Sweet Shoes, Bical, Bees & Dragon, Jazzy Toes, MP Socks & Tights, Picaflor and Rainbow Steps
Our main focus is managing import/export activities, logistics, sales and order management and marketing. We become the representative of the manufacturer in all aspects other than the design and manufacturer of their product. We work jointly with all partners to ensure success across all business practices.
What inspired you to start your business?
A few things.
- Always had an inner drive to be an entrepreneur. It makes me feel energized, connected with purpose.
- A change in career to spend more time with my kids, which working in the corporate world did not allow for.
- Following my own direction, learnings, skill development – not having to complete course requirements based on broad brushing corporate demands.
How long have you been in business?
4 years
What did you do in your past work life?
Over the years I’ve done numerous things. I sometimes refer to myself as Jack of All Trades. I’ve managed a Telecommunications Service business that included Telemarketing, Sales Support and Contract Management. I was the Project Management Manager for Professional Project Managers. Additionally, I spent 3 years in Marketing, primarily implementing a large project that involved the consolidation of 4 software systems, 4 different regional processes, into one national system, one national process (affecting 2000+ employees) and thousands of customers.
In between all of this, I’ve taught myself website development, graphic design and other skills required to run my own business.
Describe your ideal workday.
Over the years I’ve done numerous things. I sometimes refer to myself as Jack of All Trades. I’ve managed a Telecommunications Service business that included Telemarketing, Sales Support and Contract Management. I was the Project Management Manager for Professional Project Managers. Additionally, I spent 3 years in Marketing, primarily implementing a large project that involved the consolidation of 4 software systems, 4 different regional processes, into one national system, one national process (affecting 2000+ employees) and thousands of customers.
In between all of this, I’ve taught myself website development, graphic design and other skills required to run my own business.
What have been some of your major successes?
Major successes include:
- staying on top of a priority opportunity for over a year and seeing it close successfully
- learning new, complex skills to develop
What have been some of your major challenges?
Major challenges include keeping up with demand, learning new web skills, understanding the nuances for import and export.
Other challenges include finding banks that support women in business.
On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?
I love challenges and I like to win. I have a drive to do well and not fail at something that I’ve started.
Working for myself is important. The hours I work give me freedom to look after myself and my family. It’s huge for my kids and their development and growth – I want to watch them grow up…time moves too fast. Working 8-4, Monday to Friday takes that away from us.
Do you have a motivational Quote?
Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.– Og Mandino
What is your balancing secret in managing a business and family?
I ensure that fitness is part of my lifestyle. I play ice hockey, ball hockey, baseball and try to get to the gym in between. This gives me the energy to manage everything else. Some stuff suffers (like housework – one day I’ll get a house cleaner) because I will take this time and play with the kids, take them out, etc. Business time at home usually happens after 8pm, when they have gone to bed.
If there was one piece of advice you could give to your children about running a successful business, what would it be?
Leave time for yourself to learn lots, create new skills and add value to your business, life, friendships, family and community.
Do you have a favorite business tool and/or resource?
The internet has been the biggest resource for me. It’s something that I try to keep up to date with. Social networking is the latest tool in my tool box. Still trying to learn the ropes with them all, (TWITTER being the latest) however it has been richly rewarding interacting with people from all walks of life.
What is next for your business?
We are continuing to create business partnerships that support relationships between entrepreneurr, other businesses that are complimentary to our business or looking for ways to co-create, co-manage, etc.
Development of new markeing delivery mechanisms, enhancement of existing processes to streamline delivery of major business practises. Improve the customer experience.
What is your two cents sales pitch?
Spree International Fashions is a multi-service business providing customers with apparel, footwear and accessory marketing programs, import and distribution services within the Canadian and US retail markets. Spree focuses on the designer industry and offers a variety of services from marketing and sales to warehousing and distribution for suppliers worldwide.
Spree holds the exclusive rights to distribute the Brazilian brand Bical into North America.
Bical manufactures many shoe styles; however one in particular stands out and presently brings the biggest opportunity. This shoe, the Gripper, incorporates a non-slip rubber sole with sock upper detailing various design elements to make a truly unique shoe for children ages newborn to 5 years.
A collaborative partnership between Spree Fashions and Bical allows Spree to conceptualize the design and Bical to manufacture. This partnership is dynamic as both teams are able to focus on their individual areas of expertise. The shoes are distinctive and playful, incorporating various abstract designs which are easily evolved to match the ever changing trends of the market. The end result is a practical and fun shoe, developed to support children as they play be it indoors, or out. Grippers by Bical is a flexible alternative to leather baby shoes, giving parents a shoe that meets the needs of their little ones yet one that is washable, fashionable and fun.
Spree seeks to leverage their current track record to establish a broader brand presence and to offer new & existing clients a complete services package including marketing, design and development, sourcing, and importing.
Are you a bizzie mom entrepreneur? Would you like to be featured and show off your product or service. Fill out our mom entrepreneur questionnaire and email 411 at bizziemommy dot com any images you would like to use in your post. Interviews are posted every Tuesday.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Your site contain a many useful information for moms. I enjoyed the article,thanks!