Sha Anderson brings beautiful designer pettiskirts to Australia and New Zealand in her online store Chic by Sha.

Sha’s pettiskirts are the first to be introduced here that include these designer collections.

Sha, what was the idea that first got the ball rolling?

I have always wanted to have my own shop since little, and I was also known for the little girl who wanted to wear ‘big circumferenced’ or flare skirts and dresses all the time. Not forgetting huge dramatic bow hairclips! I just loved them. I still do, only that I get to wear them occasionally nowadays. My passion for girly wear and fashion is the drive that keeps me going to make one of my dreams a reality. Therefore, opening an eboutique was just perfect to me.

What got you excited enough about the idea to put it into motion?

The brilliant technology and convenience invented for mothers and everyone to shop online is amazing. With the constant development of doing business in the cyberworld and creating a network from one country to another, got me excited on how well my business can go. As a mother of two, I fully understand the need to shop and search things conveniently and quickly hence, the idea of creating Chic By Sha was just perfect to me. I wanted people to have the convenience of e-shopping with style and follow my blog where I have discussions and news about kids, lifestyle, fashion, travel and more.

Where did the name for your business spring from?

When I was thinking of a name for my eboutique, I knew it has to include my name in it. I remember Donald Trump’s wise words where he advised that the best name to give your business or building will have to be your name. Up to this day, I knew I have made the right choice of naming my eboutique Chic By Sha because it converys the right message to consumers that they can find things stylish and chic created by me. Reviews from my customers and clients have been overwhelmingly positive and they love how my products are presented, taking them to another arena of style.

How is Chic By Sha unique?

We are the first to introduce to Australia and New Zealand signature designs that are vintage-inspired and avant-garde turning the concept of pettiskirt-wear a stylish and creative fashion. Upcoming designs that are due to come in summer 09 will be designed by me where you can expect unique and spectacular range. Our website has a chic look with a gallery of beautiful photography and easy method of purchase that is what consumers can expect when shopping with us. We are proud to have the fastest period of delivery time as well.

What was the most difficult part in getting your business off the ground?

It is probably an issue that all mothers have – that is the need to be sure that you are giving enough time to your kids. This has been a greatly shared experience to most of us and I would probably say this could be the most difficult part in getting my business off the ground when I first started Chic By Sha. However, interestingly enough, my family and I appreciate the time management we have sorted out to one another and have since respect the boundaries. My daughter knows when is Mummy’s work time and when is the time we can all get together and have fun one hundred percent.

Has any part of your business gone down a different path than you first anticipated?

I’m lucky to have my business go to the path where I want it to be. Getting the results that you want and the outcome of what you have created is crucial. To me, the satisfaction of my loyal customers and valuable feedback is what matters. I have been getting great reviews and am grateful about them. I’m glad things have been going the way I want them however, having said that, I am open to new ideas and opportunities should there be suggestions and offers on creative business ideas.

What do you enjoy most about running your business?

The flexibility of being able to run my business and be with my family at the same time is absolutely wonderful. Managing the time for my family and business has never been a problem but enjoyable. My kids are able to see me work and handle day to day duties regarding the family and my eboutique thus will learn that women can do anything. Another thing that I enjoy most about running my business is also seeing my collection being made – it’s so exciting! Every time my collection has arrived, I get so excited and happy which is an affirmative that I am doing a job I love.

Do you belong to any networks that have helped you grow your business?

I am a part of several networks of kids’ designers, e-tailers, fashion websites and blogs in Australia, New Zealand, US and Singapore. One of them is called Skout Trade Fair where I was approached and being welcomed in the network. They have many forums and discussions on everything a designer, retailer or photographer would like to know that I think is such a great idea because it brings not only business networks together, but it also creates a community of women or mumpreneurs alike to work together which I find is an important asset in today’s era. These networks have helped me grow my business in many crucial ways that has advertised a great exposure to my eboutique.

What are your future goals for Chic By Sha?

My future goals for Chic By Sha is that consumers can expect more fabulous, avant-garde pettiskirt and top collection that is affordable and wearable for their special events. Chic By Sha will continue to be part of major expos and advertisings in Australia, New Zealand, US and Asia in the coming year. I look forward to introduce other unique collections such as accessories and shoes that would be a lovely surprise to my loyal customers. Expanding the market worldwide will remain as part of the goal. Most of all, I hope for a continued success and happiness.

What advice would you give another woman wanting to start a business of her own?

My advice would be to be true to yourself on what your true passion is. Only then can you stay focused on your business and not enter into an impulsive rush into making any risky decisions. There are hundreds and hundreds of online businesses nowadays and there are more in the making. I think it is important to stick to your business plan and not follow what everyone else is doing. Loving what you do at the end of the day is key to the whole idea. You will absolutely get the satisfaction when receiving the end results then.