Interview: Anna Peacock from Sienna Blair

Meet Anna, the creative genius behind Sienna Blair 🔥 As a working mum, Anna offers us insight into the adventure of being present in the moment while executing your dreams and growing a kick-ass brand.

Follow along
Instagram: sienna__blair
Website: www.siennablair.co.nz
Facebook: Sienna Blair

Tell us about what Sienna Blair is?

A childrens wear brand (and more recently women's too) focused on cool, easy to wear, good quality basics.

Where did the name “Sienna Blair” come from?

My daughter Sienna. Her middle name is Blair.

What piece are you loving at the moment from your Sienna Blair range?

I would have to say my new knit checkerboard pieces. I’m obsessed with the pink checker women's shorts and the kids matching set. I love twinning with Sienna.

What inspired you to make a Mummy & children’s clothing line?

We got sooo many customers asking us for it! And to be honest everything I was making for the kids were pieces I would wear too. So it was naturally the next step for us.

What is the best thing about being a Mum/parent running her own company? What is one of the most challenging?

The best would have to be the flexibility of running your own business. If the kids are sick or it's a nice day and I want to take the kids out, I can work around it. The most challenging is the mum guilt. I'm often working all evening, talking to our manufacturers rather than giving them 100% of my attention. I'm working on a better work life balance which has started with having the weekends off social media.

What do you wish you knew when before launching your business that you have now learnt?

You cannot be an overnight success. It takes time and a lot of energy (and finances) to build your business. The power of social media is huge. You need to be good with numbers or find a good accountant!

What is one piece of advice for any parents thinking of starting their own company/business?

Go for it! Back yourself and go with your gut. It's hard but the most rewarding thing.

Tell us about your design process? Where do you draw inspiration from?

Inspiration is from everywhere! I will see colour combos I love from random things like wallpaper or architecture. I snap photos and add them to my inspo folder on my phone! I love a good Pinterest board too!! From there I start sourcing fabrics and if I'm custom dyeing I look at pantone colours. Then the sampling process begins. I create a tech pack with measurements and all other details the manufacturer needs to make my garment. We use three different manufacturers from India, China and Bali so as you can imagine there's a lot of back and forth getting things right!

What advice were you given when you were younger that you still live by today?

If you find something you love, you will never work a day in your life. Cliche but so true!

What has 2021 taught you?

To be prepared for anything. Life can change in a matter of minutes.

What book would you recommend?

I loved I am Pilgrim. 

Give us 3 words that describe you?

Caring, sensitive and bubbly.

Who are you stalking on socials right now?

Ooooh I am always stalking Ruby Tuesday Matthew's and Pernille Tiesbaek. I love their fashion.

What is your current life motto?

Have courage and be kind.

What is an unusual habit or an absurd thing that you love?

I love salt on my apples.

What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made?

Well, naturally I would have to say starting Sienna Blair. I have invested so much time, energy and money into my little business but I wouldn't change a thing!

What are bad recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?

To not show too much of the behind the scenes/face behind the brand. I think customers like to see who's behind it. 

What is next for “Sienna Blair”?

Well, we have just started wholesaling our pieces, so launching in ten stores nationwide has been a massive step for us. 

Right now I am working on an organic baby range which is something I have wanted to do for a while now. We are finally able to meet the minimum order requirements to manufacture organic pieces with my Indian factory.

Also, we hope at some stage NZ fashion week will go ahead so we can finally showcase some looks down the catwalk!