The Saben brand is named after your grandmother, Sarah Saben. What qualities and attributes of your grandmother inspire you?
My grandmother was an inspiring woman. I remember as a little girl, watching her get ready for the day, completing her outfit with all her finery – jewellery, a hat, a brooch and finally her bag; everything was meticulously thought out. As a wide eyed child looking at her, I knew that was the kind of woman I wanted to be. She understood the transformative power of getting dressed each morning.
Who else is a strong female role model in your life?
My mother – she is always there for me. She taught me to never doubt myself and that persistence and determination pays off. Plus, she is always there with the brutally honest advice that I didn’t always ask for (thanks mum).
Friends – I have an incredible circle of friends who inspire me and have always supported me.
Our customers – Both our stockists and our community of Saben wearers. They are as invested in Saben as I am. Listening to our audience has brought the greatest learnings.
When you were younger, was a career in the Fashion Industry where you saw yourself heading?
Not at all! I studied fine art at university, then moved to New York not long after. I was working in bars, saving my tips, living the classic struggling artist lifestyle. Saben happened by chance…a combination of luck, timing and that light bulb moment…I always loved accessories, bags in particular but couldn’t find styles that looked beautiful that also served a purpose. They either held my life together but were less than appealing, or they were exquisite but only had room for one key and a lipstick. I knew there had to be a solution.
When I got home from NYC, I started making bags in my parent’s garage and the first Saben was stitched together in 2002.
How do you balance a playful concept with serious execution through your design elements?
Whenever I’m designing, I make sure I keep the original goal in mind – to create empowering accessories that work as hard as we do. These pieces need to look the part in the board room and at dinner or drinks afterwards.
What have been your most rewarding career moments to date?
Seeing our customers wearing their Saben bags is still the greatest reward.
What advice would you give any budding female entrepreneurs, particularly those with a passion for design and clothing?
It can be daunting starting a business, there is a LOT to do. Set yourself little milestones. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your business be.
Cut yourself some slack. Some things will work out, some won’t – don’t be disheartened, if you get knocked down, dust yourself off and get back up (but first feel free to stop in at your friends for a wine first, your friends will always give you honest advice).
