Focus on… PicAnini
This week Celia Barry, owner of PicAnini, talks to us about her baby carrier business, and her fun-filled, busy life.
Tell us a little about your business/products.
Designed and made by me to suit the ozzie lifestyle in good quality strong cotton fabrics. One being a Hemp Cotton mix too.
When did you start your business? In 2006
What led you to start your business?
Was encouraged into it by my younger son Jason after losing our eldest son/his brother Justin to Cancer in 05 at the age of 33. There is nothing so good to help overcome grief than to be creative and get involved with a passion or helping others. I did both, and found the spin-offs so gratifying and helpful.
Lets face it, birth is a happy time of life too and creating my picanini’s has brought me into contact with such wonderful people from all corners of Australia and the world.
What motivates you in your business and what makes it enjoyable for you?
Each creation is done with caring and love as I mentioned and I enjoy the personal detail and service I offer.
What do you find challenging about producing and/or selling baby carriers?
There is no challenge because I love being creative.
What is the best thing about babywearing for you?
That it will promote a good quality, reasonably priced, uniquely designed and made ozzie baby pouch.
Do you have any other special interests or causes?
Yes being a breast cancer survivor (twice)…..I use every opportunity to help women who might be going thru it…….I also strive to set a good example that life should not change. We also raise money thru our sport of 4×4′ing for various charities, last year organized a 4×4 trip to the Vic High Country called “Drive4Life” and in so doing helped to raise $76,000 for the Northcott Cripple Children’s Asssoc.(motorized kiddies wheel chairs) There have also been a number of feature articles in our local Manly Daily paper associated with my picanini pouches , my breast cancer survival, loosing my son and being the only women driver in Australia to compete in hard core 4×4 events as I do.
What do you get up to in a typical day?
During the week, living by the beach we make the most of it … love to go for beach walks, ride my bike along the beach front, kayak with girlfriends in the harbour 1 morning, work p/t two mornings and make my picanini orders. Weekends we do much the same when we aren’t going bush or 4wheeling. A lot of time is taken with preparing our truck for competitions. I also design and make my own clothes when I find a nice fabric or have an idea I wish to make up.
Do you have anything more to discuss? I think I’ve gassed enough!
