Welcome to another week! I’m thrilled to be starting a fresh week by featuring another fabulous Design Diva. This time, it’s the turn of the lovely Fritha from Tigerlilly Quinn. I first met Fritha last year, at a workshop where we were talking about our creative journeys, and was inspired by her style, her shop and her following. Read on to find out more!
What’s your name? Fritha Strickland
How many children and old are they? One two year old named Wilf
What is the name of your business? Tigerlilly Quinn
What is your business and when did you start it?
Tigerlilly Quinn is an online boutique of jewellery, stationery and home items. I’ve been running for only seven months!
What was the inspiration behind your business?
I’ve always wanted to have my own bricks and mortar boutique for as long as I can remember but in this financial climate its a real risk. Add to that a two year old and online was the only way to go really, in fact this has been a blessing, via my blog and social media it is already far more sucsessful than I ever anticipated and going from strength to strength.
Can you share 3 positive aspects about being a business mum?
Having a child made me open to more opportunities than I ever had before. I may never have had the confidence to do something like this prior to motherhood.
Without being on maternity leave I may have never left me job to peruse my own business but realising how much I wanted to stay at home with my son gave me the push I needed!
Becoming a mum means you join this club of amazing women, I’ve only ever found other mums supportive and I’m always in awe of other business mums (and mums in general!).
Any downsides?
None! 🙂
How do you keep motivated?
I’m generally quite a ‘do-er’ but being mum makes any time alone very precious. I’ve certainly learnt to make use of any child free time. I’m always looking to learn and improve my business so I’d say a bit of healthy competition is my motivation!
Would you change anything you’ve done in building and developing your business?
I would have gotten a bit more account savvy from the start maybe (admin is not my strong point) 😉
What tips would you give anyone wanting to start their own business?
Social media is key! The majority of my sales come from twitter, IG, Pinterest and Facebook. I would also recommended setting up a blog. People are far more likely to buy from someone they feel they know so let them know about you!
Thank you for sharing your journey with us Fritha, it’s wonderful to know that there are no downsides to running a business alongside the family, from your perspective.
You can see more about Tigerlilly Quinn at the following places:
Facebook || Twitter || Pinterest || Instagram
Jen Stanbrook is an interiors writer, blogger and presenter, with an insatiable love of all things home. 
Thank you so much for featuring me Jen! I found you very inspirational after meeting you at the panel too! x
You are welcome 🙂 x
Lovely interview, well done Fritha for setting up such a lovely little online boutique.
I can totally relate to this in terms of setting up a business and how the blog and social media play such a massive part! Great feature x
What a lovely interview. I’m a big fan of Fritha’s blog.
Lovely interview. I love Fritha’s blog and shop. I think women are doing more after having children nowadays thanks to the internet and it being easier to work from home.
Lovely, inspirational interview. I love Fritha’s place and, she’s right, I think people are more likely to buy if they feel they ‘know’ the person behind the shop/business.
what an inspiring read and she has done all this while juggling a small person at home too! lovely things too – well done Fritha x
Ah lovely interview and I love that first photo, Wilf was so little! x
A great interview – and healthy competition is very motivating indeed.
Love your shop Fritha, it’s inspiring to read about your journey!
yay fritha! i love her blog, her shop, and she is the loveliest lady!
Oh I love that elephant frock!
I completely agree about buying from people I know and a blog really helps with that. Great interview
lovely interview! I love Fritha and her shop 🙂
I can’t believe your shop has already been running seven months, that’s gone so fast! x
It’s always great learning a bit more about someone, great interview and love the elephant print dress. x
I love Fritha – she is so creative motivated and an inspiration to those wanting to work from home but also be a very hands on parent. Lovely interview 🙂
Laura x
What a lovely post – it’s always such an inspiration to hear of mums who are really making a go of it and achieving great things by working in a flexible way that suits their life. Also, I’m completely in love with both the cat watch and the lovely elephant top that Fritha is wearing x
Oooh I love Fritha!! She has such fun and quirky ideas and products!
I haven’t checked out Fritha’s shop, but I certainly will now. LOVE that elephant T-shirt (or is it a dress?)
Lovely to see the face behind the name – inspiring lady!
what an interesting interview! I am a big fan of the tigerlilly quinn store and I love to get to know the people running the show behind products I like. Thanks!