A Sunshine Coast woman who started a business almost by accident is now running a booming clothing enterprise.
Karen Saunders started selling Hawaiian and Christmas-themed clothes online in 2009, before launching her Tropicool Clothing website so she could work from home and care for her young son and disabled brother.
The business has grown so much it’s now based at a two-storey warehouse in Maroochydore.
“I really didn’t have much idea of what I was doing when I started the business,” she admitted.
“But when the clothing started selling so well online I could really see the potential to grow.
“And as a single mother it was a great way to produce an income, parent my son and assist caring for my brother.
“My very first order when buying stock was just $1000, and over the past decade I have managed to secure a great supplier and from there the business has just grown and grown.
“My clients are located all over Australia and they love the range, as it’s ideal for a variety of occasions including themed parties, corporate functions, bucks parties, hen’s nights, cruises, festivals and team building events.
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“We have become so busy that we ran out of room at my home, and in February we moved the business into a new two-storey warehouse off Wises Road in Buderim and since then I’ve also hired two part-time employees including my 18-year-old-son,” Karen said.
Karen has also created another business, Kringle’s Christmas Clothing, which stocks vibrant Christmas-themed designs for the whole family, including bandanas for dogs.
“It’s amazing how popular the Christmas range has become,” she said.
“People love the matching shirts and shorts as they can wear them and pyjamas or on the day, especially up here in Queensland where it is very warm.
“We are now seeing a real surge in orders for both Tropicool and the Christmas range, particularly as the weather warms, the festive season kicks in and Christmas draws closer.
“It’s important that people get their orders in as soon as possible to ensure no one misses out as every year I sell out of popular designs.”
For further information visit tropicoolclothing.com.au and kringlesclothing.com.au.
