Five Minutes With ... Ainslie Curran

Ainslie, how long have you had LoveDuck and tell us a bit about it.

LoveDuck is seven this September. Wow, how time flies. I still remember the week I opened and, even scarier, signing the lease. There was no turning back. I always thought that once my youngest, Mia, started kindy I would do a little boutique that prided itself on amazing customer service and beautiful, unique, slow-fashion dresses for everyday, which would suit women of all ages. I wanted it to be a place where women could meet other like-minded women and browse around. A little shop women feel happy in.

Why did you decide to open the boutique in Paddington?

Paddington has this magic community and life like no other area I’ve experienced and when the little shop popped up, I had to jump at the chance, even though I was still then working full-time as a stylist to some big brands.

How tough was it as a small retailer getting through the COVID-19 disruptions?

When I ask my kids about their day, I say: “Rate it, 1 being not great and 10 being the best day ever”. For me COVID has been an epic 1 — the worst it could have been for small business. Many times I thought we might have to close the doors like many small businesses, despite my bubbly disposition and determination. I haven’t been able to pay myself for more than two years out of the business, there is just no money and it’s getting tougher. I am constantly thinking of ways to drive the business. It’s exhausting but I am not giving up. I love the business and all the magic clients. And we are lucky. LoveDuck has this community that rallies around it and loves it and for that I am grateful.

What have you noticed about people’s spending habits as we recover from the pandemic?

People are cautious and the media doesn’t really help with so many negative stories. Online is a big part of our business now, and we are slowly seeing faces coming into the boutique we haven’t seen for years. Which makes all the pain disappear and gives us hope. I feel it will take until summer and Christmas for people to really come back. They need to feel confident the world is opening for good.

Can you give us some style tips for winter?

Winter is fun because layering is the best. Buy a great dress, a pair of good trainers or boots and a knit and warm tights. A good, warm Scottish knit, whether a cardigan or jumper, that can take you everywhere and anywhere is essential. Also, when it’s cold, put on a fine knit under your light dress and then layer with a knit or poncho. Enjoy winter for its colour and what it allows you to do with your clothes (no puffer jackets and exercise gear, please).

LoveDuck

222 Glenmore Rd

loveduck.com.au