What inspired you to start Ergonaut?
I was working in an office and couldn’t stand getting out of my pyjamas in the mornings. The weather was cold, my pyjamas were soft…. Cue the alarm snooze. I kept thinking surely there’s a brand that does this already. But I couldn’t see anything that bridged that gap – pencil skirts and blazers that still had all the structure and polish of business attire but were also super soft and stretchy. I decided I’d give it a go and thought, even if Ergonaut doesn’t work out, at least I’ll end up with a lot of comfortable workwear.
Tell us about your career and background.
I studied screenwriting at VCA, worked in a script department straight out of uni, then transitioned into roles in production companies and digital agencies until I became a producer myself. After some time in a communications role at a NFP, I became the marketing manager at a property investment consultancy. None of those roles are directly related to fashion and retail but I picked up new skills at each place. I’ve learnt design, project management, website building, order fulfilment etc – all of which is very helpful now. I’ve also learnt that a good blazer suits pretty much any office role.
Describe a typical work day for you (if there is such a thing).
I manage Ergonaut while working a full-time corporate role, so a typical day for Ergonaut usually starts in the evenings and extends across the weekend. As Ergonaut is extremely new, I take on all the roles – coordinating supply, using social media and email marketing to spread the word, conducting fulfilment, responding to customer enquiries.
Has COVID-19 affected your business? How are you navigating that?
Yes and no! I started Ergonaut three years ago but launched during COVID. I’d finally reached the point where the clothes really do feel like pyjamas and I had found a manufacturer I trust – which took a very long time to achieve – so I didn’t want to wait any longer. However, I also launched officewear at a time when most people’s living rooms became their office and a lot of people were wearing leggings to their Zoom meetings. So not great timing in that sense.
But I think now people have experienced working in activewear, there’s a much greater demand for effortless clothing. As people start to return to the office, even a few days a week, they’ve had to put their hoodies aside but they still crave that cosy, pyjama feel. That’s where Ergonaut comes in.
What advice do you have for those wanting to start a business?
Determine what sets your product or service apart from competitors, then conduct tests to ensure there is a genuine demand for what you want to deliver. Do as much discovery as possible – listen to podcasts, speak to industry insiders – and then get started. Everyone has dreams but you can’t plan forever. The rest is trial and error.
What’s next for you, and Ergonaut?
I want women to feel confident and comfortable at work, so my overarching goal is introducing as many people as possible to Ergonaut. Ideally giving people opportunities to actually feel and try on the pieces. That’s when people feel how soft the fabric actually is and tell their friends and colleagues. I’m also keen to expand the range to include more sizes and colours. And then, world domination.
For more info on Ergonaut, please visit https://ergonaut.co.
