A day in the life of Bec of BHO Bags & Purses

We sat down with Bec from BHO Bags & Purses for a cuppa and glimpse into the mum-of-two's busy life... 

What made you decide to set up your own business?
Necessity! I needed a new wallet but I wanted something a bit different. Something child friendly and I wanted to know what it was made of as children often handle Mummy's wallet and they even put it in their mouths while in your arms. It’s not something you would normally notice but to me who had made the sea change to a simpler life it was very important.

What does a “normal” day look like for you?
Wow a normal day? What’s that?! My day usually consists of getting up early to organise my two girls for school, packing lunchboxes and- while heading out the door- getting the hubby up to head to work. My morning ritual is...

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 ...a coffee on the go while heading into the local town centre to check the PO box for supplies as the postal service does not deliver to me. My days are filled with photoshoots, website updates and product creation – some days are a combination of the three. There are also the housewife duties - dishes, laundry, vacuuming and the like. The afternoon pick up from school always comes too fast! Then there is the dinner making, baths, PJ's and don't forget the game of pirate snap before bed. The evening consists of checking emails, Facebooking and personal crafting like crochet or knitting. Eventually around 11pm or later BED! Then it all starts again.

What has been the biggest challenge you faced at BHO Bags and Purses?
The decision to make it a business. It was a hobby for so long and making it a business meant I needed to change my mentality really drive myself and make plans for the future.

What is your “made it” milestone?
My made it milestone has only just happened. When I first started my hobby I said “one day I will make it to Finders Keepers”(a market which showcases a range of design and art from Australian designers and artists). When you are based in Perth that is a huge goal as it is on the other side of the country. On October 4 & 5 I will be in Melbourne and on show with my collection at Finders Keepers held at the Royal Exhibition Centre with the cream of independent design in Australia.

What inspires and motivates you?
The past inspires me! A time when customer service was key and products were designed and made to last for years – not for seasons. We need to go back in time. Motivation that is a hard one. For me its practicality and quality by providing leather goods that people love to give, receive and use. My love of colour drives my creative spirit and this is why you won't see much black from me. There is cocoa, scarlet, violet and sunshine yellow - this is the key to making me and you smile everyday.

What never fails to put a smile on your face?
My husband! He loves me unconditionally and supports me in anything and even helps out when I am swamped.

How many handbags and purses do you own?
Now this is a hard one - I don't actually have many. I only have one wallet which is the current laser engraved earth one and my blue leather bag is a daily work horse from the 2013 winter collection. Even though I make bags I will use the one I have to death before I part with it. Sometimes it even means my hubby saying "come on darling isn't that one looking a bit well loved?".

Where would you like to see BHO Bags and Purses in 5 years?
Given I have just reached the goals I set out at the beginning, I think it is time to set some new ones. At the top of my list is BHO being productive enough to replace my income so that my children can have a home-based Mum when they go to high school. I do not want world domination, I will never outsource production, but maybe there is an apprentice in my future? All I know right now is I just want the best possible future for my kids & the return of old fashioned morals and values.

Visit BHO Bags and Purses website here and ‘like’ BHO Bags and Purses on Facebook here.

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