Meet The Artist: Clothing Designer Sue Kirk

We recently caught up with designer Sue Kirk of Bellicious Life to find out a little more about her roots, inspiration and direction...

Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I grew up in North Queensland and my father was a school principal so we moved around quite a lot until we settled in Brisbane, where I spent most of my childhood.

You were an exercise physiologist before you made the jump to fashion design. What prompted the switch?
I’ve always had a creative side and once I began having a family it gave me the perfect opportunity to put my dreams into reality and I began designing and making maternity clothes. I juggled both careers for awhile and then made the decision to follow my passion...

---

Tell us a little about the early days of setting up your own creative business. Did you know what you were doing or did you have to feel your way as you went along?
Being creative and good at business don’t always go hand in hand so I think I handled it by just putting my head down and working really, really hard and didn’t allow myself to be distracted by negative thoughts.

What does a typical day look like for you?
A really tough question to ask any mother especially one who also runs her own business!!! I usually begin the day on the computer over breakfast then after getting the kids to school, often do some exercise (‘me time”). Then it’s off to my fabric supplier or pattern maker or home to my sewing machines.  The day is broken up with sourcing new fabrics, responding to customer enquiries, sending out orders etc. Then, “mum time” again (school pick up, footy training, making dinner, homework etc). Then after everyone’s in bed, back onto the computer either posting on facebook or sorting out orders or just planning for the next day.   

Fashion is a competitive industry. Have you had moments in which you wanted to throw in the towel? 
Many times, but I keep coming back to what I truly love and that is designing and making beautiful clothes.  Working in this business ticks all the boxes for me and I think I would really struggle to find another job that gives me as much satisfaction.

What inspires and motivates you?
When I am designing, I get my inspiration from fabrics. I LOVE beautiful fabrics and fabric combinations.  I often pick out a piece of fabric and can already visualise what it’s going to look like made up. My kids and my husband inspire and motivate me on a personal level and I love that my children get an insight into how I turn fabrics into a product that I sell.   

Where would you like to see Bellicious Life in 5 years?
I would love to see Bellicious Life still being handmade in Australia and have a huge customer base throughout Australia who really appreciate and want to support a “homegrown” designer and business. I also want to keep following my passion and turning beautiful fabrics into unique pieces that customers can’t get enough of!

You can browse Sue's latest collection at www.belliciouslife.com and visit her Facebook page here.