Spotlight On… Willow & Envy

Your name: Renee Haywood
Locations serviced: anywhere – it’s an e-commerce store (online)
Follow us on: @willowandenvy and willowandenvy.com

Tell us about yourself and how your business – Willow and Envy – came to be?
My journey began from a deep personal understanding. As a stay-at-home mum, I intimately grasped the desire for stylish yet comfortable sleepwear that effortlessly transitions from bedtime to morning routines. So, I combined my experience in business with my passion for fashion and founded Willow and Envy, a brand dedicated to providing luxurious sleepwear and loungewear solutions for women seeking both comfort and style.

How did you come up with the name ‘Willow and Envy’?
‘Willow’ symbolises grace, flexibility, and natural beauty, reflecting the serene and effortless elegance of our products. On the other hand, ‘Envy’ adds a touch of allure and sophistication, representing the desire to stand out and be admired.

What’s your most popular product?
Our biggest seller by far is the Sass lounge set (willowandenvy. com/products/sass-lounge-set). Though, without a doubt, my personal favourite from our collection is the Serena short set (willowandenvy.com/products/serena-short-set).

What’s the process you go through to create the products?
As well as founding the business, I’m also the designer. Each item is exclusively designed by me. The creative process begins with conjuring up cosy concepts, sketching out designs, and refining them until they’re as dreamy as can be. Then we handpick luxurious fabrics and pour our hearts into crafting each garment, guaranteeing a perfect blend of style and relaxation. Our manufacturers have a global reach, with facilities both internationally and within Australia. This allows us to ensure efficiency and quality while also supporting local industries. At Willow and Envy, we are dedicated to ethical sourcing and fair trading practices. Our materials are carefully selected from suppliers committed to upholding fair labour standards, ensuring safe working conditions and equitable compensation for workers. By prioritising integrity and respect for human rights throughout our supply chain, we create products that not only exude quality and style but also align with our values of social responsibility.

Where do you run your business from?
We run our business primarily from Tieri, where our headquarters and warehouse are located. Currently, we don’t have any other physical locations, but we operate seamlessly online, reaching customers far and wide. Our focus is on providing exceptional service and delivering quality products to our customers, no matter where they are located.

What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day for me is a blend of business and family life. Mornings kick off with getting the kids ready for school, while I simultaneously tackle emails and set priorities for the day. Once the morning rush settles, I head into our warehouse/office, where I dive into tasks like inventory management and coordinating with suppliers. Throughout the day, I carve out time for Zoom calls with our trusted partners, discussing everything from new designs to production timelines. Balancing work and mum life can be challenging, but it’s incredibly rewarding knowing that every effort I put in contributes to the success of Willow and Envy.

What are the best and worst parts about being your own boss?
Being your own boss offers freedom and flexibility, allowing you to chart your own course and pursue your passions on your terms. You have the autonomy to make decisions that align with your vision and values, without having to answer to anyone else. This sense of independence can be incredibly empowering and fulfilling. However, being your own boss also presents challenges. The responsibility of making critical decisions falls squarely on your shoulders, and there’s often no one else to turn to for guidance or support. Additionally, the boundaries between work and personal life can become blurred, as the success of your business can feel like a constant weight on your mind.
Despite these challenges, the opportunity to pursue your dreams and build something of your own can make the journey of being your own boss incredibly rewarding.

What do you love about living and working in Tieri?
Living and working in Tieri offers a unique blend of tranquillity and opportunity that is truly special. The small-town atmosphere fosters a strong sense of community, where neighbours know each other by name and support one another like family. This tight community creates a sense of belonging and unity that is hard to f ind elsewhere. Despite our remote location, we’ve been able to forge strong connections with people who have become not just customers, but also friends.

What have you learned about yourself since starting your business?
I’ve learned a great deal about myself! One of the most significant lessons has been discovering my resilience and adaptability. Running a business presents countless challenges and obstacles, but facing them head-on has shown me just how capable I am of overcoming adversity and finding creative solutions. Additionally, I’ve learned the importance of trusting my instincts and following my passions.

What do you hope your products will bring to people?
I want our customers to feel pampered, cherished, and utterly at ease. Ultimately, I hope our products serve as a reminder to prioritise self-care, embrace relaxation, and celebrate the beauty of everyday living. What are your operating hours? Our online store is open 24/7, allowing customers to shop at their convenience from anywhere in the world. While our physical office and warehouse have specific operating hours, our online platform ensures that our products are accessible to our customers whenever they need them. Additionally, our customer service team is available during regular business hours to assist with any inquiries or support needs.

How can people purchase your products?
By visiting our website at willowandenvy.com – thank you.