If you’re a fan of Boom Shankar, you’ll know it’s famous for its huge splashes of colour and its ability to be both quirky and ageless. I first discovered, and became a fan of Boom Shankar, about 10 years ago when I happened upon it at Queensland’s iconic Eumundi Markets, but the label has been carving out its own niche in Australian fashion for 20 years now. And behind the label is owner, designer and all-round inspirational businesswoman Dui Cameron.
Being a great example of a Champagne Woman, we decided to pump Dui for information about how she became so fabulous.
What was the best piece of advice you were given when you were starting out (and who gave it to you)?
I started out so long ago it’s hard to remember. (Dui is now 42 and has been making clothes since she was 16). My best advice to anyone starting out is to follow your heart and do what you love.
What technology can you not do without?
Definitely my computer! (Dui designs her fashion in Australia and produces her clothing ethically in India. When not in India herself, Dui is reliant upon technology to communicate with her factories via email and Skype, tweaking the nuances of each new collection).
Where do you find inspiration?
My inspiration changes from season to season and is based around different countries and colour palates.
How do you take time out for yourself?
Great question! This is always a challenge when you run your own business. I do make sure that I take my two dogs, Harry and Nikki, to the beach everyday. Harry is my 2-year old Golden Retriever cross Poodle and Nikki is my sister’s family pet who I’m currently dog-sitting.
Who are your business heroes?
I have so many! One of my business heroes is the Melbourne-based artist and illustrator Sandra Eterovic. I commissioned Sandra to paint family portraits on table tennis bats and these quirky pieces take pride of place on my office wall in Peregian Beach. Another is Kirsten Devitt @eachtoown, an Australian maker who creates bright and beautiful things for beautiful people.
How do you find peace in a busy day?
I drink lots of cups of tea!
What advice would you give your younger self, when you were just starting out?
Try to live life with ease, joy and glory.
How do you start your day? (What time do you get up and what does your morning routine look like?)
My morning starts with a cup of tea, then a dog walk on the beach. From here I head down to my office in Peregian Beach, pick myself up a coffee and say to myself ‘how much better can it get’? I then begin work for the day.
Who is in your posse?
My family are definitely in my posse. This includes my teenage son, my parents and my older sister and her family. I am also very fortunate to have an awesome team of girls that work with me and whose support makes a difference in my life.
What are you proudest of in your career?
Definitely the charity work that we do. Making a difference in people’s lives always makes me feel proud. (Through Boom Shankar, Dui is a proud supporter of Forget Me Not, an incorporated Queensland charity that works with partner organisations in Nepal, Uganda and India to reunify trafficked children with their families. In India, Boom Shankar supports various local charities and is also committed to numerous community aid projects. Through such support, Dui personally advocates the label’s mantra of BIG LOVE and BIG LIFE.)
Oh wow – I’m so keen to check Boom Shankar out! Beautiful!
We’re a bit obsessed Kez – the colours, the fun, the styles that suit all shapes and sizes. Just beautiful!
I love, love, love Boom Shankar. It’s not far from where I live and I’ve bought so many clothing items from their store over the years. What a fabulous person Dui is and she owns a Groodle!! I didn’t know that about her. We have one too! They are the best family dogs ever. Her Harry looks EXACTLY like our Grover the Groodle.
I didn’t know about groodles until I saw Dui’s. And Grover the Groodle has to be the cutest name ever!