Uptown Funk
What is The Elusive Miss Lou business philosophy?
We began The Elusive Miss Lou because we wanted to create. We are both super creative people, and it turned out Louise found retirement boring. Louise asked me if I wanted to start an optical brand with her to make interesting art eyewear with a flair for the colourful and fun. And I said of course! So, our philosophy really lies in our mutual needs to create and spread joy. In terms of pure business, we have described ourselves as yes people. We are very confident in our product and want to make it as simple and easy as possible to get them out there and on faces who love them.
What do you think is unique about your eyewear?
Our product is unique in that each piece is a limited-edition art piece. The fabric patterns are hand drawn specifically to be fabric printed and laminated into eyewear. That’s why we can produce fabric frames that have an even covering of colour. That and our branding have really set us apart from the rest of the industry.
What were some of the challenges that the business faced in the early days?
Miss Lou was actually sort of a COVID baby for us. We decided to start designing at the beginning of 2020, and surprise, surprise COVID hit the world. It was initially a setback as it seemed we wouldn’t be able to launch the brand ever. We decided to use the time to focus on the design, branding and packaging and ensure that we could present something different and special. So now after two years of Miss Lou being out in the world, we are so thrilled to have made the splash that we have.
What does success mean to you both?
Success to us is the look on someone’s face when they see a Miss Lou frame that calls to them. The big grins from ear to ear as someone tries something completely different and absolutely loves it. It feels like a magic trick.
Do you have a career mentor & how do they influence you?
Jonathan Sceats is the obvious one to come to mind. Louise’s husband and Teiger’s dad. He has been the one to come to when we were unsure or needed advice and while we do sometimes disagree, he is usually right. (Don’t tell him I said that)
How important is your team to you and how would you describe your work culture?
We’re such a family business our design studio just feels like an extension of the family home. But further than that our amazing agents have really been the powerhouses of our business. We could create the most amazing product ever, but they really have believed in us and pushed our little creativity out into the world. Because of that we really try to spoil them as much as we can. We’re all family and friends and that makes for such a great feeling when coming into work in the morning.
How do you switch off from the pressures of work?
Louise and Jonathan are such socialites, although Louise will tell you she’s shy. They are constantly at the Cabbage Beach Club entertaining someone or off in Sydney at some event having the time of their lives. When they’re not with friends they’re usually at home hanging out with our family cat Cinna and watching the F1 racing. I’m a massive nerd and am often off playing DND or working on my writing.
What is exciting for you now and into the future for your business?
We’re super excited, now that we are a little bit more established, to really focus on our original passion to create wearable art pieces. We want to take our funky frames and turn up the dial of funkiness. We’ve got some great new shapes coming and some really special materials that make your mouth water. Really the main thing is to give Louise and myself an opportunity to create in the way that we want to create. Louise with her designs and fabric patterns and me with my story telling.
