Co-Founder & Head of Production

Hi Pippa! So tell us, what is your role at Merchgirls and what is your co-founder story? How did Merchgirls all start? 
My role as a Merchgirl is goal setter, dreamer and problem solver. 

In 2006, I had set up a manufacturing factory in Bali and was looking for new clients. I had put up a flyer in a wholesale button shop, which Hannah (my co-founder) magically picked up and gave me a call for her fashion label Chip Chop. From that moment I started to produce all Hannah’s wonderful designs in Bali until the very sad day she shut shop, I cried. 

Within 3 months of her shop closing we decided we couldn't work apart and Merchgirls was born.

In your role, what does a typical day look like?  
Starts with the biggest to do list ever, then it’s dancing between all sections of our business from sales, CEO, production to dispatch. No day is the same and I love every minute of it. My motto is - “Get it done and off the list!”

How long have you been in Production and Manufacturing and what has been your career highlight to date? 
At the age of 14, my headmaster sat me down in his office and asked what I wanted to do with my life. My reply was “I don’t know!” (a standard reply from a naughty teen)… He asked what I liked doing at home. I had a long thought and replied in a very teenage way…”I like buying op shop clothes and chopping them into cool styles.”  He jumped out of his seat with excitement and said, “Pippa you would be a great fashion designer.”

He asked me if I wanted to leave school and do a fashion apprenticeship. I quickly replied “Absolutely, yes please!” So that's when my career started, at the tender age of 14. 26 years later I'm still cutting up clothes and giving them new life.

What has been your number one highlight being the co-founder of Merchgirls?  
To be honest, the first thing that comes to mind is that I am so grateful to work with such an amazing team and wonderful clients.  I am privileged to work with some really amazing minds who inspire me and push me to broaden myself. Dreaming of ideas and watching them unfold into reality is the best. 

I also enjoy shaking up this Merch Industry from the typical old fashioned, stale merch and in turn, creating excitement for all receivers of our beautiful merch.

What has been your favourite piece of merch?  
Any apparel piece - we really have so much fun creating great silhouettes and designs. Additionally the Inga Felt collection is such a unique, useful merch collection, and one that really compliments so many clients’ brands. 

If you could work with any client in the world, who would it be?  
Celeste Barber (who wouldn’t want to work with the funniest chick in Australia?) Not only that, but she has done so much to support families and businesses affected by the bushfires and is also a champion for positive body image and our traditional landowners. 

QUICK ROUND…..  

Margaritas or Aperol Spritz? 

Margaritas hands down

Italian food or Chinese? 

Neither - Greek 

Dogs or Cats? 

Dogs all the way 

Ski resort or Beach resort? 

Ooh tough one...  I’d take either right now

Tote bag or stubby holder? 

A great market tote