Waremakers is a company that sells beautifully crafted items online. They are a young company with a GREAT MISSION! “THE WEB’S HUB FOR QUALITY”

We sit down with Mary Tungay, as she discusses her history in retail and why she and her co-founders created Waremakers.

 

What is your position at Waremakers?

Co-founder and CAO at Waremakers from the moment the idea was formed back in 2011.

 

 

How long have you known you wanted to do what you are currently working on?

Exactly how long is hard to say really, but during my career in retail management I can always remember feeling incredibly frustrated and impotent. One tends to be a manager in name only and is rarely given the chance to really implement ideas and change. It was only natural that I started to think about ways in which I could combine my retail experience and love of beautiful things, independently.

 

 

Why are you passionate about what you do?

Whether in my homeland or traveling I have always loved independent boutiques as these are very often the best places to find the kind of things that I get excited about. It gives me genuine pleasure when I discover a bag or hat that has obviously been well thought about and executed with real care, skill and honesty. It sounds silly but sometimes it can be nice just to hit pause when I am charging through my day and simply admire some of these finds – It elevates my day and makes living in a throw away Ikea-culture bearable.This essentially is what drives me, a desire to share and promote the independent producers we admire because I think they are important and we need them.

How did you overcome your own doubts and the doubts of other people?

I knew I had to give it a go or forever be wondering “what if?”. Also, I really enjoy what I do and this really helps to overcome any doubts I or others may have.

 

What were some bumps you hit to get where you’re at now?

Finance was by far the biggest but also having to adapt to being self-employed. It takes a different mindset and attitude.

 

What is one thing you did wrong in the past that you can share with people?

I was sometimes too proud or impatient to listen or pay enough attention to people when they were trying to teach me something.

What is a way you got your name out there?

As a self-financed start-up we don’t have the luxury of inflated marketing budgets. There are no short cuts or easy options so we have had to utilise every network and connection that we have as well as seeking out new ones. Being creative and experimenting with different marketing strategies, simply grafting at it everyday, and time.

 

Is there anything that almost stopped you from doing this?

Yes, I was terribly worried about not having the security and financial benefits that a regular salary offers but at the same time I really wanted to create and build something for myself and escape the nine to five treadmill.

Is there anyone in your profession that you admire and/or model yourself after?

Without hesitation it has to be Anders Ojgaard (founder & CEO at Waremakers) He never gives up, rarely complains, always wants to learn new things and generally has such a humbling and guilt inducing effect on you that you can’t help but want to do more to better your own self.

What other business people does your founders admire, why?

The founders and directors of all the brands that we represent on Waremakers. Together they form an inspirational hub of talent, knowledge and passion that is a real pleasure to be involved with.

How would you describe the company culture at Waremakers?

We are driven by a mix of idealism and genuinely enjoying what we do. We all really want to expose these wonderful products to a wider audience – and thereby bring a touch more “quality” to the market.  Our flat organization means that everybody gets to make changes to how we do things, if they present their case well enough. This way, everybody feels very involved and shares a sense of purpose.

 

 

How do you continue to perfect your craft?

Mostly by learning from my mistakes and trying to be more open to criticism.

 

Remember to step back every once in a while and appreciate how far you’ve come and to enjoy every success no matter how small.