Ten Questions in Ten Minutes: With Dee Crawford

Dee Crawford is the director of Bubble and Squeak, a kids’ clothing label.

Business to Business - What inspired you to start up your business?
Dee Crawford - Becoming a mum to twin daughters and being unable to find well-designed, well-made clothing that was affordable and not worn by everyone else’s children motivated me to start my own children’s clothing label.

BtoB - Who has influenced you the most professionally?
DC - It probably sounds corny but my husband David, who is the most positive, motivated, pro-active person I know. He has the enviable knack of seeing opportunity in every situation, even in adversity.

BtoB - How would you describe yourself as a businessperson?
DC - Focused and determined. I hate the word ‘no’ and I have no problem asking questions when I don’t know the answer!

BtoB - What do you consider your greatest achievement?
DC - Finding a company in China who not only manufactures exceptionally well-made clothing but also has superb working conditions and benefits for their employees.

BtoB - With hindsight, what is the one thing you would do differently?
DC - In hindsight - nothing. To do anything differently, not to end up in this place at this time would be unthinkable.

BtoB - Who do you find inspirational and why?
DC - Our BubbleandSqueak customers. Their enthusiasm for our clothing reconfirms all the reasons for starting the label and motivates me to put together an even better collection next season!

BtoB - What is the most inspirational book you have read recently?
DC - 'Mao’s Last Dancer' by Li Cunxin.

BtoB - What is your favourite website and why?
DC - Biased on this one - www.bubbleandsqueak.net.nz - our website! Seriously though, we’re re-decorating at the moment so this site has been great helping us choose colour combinations: www.resene.co.nz