Chanelle Farah is a young entrepreneur based in Sydney Australia. Being the Founder and Creative Director of OnlyHer, a Sydney-based online women’s clothing store also expanding into the men and lingerie/intimate sector. Chanelle founded the business in the month of December 2019 as a boutique which then became her own label in August 2020. For more details and insights into the brand, visit their website.
Here we sit down with Chanelle, to learn a bit more about her journey as a female entrepreneur.
Q. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
Chanelle: I always craved the idea of flexibility and freedom and never wanted a 9-5 as that is what I was raised to believe pays the bills and is the standard of living. But I just never wanted standard. I never believed I was too young or incapable to chase my dreams and so I did just that, I am chasing them every day. I am nowhere near where I want to be but where I am today, my 15-year-old self would be pretty proud of and that keeps me going on the not so good days of entrepreneurship.
Q. How did you get started?
Chanelle: So in the beginning stages of OnlyHer in 2019, it definitely was not what it is today. It was rather an online boutique and was wholesaling other brands. However, during the winter of 2020, I just had continuous epiphany moments to change it to my own brand. I always had known that one day I would but never so soon. I invested all the earning thus far of the business into the whole production and rebrand and now every second month the brand drops exclusive and limited collections.
Q. What was your biggest startup challenge? What steps did you take to overcome it? What did you learn?
Chanelle: I think during the rebrand stage. As every entrepreneur, we go through those times of resistance to change however we always push through as risk-taking is one of our skills and capabilities we just need in the business world. The most challenging was nothing to do with the actual physical process but more the mental challenge it took from being safe as a boutique owner to risking it all and becoming your own label in the Australian fashion market. It is always the mind that runs the most and overcoming all the self-talk and “what if’s” was definitely the most challenging. However, I look back and think if I had not made that business move, I would not be being interviewed d right now haha. OnlyHer is growing in the Australian Designer market and it was all off the backbone of what once was a risky decision.
Q. What is the most memorable thing you’ve done since you started your business?
Chanelle: There is so much more planned that I know will top anything I am going to say now but I would truly say my feature in the Australian Business Journal has definitely been a highlight of my business Journey. It was such a surreal moment and leveraged the business for me in more ways than one and I still feel so honoured by the feature and blessed.
Q. What is one book you recommend, and why?
Chanelle: The Resilience Project. I read it at the beginning of 2021 not knowing it was going to be one of my biggest years yet and it truly shaped my outlook on life. It helped me in my personal life and therefore resulted in crossing over into my business world. It teaches truly about the importance of resilience, humbleness, the power of never quitting and self-belief. Although I do not remember word by word of the book, it is truly a book that changed my life for the better. Oh and my Bible. The book teaches you everything you need to know from believing in someone Greater than you and trusting that there is a plan for your life. A plan that has been written since before your time on earth and that you have a purpose in this world and without you, nothing is the same.
Q. What are your top 3 favourite online apps, tools or resources and what do you love about them?
Shopify – I’m sure is every business owners favourite app if you use it for your website. From the front end to the back end, it is the most perfect online host for anyone wanting to start a business.
Planoly – I get to see my Instagram feeds before our audiences do and it allows me to capture the feel of the brand.
Pinterest – The one for the creatives. I have boards for everything happening in the business especially for our campaigns. My team and I bounce off the boards on the big shoot days to capture our vision.
Q. In terms of legacy, what is the mark you’d like to leave on the world?
Chanelle: Although the brand is not where I want it to be yet, I want it to be a brand for all women. Where their perfect fit, size, the style was with Only Her and they knew they could rely on us no matter what. I want people to feel included through fashion and feel empowered when they wear a piece from us. That was the best investment they have ever made because our pieces and designs will never go out of season because it’s built with long term vision. I just want women to feel empowered, sexy, strong and that they can do anything when dressed in OnlyHer.
Q. In one sentence, what’s the best advice you’d give to someone just starting out on their entrepreneurial journey?
Chanelle: You will never regret trying!
To keep up to date with Chanel and her journey with OnlyHer, connect with her on Instagram.
