Great Melbourne find ~ Interview with the gorgeous Pleasure, Little Treasure

I love Melbourne markets and I love seeing so many talented businesses selling their gorgeous creations.  I came across Pleasure, Little Treasure at the Southside Markets in Ackland Street, St Kilda some time ago and just loved the colours and fact that these creations can be worn to a day at the races or a day in the park!

The gorgeous Anne Freeman (below), the creator and owner of Pleasure, Little Treasure was good enough to give me an insight into her colourful and creative world of hair accessories which I just adore!  Anne is a Spring Racing carnival vetran with several wins under her 'hat' and has been included in the 50 years of Fashions on the Field exhibition due to winning several competitions in the late 1990's - early 2000's. as well as being invited to judge men's fashions on the field on Derby Day this year.

1) When did you start creating your fascinators and headbands?
I used to work as a Milliner many years ago but life took me on a different path and I worked in Sales & Marketing for around 10 years. My husband and I then took a year off to travel around Europe and I had the time and distance to do some soul searching - that's when I hatched my plan to launch Pleasure, Little Treasure. You can see pics of the old days here: 

Left: Caulfield Cup 2001 and Right: Caulfield Cup Fashions on the Field Winner 1998 

Left: Oaks Day Flemington Carnival Winner 2000 and Right: Oaks Day Fashions on the Field Winner (millinery category) 2001

2) What was your inspiration to start your own business? 
At its core Pleasure, Little Treasure consists of things I want to wear myself. I particularly enjoy the feeling of dressing up and being "put together" nicely every single day - not just on special occasions. So that's what I make - little treasures that give you pleasure.

Giddy Up Fascinator - $75

3)  What's your day time job and how do you manage your creative time? 
My life isn't compartmentalised so much into creative time and work time. I have Pleasure, Little Treasure and I run the Southside Handmade & Vintage Market . I also do work as an extra for TV and Film when I have the time. I recently found this quote which describes my life perfectly!

The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his education and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he is always doing both. 



4) When a client is wearing one of your pieces what are your hopes for that item?  
As the name suggests it's all about the little bit of pleasure you get from pieces of "treasure" - it's when you put something on and it gives you a spring in your step, makes you smile a little brighter and results in unexpected compliments from strangers. 

5) Do you change your products often?  If yes what are you looking for to inspire your new creations, colours, looks? 
I try to keep a consistency and continuity to my range but I'm always looking for new ways to keep things fresh. Most new designs stem from my own needs and desires when accessorising my own outfits.

6) What have you learnt about being in business for yourself?  Is it what you expected it to be? 
Running a small business is really interesting - you literally have to do everything from design, production, sales, marketing, public relations, dispatch etc etc etc

Feeling Racey - $109

7) What are the key lessons that you've learnt when working with clients? 
I really enjoy collaborating with people, especially those who are enthusiastic and open to new ideas. It's really important to work with clients that are like-minded and confident enough to hand over creative license - that's what brings the best results.

8) What occasions have your creations been worn at? 
The races, weddings and more importantly every day life!

9) Do you takes custom orders? what is the time frame for custom order deliveries during Spring Racing season)? 
I do take custom orders, it's best to allow at least 2 weeks notice at this time of year. But even if you don't have that much time it doesn't hurt to enquire anyway.

GiddyUp Fascinator - $121.50

10) What is the best way for customers to get in contact with you? 
Check out my Facebook page  and then email me (info@pleasurelittletreasure.com ) or visit me at a market. Markets are listed in the "About" section of the Facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/PLittleT/info

I would like to thank Anne for taking the time to share her passion for millinery and right in time for Spring Racing Carnival!  Check out Anne's pages and links above as I'm sure you're like me and love to support local talent as well as pick up a stunning accessory for this years outfit!

All photography by Pleasure, Little Treasure.
You can also find PLT on ETSY here