The HTF Hot Seat: Platypus Australia Swimwear

It’s always fun meeting new people, which is why we came up with the idea of The HTF Hot Seat – a regular post to introduce you to the creative dynamites behind some of your favourite hardtofind products. This week’s seller in the spotlight: Karel from Platypus Australia Swimwear.

I’m known on hardtofind for my… stylish, sun-safe UV-protective children’s swimwear.

Right now I’m inspired by… our Australian outdoor lifestyle and weekend trips to the beach, combined with current overseas trends in fashion and how they translate to little, active people. The athleisure trend inspiring an active and healthy lifestyle resulted in our most recent launch, Platypus Active.

My favourite part of the making process is… seeing kids on the beach, swimming, having fun and being sun safe in our UPF swimmers.

I work from… a studio with water glimpses that inspire me.

A typical day for me involves… checking emails from overnight, some exercise, light brekky, coffee on the go and at my desk by 9am, with a team meeting at 10am to discuss the day’s priorities – juggling three seasons in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, designing and producing new-season collections, managing marketing and our social media platforms, and the general running of a business and office.

My proudest business moment was… winning the Junior Awards UK and Kids Style File Awards Australia for Best Swimwear category, plus spotting some celebrity kids wearing PA swimwear, including Naomi Watts’ son at Bondi Beach and Charlize Theron’s son in Miami.

When I started my business, I wish I’d known… the people you choose to work or partner with are critical to the success of the business. Always cross check. Integrity is everything. Business is really about building relationships.

I’d describe my personal style as… contemporary

My last purchase was… a casual white linen slip cover armchair for two.

The first thing I do when I wake up is… find our dog Ray snuggled up beside me. Hard not to give in and cuddle him back for a minute or two, then jump out of bed and begin the day.

The motto I live by is… concentrate on the day at hand and make the most of it.

I’m hoping 2017 will bring… more time with family and friends – plus, more Platypus Australia swimwear sightings on the beaches everywhere!

Everything tastes better with a little… (or lots of) Aperol spritz.