HOW INGRID BONNOR TURNED A LABOUR OF LOVE INTO A WORLDWIDE FASHION ICON

Before Ingrid Bonnor started her bridal robe and feminine sleepwear company Homebodii in 2011, she didn't have any fashion design experience to speak of.

What she did have, however, was a keen eye for fine product, a knack for marketing and a wealth of experience as a high-end consultant within the same industry.

In just six years, Homebodii has transformed from a spare-room operation to an international success, favourited by high-profile influencers including Taylor Swift and Sophie Monk in addition to gracing the catwalks at New York Fashion Week.

However, before Bonnor's business became a phenomenon, it began as a simple labour of love for the Gold Coast mum.

A BUSINESS BORN OUT OF LOVE

The first time she tried her own hand at fashion design, Bonnor was struggling to find something beautiful and comfortable to wear in hospital for the arrival of her daughter.

She searched the market to find pyjamas and robes which suited her taste, but couldn't find anything quite as beautiful or feminine as she imagined.

"I made a few robes for myself and showed my girlfriends and they said, 'you have to take this to the market' so I went to Brisbane, away from anyone that knew me, and I sold out my whole market stand," says Bonnor.

"It was interesting that I sold many of the items to brides because they were looking for something pretty to wear on the morning that they were getting ready for their wedding, not necessarily your standard robe."

It was at that moment Bonnor discovered her primary market, and Homebodii was born. Read more

Paris Faint - Business News Australia - 24 May 2017