Interview with Tough Titties
Running a business with a best friend is certainly an adventure. Here's to three years of salt, sand and sunshine aka Raw Salt.
Three years certainly feels like a milestone, especially when you learn 'on the job'. We sat down for a chat with Tough Titties collective to talk all things friendship and business for their 'epic duos' series.
Tough Titties are a collective of hard working, risk taking, creative, powerful chicks - making awesome right here on beautiful Coffs Coast. The initiative was started by our business mentor Em Cooper and has been all we both stand for, cheering each other on and celebrating each other.
Tough Titties: Ladies, what are the best bits about being in business with someone you love?
Em: I think it's sharing the good and the bad. You know, when stuff happens, having that person who's there. You get to share the highs and the lows like you would in any relationship.
Tough Titties: Any tips for people going into business with a friend or significant other.
Em: Being prepared to be real and vulnerable. It can be the best thing, but it can also be the hardest thing. It's like a marriage, so you have to be ready to be really raw and exposed.
The best things in life are hard- nothing comes easy. But the reward is so much better than doing it on your own.
Olly: Be prepared to work on your communication. You cant assume that just because it's your best friend, family or partner that they can read your mind.
Tough Titties: : Talk to us about your how your strength complement one another in your business partnership.
Em: We could not be more opposite as people...
Olly: Our friendship doesn't work on paper!
I heard somewhere that you can't make a good decision by yourself. In our case our differences allow us to see completely different perspectives and we come out with the best possible decision.
One of the beautiful things about Em is she is always empowering others, empowering the people in the manufacturing aspect, really making sure the people who make our products are looked after.
Em: Olly could have gone into business on her own. I think I'm more like a cheerleader! I'll say we need to make a website and she'll be like Yeah, that's done. She's the most capable person.
Tough Titties: If there are disagreements that come up, how do you resolve them? Do you put on a brave face and keep going, or do you need to sort it out then and there?
Em: There are definitely no brave faces...there's a lot of ugly crying and being very real with each other.
We get it all out rather then, you know, calling it a day - I think for our situation it works. To lay everything out on the table and get everything off your chest even if it offends the other person, we know at the end of the day it's not personal.
We're two very different people and we're trying to make something work. We always come through in the end.
Tough Titties: Could you tell us a little bit about your relationship with manufacturers?
Em: I think when you're starting something new and put your name behind it you have a responsibility to follow your moral compass.We never wanted to do something that would bring gain to us but put other people backwards.
It sounds cheesy, but we stand by being kind to the planet and being kind to people, and I think with everything that's happening in fast fashion it would be a shame to not do it the right way when we have the opportunity.
Tough Titties: Thanks Em and Olly. These clever ladies are about to release a new collection crafted from the most delicious Japanese linen! Make sure you follow them on socials to stay in the loop.