As I look back on my life, one thing rings true to me and that is my ability to keep my integrity and stay true to myself. I was always a little bit different I felt and didn’t totally fit into the so-called norm in many ways. I was always very dedicated to whatever goal I was pursuing, whether that be rugby league or fashion. So with that, I would go a little over the top in some ways, but that was in my nature. I didn’t drink, I didn’t go out on a Saturday night to house parties as a teen and I was always interested in dressing and appearance on the football field and off it. I would have multiple pairs of football boots every season and spend most of my income on clothes as well. I put everything into it. And although I switched gears and changed course at a fairly young age to fashion, I never lost that dedication to the minute details of things and I guess that’s what makes me good at designing. I never sit back in awe of anything though because I feel there is always room to improve. Like in sports, I could always get a bit stronger, a bit faster, more accurate, and it’s this same mentality. Because if you don’t, you get complacent. And complacency is not a good place to be in.

Anyways, I had time to reflect on this returning to my homeland over the past few weeks. It was interesting because I had always been true to myself, and some didn’t always understand it. And that’s ok, they don’t have to. I’m the one that has to live the life, not them. I recall a conversation I had with a family member. He just kept saying to me that it was so strange going from rugby to fashion, and he didn’t totally understand it. I just did what I thought was right for me, and I felt that fashion aligned with my purpose in life. And that is why I never wavered in that decision and still to this day am doing it. I dressed different and moved different to others and walked to the beat of my own drum, so to speak. I think that’s why I ended up in America where that is more accepted and celebrated, and I like that. I never like to get too far ahead of myself though because I know I can be a better version of myself too. That is what I am striving for, to be better than I was yesterday, to have a better product than we did last week, to have a better collection than last season, to build a bigger business and to lead a happier life. And with that, my 10 years or so experience continues to grow and improve, and the products continue to improve. That’s what I’m about.