Smart Cookie: Carly Cura, Founder Of S.H.A

I’m a mum of two juggling lots of roles, not least my role in the family business started by my mum, Susan! Mum has been an agent in the fashion industry for many years and has always had a vision to increasingly represent labels that are ethical and sustainable.

We’re really proud to be the Australian and NZ distributor for Swedish Stockings who are the world leaders in sustainable hosiery and Woron. sustainable fashion essentials who create beautiful organic cotton certified vegan intimates.

2)      Do you have a morning routine? If so, what is it you do to set yourself up for the day ahead?

My morning routine almost always is a bit of a whirlwind as I get kids ready for school in time for the bus, then take Fluffy, our little Cavvy for a walk up to the bus stop to see them off. We’ve been so lucky to have had a bit of a “tree-change” this year and have moved to the Blue Mountains, so that morning walk is always a great way to start the day, being able to look out onto the bushland and watch the amazing birdlife here.

I love noticing how the environment changes with the seasons which I think is a great way to stay in tune with the natural world.

3)      Why did you choose to go sustainable and eco-friendly?

For mum I think it started with her passion for natural medicine and nutrition which extended to an interest in the benefits of natural fibres and fabrics not only for humans but for the natural world. I have been drawn to nature and sustainable ways of living for about as long as I remember as it just makes sense to me!

Combining this with our love for classic, enduring style, we have formed Sustainable Hosiery & Essentials as a store where women who are both style conscious and eco-conscious can have access to versatile and eco-friendly pieces that form the basis of a sustainable wardrobe.

4)      What was the hardest part of starting your own business?

I think what continues to be the trickiest part is what is common to most small, especially family business and especially mums in business and that is just finding the time to get everything done! Making your business stand out amongst all the noise of the social media world takes a lot of time, persistency and creativity and just balancing that out against family life and other responsibilities can make your head spin at times!

5)     One book and/or documentary everyone should read/watch? Why?

In terms of inspiring sustainable change in the world, I would really recommend David Attenborough’s “Our Planet”. The footage and knowledge of this incredible planet that he shares is absolutely breathtaking and at the same time, incredibly confronting as we learn the devastating effect of human activity on the natural world and how much we have already lost.

What is wonderful is that he also shares examples of how implementing change has brought about such positive results so he leaves us with a sense of hope but also a challenge to step up and do what we can to make those changes happen.

6)       Best piece of advice you have ever received?

I love this quote from Winston Churchill : “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

It reminds me that so many people throughout history who have achieved great things so often have not been those who were extraordinarily gifted or well positioned to succeed but those who didn’t let failure get them down and just kept trying and trying no matter what.

Go check out S.H.A for yourself here!