Camille Co. Soaps by Cheyney
Anyone else use their exercise time to get some clarity about a work project you might be working on? Well, Cheyney from Camille Co knows all about that and as she is busy juggling two businesses, hopefully her workouts are double the fun! Cheyney has been really open and honest in sharing her thoughts about her business and in life in general - striving to do better than yesterday is what keeps her going - I think that rings true for a lot of us.
Why are you doing what you do/motivation to start your business?
I worked at a store called Freyja in Fernie, Canada where I lived 4 years ago. My boss was such an inspiration to me. She owned a couple of fashion stores in small, ski towns (where most people wear ski clothes) and she was killing it in all aspects of her life. She also planted the seed that I would be capable of starting up my own thing. Something that prior to meeting her, I would have never thought was possible.
I moved back to NZ and rather than getting a Graphic Design position, I started Camille Co.
Now that I’m my own boss. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I now have two businesses. Design by Cheyney came after Camille Co. and it was a way for me to supplement my income (these two businesses are my {more than} full-time job). No two days are the same and I love the challenge. I also love the autonomy, creativity and freedom of running my own businesses. I have never been competitive except with myself. Doing better than yesterday keeps me going. It’s been cool to see them each grow in their own way - They’re my babies.
How did you decide on your brand/business name/any specific meaning behind it?
Camille is my middle name. My first name (Cheyney, pronounced Shayney) is difficult for people to pronounce. I always get a range of variations of it. Camille is relevant to me without being my first name. It’s French (like the perfumes Camille Co. uses). I have always liked the aesthetic of it written down (the double L's in the middle) make an interesting balance.
Biggest lesson you’ve learnt in business?
I have a couple here.
Balance is one - Striking it can be difficult. Separating my business from my personal life continues to be a struggle for me. I have to consciously ‘switch off’ and stop myself from working too much. I have to put strict boundaries on myself to try not to work during the weekend and make my weekend ‘Cheyney time’. I have had some health issues over the last three years in business and I blame stress. Managing my stress is a constant battle. I’m not there yet, but I have improved from my first couple of years in business. This part of me will continue to evolve, I’m sure.
The other one is nothing comes quickly or easily. I was a little bit naive at the start about how long it takes to grow a business. I was also under the illusion that if I work hard, I would be guaranteed success. Success is a tricky one to define. But I now know that I must continue to grow and persevere. Success is a journey, not a destination and business is organic. It is forever changing/evolving and I just roll with the changes. Reflection is a big part of my routine to get some perspective on how far I have come.
Got a tip for the best way to use/consume your product?
Candles - Practice good candle care. Melt the wax to the edge of the vessel each time you light it. And keep that wick trimmed. Instructions are also on our packaging. Soaps - Keep your soap dry between uses. This makes it last much longer. Having it sit in water makes it disintegrate. Invest in a good soap dish with proper drainage.
What are some small things that make your day?
Coffee. I have a problem…The first thing I think of before I sleep and the first thing I think of when I wake up. It’s like a warm hug. Positive reinforcement - Positive vibes towards Camille Co. or my design work make me do a little internal happy dance.
What takes up too much of your time?
Administration. I would love to outsource it all, I’ll get there one day. In the creative space is where I want to live and where I’m most happy.
Favourite thing to do to relax/unwind?
I love a good bath. Also, time out with friends or exercising. When I spend time with friends and family my mind can shut off from the businesses. Usually, I think about business when I exercise. iI’s a time I can get clarity on my thoughts and projects I am involved with at the time.
What are you most grateful and thankful for in your life?
My friends, family and boyfriend. Without a doubt. Without these people, I’m not sure where I would be. I have so many great people in my life to be thankful for.
What TV show has you hooked at the moment?
Queer Eye - So positive. It always has me grinning from ear to ear. I love the fab 5. I wish I was friends with all of them, haha.
If you could invite three famous people for cocktails and canapes - who would they be?
Annie Leibovitz - I LOVE her photography and I would love to get some pointers from her. Ben Harper - I have been a fan since I was about 11 years old. It would be cool to discuss his creative process and changes over the years. Jonathan from Queer Eye - I want to befriend him and his positivity seems infectious.
You can find one of Cheyney's gorgeous luxury soaps in our Bathroom Luxe Gift Box, the fragrance is a little unusual - Blackcurrant and Vanilla - but that's what we love about it! See it here.
