Alyssa Milton
Where and what did you study and what year did you graduate?
Bachelor of Business, 1996, University of Southern Queensland.
Where did you head after graduating?
I worked in marketing roles for both government and private enterprise in Australia and the United Kingdom until 2004. During this time I pursued my passion for needlework and handmade crafts and sold my own wares at local craft markets as a hobby based business which eventually led me moving into accessory design.
When did you launch your own business?
Lyssy May was officially launched in 2003.
What motivated you to start your own business?
I have always had a dream to create my own business built around handmade crafts and designs. The reaction I received to my first range of handbags provided the motivation to undertake a serious approach to starting Lyssy May.
How would you describe your business to someone who didn’t know you?
Lyssy May is all about unique and handmade designs and currently specialises in the creation of handbags. The aim of the business is to nurture traditional crafts and to reflect an era when time and expertise underpinned the creation of products that were treasured and made to last.
How would you describe the products you design to someone who hadn’t seen them?
As my first passion is needlework and crafts, it is the use of different forms of fabrics and trims that define a typical Lyssy May handbag.
What are the most challenging parts of being a designer running a small business?
The challenge is having enough hours in the day! It has also been challenging to educate consumers as to the value of buying local and handmade products.
What inspires your design projects?
Lyssy May designs are inspired by the fabrics that I have sourced over many years. I also look to traditional handcrafts like knitting to create different textures and new ways to incorporate them into accessory design.
What are the next steps for you?
I aim to build Lyssy May as a brand that is synonymous with quality Australian accessory design both domestically and overseas and to expand the product range.
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