Australia is known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and laid-back lifestyle. But beyond its shores, a new wave Australian, female entrepreneur is well… Making us talk in the USA.
Meet Australian female entrepreneur Erin Williams bringing the Aussie vibes to the US with not one but two lifestyle brands yehMATE and Glam Box Beverly Hills.
In the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, there are individuals who not only break barriers but shatter them entirely. One such trailblazer is Erin Williams Carr, a visionary entrepreneur who has made significant strides in two distinct yet interconnected industries: silk fashion and men’s wellness and lifestyle. Her journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of female entrepreneurship.
Erin reflects stating, “Being a female entrepreneur in these industries comes with its own set of challenges, but it also presents unique opportunities to drive positive change. By staying true to my values and never compromising on quality or integrity, I’ve been able to carve out a space for myself and my brands in the market.”
Erin’s venture into the world of entrepreneurship began back at the young age of 20 years old down under in the beautiful city of Melbourne Australia.
Starting her first business in her parents’ family home which was a Childcare business, Erin’s passion and love for having her own businesses continued to grow over the years and her creativity evolved. From there she went on to start her next business, a PR agency which grew rapidly and brought her to the US with her husband Jake (retired professional boxer) which now they quite happily call LA home.
I had the pleasure and lots of laughs with Erin whilst I got to interview her on both her brands, business, life in the US and what we can expect more of!
It’s true… Australians are brilliant people! Take your pick… glam up or even grab yourself frothy whilst reading my latest interview with none other than the Founder herself.
What inspired you to start your own business?
I think from a young age I always wanted to create something. I love to work and do my own thing, and be creative. And the idea of having my own businesses was a challenge I wanted to see if I was capable of doing. And whilst I have challenges still it’s one I wouldn’t change.
What challenges do you face with your businesses?
It really depends. Sometimes things can be great and everything is flowing and other times it’s not so great and I am thinking why do I do this!
How do you stay motivated during tough times in your business?
Just knowing that there is always a solution at the end of the day & everything can be sorted. You have to push through the tough times cause they will always be there no matter what.
What role has mentorship played in your entrepreneurial journey?
I was lucky enough to have grown up in a family business so I was able to see a lot of hard work, stress and success in different stages of business from a young age. Which gave me an insight into what it could be like, good or bad. But now I am also lucky enough to know some incredible entrepreneurs that help guide me and share their advice and experiences with me.
Let’s start with yehMATE… tell us about this bloody awesome brand you are building?
Haha, well both brands came out of covid. The idea for yehMATE is to have a strong focus on men’s mental health and make the brand a mix of lifestyle, men’s wellness from different products that range through skincare, accessories & fashion. Making the brand affordable and inclusive for all. We want to make it fun, motivating and share a little bit of Australian culture with the US people which is why we have recently just launched our Aussie ‘slang’ T’shirts.
Tell us about Glam Box Beverly Hills?
Well Glam like yehMATE started in covid. I wanted to create silk products and accessories that were affordable and still giving the luxury vibe to females. I have two sisters and we are all quite girly so I wanted to create a brand of products that we would purchase ourselves and the types of products we love to wear and use. For me anytime I can be ‘Glam’ I will be and I love any chance I can to have my makeup done. But there are also many days where I definitely don’t have any makeup on and I know many girls now love the natural look too so I also want to encompass that through our brand and line of products. Just being you whichever way that is, is great and accepted.
What are your future goals and aspirations for your business?
I do have lots of goals but I think to start with just to continue to build both of the brands to be great, successful big businesses where we can continue to grow and evolve.
I want to make both brands a place where our consumers just love shopping with us & being part of our company through making themselves feel good. I want people to feel a sense of happiness whilst they shop with us whether that be yehMATE or Glam. I am looking forward to the day where we walk into one of our retail stores and see our products on the shelf. (hopefully in the next couple of months).
How do you approach decision-making and risk-taking in your business?
Hmm… Well I think most days I take risks just by doing what I am doing. You never know if something will work until you do it. So that’s the risk!
What strategies do you use to stay innovative and ahead of the competition?
This is always changing but really knowing the competition and what I am up against especially as we move into the retail side of things. Staying true to our vision and focusing on what we are creating and providing to our customers.
How do you prioritize self-care and well-being while managing a business?
Well I do pilates 3 times a week and have a personal training 3 times a week so that’s what makes me feel good. Plus I try to do some boxing with Jake when we can!
How do you manage stress?
Call my dad usually and cry! Haha. But then I am very good at picking myself up and getting on with it and working out a way to fix the stress or a problem.
Can you discuss the importance of networking and building relationships in entrepreneurship?
I think it’s important! It’s great being able to mix with other people that also have their own businesses and be able to discuss all the similar highs and lows we all have no matter what stage we are at.
What impact do you hope to make through to other people’s lives through your businesess?
I guess I haven’t really ever thought about that but perhaps just being a good role model to my nieces and nephews so when they are older they and one day when I have kids they can see that it really only takes hard work, resilience and commitment to achieve whatever you want.
How is life in LA and is this where you call home now for good?
Incredible – we absolutely love it. Our lifestyle is amazing, we have built great friends which feel like family and Jake is thriving being back in the gym. Just this side not fighting.
Australia will always be home. But we do not have any plans to move back. Our life is here and we are really only just getting started on some of our best days ahead.
Erin’s success as a female entrepreneur in traditionally male-dominated industries is a testament to her determination and vision. By challenging stereotypes and embracing innovation, she is not only building two successful brands but is also paving the way for other young female entrepreneurs.
I want to extend my gratitude to Erin for being so open, honest and motivating throughout the time we had talking.
You can go find Erin and her brands at:
https://yeh-mate.com/ 10% off the new T’s at the moment using discount code #aussie10
IG yehmateau
https://glamboxbeverlyhills.com/
IG glamboxbeverlyhills
Erin: @erin_kwilliams
PR @socialboutiquela
