A CHAT WITH ANNIE WATERS
Annie Waters is the founder of MAYFIELD, a beautifully designed and thoughtfully curated fashion boutique located AROUND THE CORNER from us in Newtown.
Annie is a long-time friend of the studio; someone we love to bounce ideas AROUND WITH aS A FELLOW SMALL BUSINESS OWNER. ANNIE IS PASSIONATE ABOUT COMMUNITY AND GEELONG.
WE RECENTLY CAUGHT UP WITH HER TO CHAT ABOUT HER BUSINESS AND SOME OF HER FAVOURITE LOCAL RECOMMENDATIONS.
Image: Mayfield
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF, YOUR BUSINESS AND WHAT YOU DO…
Hello! I’m Annie. I’m the founder of MAYFIELD, a fashion store in Newtown, Geelong. I’ve had the business for six and a half years which has absolutely flown by. We stock a mix of Australian designed labels, I would describe our aesthetic as classic, chic and timeless.
When I’m not running the store, I’m very busy looking after my sons Teddy (3) and Jimmy (1). They keep me grounded and I’m obsessed with being their mum.
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN SPENDING MOST OF YOUR TIME ON LATELY, BUSINESS WISE?
At the moment I’m buying for next spring. This involves a few trips to Melbourne to meet with the brands I stock and browse through their new collections. It’s a part of the business I always very exciting. I’ve made so many wonderful connections with people through buying over the years. The Australian fashion world is very small.
WHERE DO YOU LOOK FOR INSPIRATION?
Instagram is obviously huge for inspiration but I’m old school and love a hard copy magazine, Vogue is a particular favourite.
Image: Phoebe Stone
IF YOU HAD $1000 TO SPEND ON A PIECE OF ART WHAT WOULD YOU BUY?
Ooooh…there are so many pieces I want! But something from Sydney based artist Phoebe Stone I think. A browse through our local Boom Gallery also always provides me with something new to covet.
CAN YOU SHARE A BOOK, TV SHOW, ARTICLE OR PODCAST THAT YOU’VE ENJOYED?
The Work by Erin Deering (founder of Triangl swimwear) is my go-to Podcast. She drops two episodes a week which I love, they are short and sweet, perfect when on the go. I also recently read her memoir Hanging by a Thread and loved it.
I just finished listening to the latest episode of The Mentor with Mark Bouris. He speaks with Caitlin Judd of Lady Brains — I found it fascinating.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK IN GEELONG?
My fave coffee spot is Bottles and Barrels, make sure to get their banana bread, it’s AMAZING!!
I recently visited Two Noble above The Sawyers Arms, so good! A fave date night location is Osteria Fiorenza, mouth-wateringly delicious pasta! Meet me at Mary’s is also fab for a cocktail.
Image: Palarosa bags via Mayfield
YOU’RE HEADING ON A DAY TRIP WITHIN AN HOUR’S DRIVE OF GEELONG, WHERE DO YOU CHOOSE TO GO?
Point Lonsdale — I’d treat myself and book in to Lon Retreat & Spa for a massage, mineral pool swim and cheese platter, Heaven!
TELL US ABOUT A CREATIVE BUSINESS YOU’VE WORKED WITH RECENTLY IN GEELONG?
Last Mother’s Day we teamed up with local bakery Born & Bread and florist Kate from Florum to offer our customers a mini pastry and posie of flowers, that was lovely. I’m also excited to have a little project in the works with Port Fairy based jeweller Luone … stay tuned for more on that one!
Image: Florum
WORDS OF WISDOM OR ADVICE YOU’VE FOUND HELPFUL AS A CREATIVE IN BUSINESS?
Don’t sweat the small stuff and get comfortable being uncomfortable.
FIND ANNIE & MAYFIELD: