WHAT'S YOUR NAME?
Abby van Schreven
WHAT DO YOU DO AND WHY DO YOU DO IT?
I help creative business owners get their shit together - financially speaking. After 14 years of running my fashion brand Maaike, I watched too many brilliant creatives crash and burn because no one ever taught them how to actually run a business. So now, I'm that person - the one who's lived it, made the mistakes and is here to help others avoid them so they can grow & scale.
WHERE DO YOU LIVE?
In Cambridge, Waikato. We moved down here just over a year ago from Auckland to be closer to family.
DO YOU MIND TELLING US YOUR AGE?
39
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT CLOTHES?
That they can completely transform how you feel. The right outfit can lift my mood, boost my confidence, or make me feel powerful walking into a room full of strangers. They’re a feeling, a shield, a statement.
YOU’RE OUR INCREDIBLE BUSINESS MENTOR/ACCOUNTS PERSON/ANYTHING BUSINESS RELATED GO-TO, WHAT’S 5 THINGS EVERY CREATIVE IN BUSINESS SHOULD KNOW/LEARN?
1. Stop pricing for Approval, Start pricing for profit.
If your costs are right and your margins are too skinny, it becomes near impossible to pay yourself, hire help or fund growth.
Making money might feel uncomfortable but you deserve to be paid for your talent, time and risk. Profit isn't a dirty word.
2. No one's coming to save you.
You have to understand the business side. Learn the basics, ask questions, reach out to people. Don't outsource it if you don't understand the basics yourself first as you won't know if they are doing a good job or not.
3. You are the brand.
People buy from people before they buy the thing. So show up, tell your story and build trust by being real - even when shit is going wrong.
4. Know your money rhythm.
Money flows in waves not straight lines. Learn your sales cycles, when bills hit and when cash is tight so you can prepare for it.
5. Your numbers are trying to tell you something - listen.
Sales down? Stock not moving? Customer retention tanking? That's not just "bad luck" , it's the data begging you to do something. Don't guess. Use the facts.
FAVE PIECE FROM OUR NEW COLLECTION?
I am obsessed with the Priscilla Rose Print and love the 1999 Mesh top with the LUX LISBON Slip combo
YOU’RE ON “COME DINE WITH ME” WHO DO YOU INVITE AND WHAT DO YOU COOK FOR THEM?
I'd invite my friends, since moving away from Auckland i miss them heaps so any excuse to hang out! I'd cook something that goes in the middle of the table so everyone helps themselves like a slow cooked lamb leg with flat breads, lots of little sides and condiments. Build your own, a bit messy and lots of fun.
WHAT'S YOUR WORST HABIT?
I have absolutely zero patience which has really tested me since being a mum (lol)
WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT?
Other people's businesses! Hahaha
If I am working on a problem with a client my mind just goes into overdrive and it will be thinking about it all the time. I am really invested in their businesses so it takes up a lot of head space.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVE SONG TO BLAST IN THE CAR ?
At the moment I am in love with Amber Mark's Album 3.33am but if Road tripping it is 90's Pop all the way.
DO YOU HAVE A RECURRING DREAM OR NIGHTMARE?
Nah, dreaming comes in waves for me. Think it depends on where my head is at.
FAVE PODCAST:
I love Super Creative - we have so many amazing creative women in NZ operating incredible businesses here and internationally.
LEAVE US WITH YOUR FAVE BUSINESS RELATED QUOTE:
I've got 2:
Chase after your dreams as if they owe you money.
Get out of your own way - post the thing, have the uncomfortable conversation, ask the question.
Abby wears our MID LUX LISBON dress and 1999 Silk Mesh top both in Mysterious 20's Woman Print
Find out more about Abby at www.waffleadvisory.co.nz
Image by Ash Muir
MEET ABBY VAN SCHREVEN
WHAT'S YOUR NAME?
Abby van Schreven
WHAT DO YOU DO AND WHY DO YOU DO IT?
I help creative business owners get their shit together - financially speaking. After 14 years of running my fashion brand Maaike, I watched too many brilliant creatives crash and burn because no one ever taught them how to actually run a business. So now, I'm that person - the one who's lived it, made the mistakes and is here to help others avoid them so they can grow & scale.
WHERE DO YOU LIVE?
In Cambridge, Waikato. We moved down here just over a year ago from Auckland to be closer to family.
DO YOU MIND TELLING US YOUR AGE?
39
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT CLOTHES?
That they can completely transform how you feel. The right outfit can lift my mood, boost my confidence, or make me feel powerful walking into a room full of strangers. They’re a feeling, a shield, a statement.
YOU’RE OUR INCREDIBLE BUSINESS MENTOR/ACCOUNTS PERSON/ANYTHING BUSINESS RELATED GO-TO, WHAT’S 5 THINGS EVERY CREATIVE IN BUSINESS SHOULD KNOW/LEARN?
1. Stop pricing for Approval, Start pricing for profit.
If your costs are right and your margins are too skinny, it becomes near impossible to pay yourself, hire help or fund growth.
Making money might feel uncomfortable but you deserve to be paid for your talent, time and risk. Profit isn't a dirty word.
2. No one's coming to save you.
You have to understand the business side. Learn the basics, ask questions, reach out to people. Don't outsource it if you don't understand the basics yourself first as you won't know if they are doing a good job or not.
3. You are the brand.
People buy from people before they buy the thing. So show up, tell your story and build trust by being real - even when shit is going wrong.
4. Know your money rhythm.
Money flows in waves not straight lines. Learn your sales cycles, when bills hit and when cash is tight so you can prepare for it.
5. Your numbers are trying to tell you something - listen.
Sales down? Stock not moving? Customer retention tanking? That's not just "bad luck" , it's the data begging you to do something. Don't guess. Use the facts.
FAVE PIECE FROM OUR NEW COLLECTION?
I am obsessed with the Priscilla Rose Print and love the 1999 Mesh top with the LUX LISBON Slip combo
YOU’RE ON “COME DINE WITH ME” WHO DO YOU INVITE AND WHAT DO YOU COOK FOR THEM?
I'd invite my friends, since moving away from Auckland i miss them heaps so any excuse to hang out! I'd cook something that goes in the middle of the table so everyone helps themselves like a slow cooked lamb leg with flat breads, lots of little sides and condiments. Build your own, a bit messy and lots of fun.
WHAT'S YOUR WORST HABIT?
I have absolutely zero patience which has really tested me since being a mum (lol)
WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT?
Other people's businesses! Hahaha
If I am working on a problem with a client my mind just goes into overdrive and it will be thinking about it all the time. I am really invested in their businesses so it takes up a lot of head space.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVE SONG TO BLAST IN THE CAR ?
At the moment I am in love with Amber Mark's Album 3.33am but if Road tripping it is 90's Pop all the way.
DO YOU HAVE A RECURRING DREAM OR NIGHTMARE?
Nah, dreaming comes in waves for me. Think it depends on where my head is at.
FAVE PODCAST:
I love Super Creative - we have so many amazing creative women in NZ operating incredible businesses here and internationally.
LEAVE US WITH YOUR FAVE BUSINESS RELATED QUOTE:
I've got 2:
Chase after your dreams as if they owe you money.
Get out of your own way - post the thing, have the uncomfortable conversation, ask the question.
Abby wears our MID LUX LISBON dress and 1999 Silk Mesh top both in Mysterious 20's Woman Print
Find out more about Abby at www.waffleadvisory.co.nz
Image by Ash Muir