BUSINESS PROFILES// OBUS – Kylie Zerbst

Tell us about your business – when did you start it and what is it all about?

The seeds of Obus were planted 20 years ago when I was working on my masters (Graphic Design) and embarking on my first big overseas trip, to India. I was so enamoured with the colours and textiles of that part of the world, and totally inspired by the handmade nature of everything I saw, that when I returned to Melbourne I was reluctant to get back on the computer. Instead I started developing my own textile designs and garments and the very first Obus collection was born. Fast forward to today, and each Obus collection is influenced by travel, to destinations both real and imagined, and every piece is designed to help women feel empowered and inspired… I still design all of the Obus prints, so original textile design is still a cornerstone of the garments and accessories we produce.

What inspires you to do what you do everyday?

I feel very lucky to be able to run my own business. It’s super stressful a LOT of the time, but along with that comes a lot of creative freedom, and also the ability to work in a way that suits me. We work in a totally collaborative way at Obus, which is inspiring in itself –  and one of the best things about my day is working with an amazingly diverse group of smart and dedicated women – We don’t always get things right, which can be disappointing after so much hard work, but lots of time we do, and the collective feeling of being proud of what we do is really something!

What is next for your business?

We’ve just launched our Winter collection, WAY OF FLOWERS, which was inspired by ikebana (the Japanese art of flower arranging) and also the work of photographer Ogawa Kazumasa. It’s always so exciting for the whole Obus team to launch a collection because it’s such a collaborative effort. Later in the year we’re collaborating with another local design business that ethical-clothing enthusiasts will love (but I can’t say too much at this stage!)

What other inner north businesses inspire you?

One of the reasons we love Melbourne is the number of independent clothing and accessory brands that have travelled along side us over the last two decades. One that comes to mind is Crumpler. We started around the same time and were neighbours on Gertrude Street in Fitzroy for many years! Its all come full circle now, as we are stoked to be collaborating with them on a capsule collection of bags and travel accessories featuring our original prints. Can’t wait to see the ladies of Melbourne toting them around this winter!

What’s your top health hack as a business owner for readers?

In almost complete contrast to my busy week days in the Obus studio designing prints and clothing, I spend most of my weekends with my family adventuring in nature. Either on our trusty sailing boat in summer which has become our home away from home – a pretty special place for the three of us to escape to; or at my partner’s family property in Wandilligong in the colder months so that we can spend our weekends skiing. Getting away from the studio and doing something completely different to thinking about fashion helps to deal with the stress and challenges of running a small business, and I can see now that being able to completely switch off is what has kept me going.

Go back