20th Jul 2023
Meet the Member – Kirsten Kane, Daisy and Dragon
‘Meet The Member’ is our blog series where we get to know the members of our business club a little better. In this post, we catch up with Kirsten Kane, Daisy and Dragon
Name, business name
Kirsten Kane, Daisy and DragonTell us about your businesses, the inspiration behind it and when you launched it?
The idea for Daisy and Dragon started back in 2015 when I was working as a children’s party stylist in Monaco. I was creating magical themed parties that went into the bin at the end of the party – I wanted to create the same magic for childrens bedroom design. The business initially started as an interior design company where I painted murals and made teepees and toy boxes for kids rooms. After moving home I put Daisy and Dragon aside for a while until the pandemic hit in 2020 and my husband and I lost all our income. I decided to start making my teepees again – this time for my own daughter Rosa. I set up a website and started selling my products online. When lockdowns lifted I started a toddler arts class to help Rosa as she was very shy. I also started painting my murals again when I was able to go into people’s homes. The classes really took off and I realised my passion for working directly with children and their parents. I was renting a room in a community centre but my dream was to have my own place. Eventually at the start of 2023 I found the perfect venue and I was able to open my baby and toddler club! Daisy and Dragon is a Montessori inspired play room where I hold daily baby and toddler classes, playgroups, newborn meet up group and birthday parties. It’s a dream come true!Best piece of advice you were given at the start of your business journey?
My best advice was to always look ahead and not get too comfy. I am always looking for ways to improve, whether through customer feedback or thinking of other ways to expand and grow.What has been your biggest lesson/ challenge faced so far and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was while renting a room for my classes as well as renting a studio to make my products. I was spending too much and realised I needed to find a venue where I could do both. In my new venue I’m able to make my products as well as teach my classes which has made my outgoings a lot more manageable.What is your number 1 business tip for success?
Be open to change and grow with your business. Identify what is working and what isn’t – if it isn’t working then stop doing it. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone and don’t let pride hold you back.What are the big business goals for 2023?
I’ve started writing my own books to read in my classes – I’d love to have a couple more of them printed. I’m working on other classes for other age groups so I’d love to have more classes running as well.How can the GGC Business membership help?
The GGC membership can help connect me with like minded women to bounce ideas off of and collaborate with in the future.What’s the dream?
I feel like I’m already living the dream! However I want to keep growing the business with the view of franchising and having Daisy and Dragon classes and clubs all over the country. You’ve got to dream big eh!Fave mantra to get you buzzed up for business: I can do anything!
Shout out to another local business you admire?
Jenny from Sew Confident is an absolute business hero of mine. We went to high school together and I’ve loved watching her grow her business. She’s a massive inspiration and her book “Stop Playing Small” gave me the push to sign the lease on my own venue.Offer for GGC website members? 10% off classes
You can find out more about Daisy and Dragon here