GOAT TALES #18
Marnie Skillings - Creative Director & Design and Creative Consultant
21 MARCH 2025, WRITTEN BY JACKIE BARON
Neon Beginnings: In the spirit of Neon Goat's vibrant energy, could you share a moment when your teen/tween son brought an unexpected splash of colour into your life or business?
Costa is a genius creative and I am always in awe of his ingenuity. He’s even provided illustrations I have used in .skillings. Creations (my unique, sustainable and ethical fashion label) and most recently added fabulous insight and knowledge on my digital creative styling projects.
Admirable Traits: Teenagers (tweens) often teach us more about life than we realise. What's one thing you admire most about your teen son, or what have you learned from him that's been surprisingly profound?
His kindness and gentle nature. He's very fair.
Shared Passions: What's an activity or hobby you love doing together with your teen son that brings out the 'cool' in both of you, Neon Goat style?
We love a good camping trip and adventure... give us something in nature and our free spirits just soar.
Time-Travel Tips: If you could step into a time machine and visit your teenage self, what cheeky piece of advice would you give yourself about navigating the future, especially knowing what you do now about business and life?
I would tell ‘teenage Marnie’ to chill, take time, explore and have some fun. All of the above is also inspiring. I look back at my overarching teenage boffin self and realise it's no wonder I was an anxious mess!
Laugh Out Loud: Share a hilarious or face-palm moment you've had with your teen son that still makes you chuckle or shake your head in disbelief. That typical teen-moment or habit!
We have regular mischievous hilarity over what a little devil he can be behind his angelic facade. He can give me one look and communicate something so cheeky in a situation and we all just ‘get it’ and cannot keep a straight face. Teddy Jean (Marnie’s daughter) is like this too - so they gang up on me and give me hell and try to get me in trouble!
Navigating the Teen Terrain: Teens are known for their mood swings and monosyllabic responses. What's your secret to getting your teen son to open up and engage in meaningful conversations, especially about life and your business?
I let him be when he needs his quiet and or processing time - then I can pick my moment and he can open up.
The Ultimate Collaboration: Imagine you're launching a special Neon Goat product inspired by your journey as a parent to a teen son. What would it be, and what story would it tell?
A shared product we could bond over! Maybe a zesty after-shower spritz spray for our faces! We both love clear and clean looking skin.
Marnie is Director of Style with Parlour X - Australia’s leading multi-brand Luxury & Contemporary multi-brand fashion boutique and e-commerce destination. As Director of Style Parlour X, Marnie oversees visual merchandising and style direction the physical and digital boutiques, digital communications, social media and client styling. Former designer of her own successful labels Marnie Skillings and .skillings. and Creative Director for some of Australia's most notable fashion labels.
GOAT TALES #18: MARNIE SKILLINGS
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