ALISON LENNARD
Designer and Owner of Philosophy Australia, and Mum to Frank 14
Neon Beginnings: In the spirit of Neon Goat's vibrant energy, could you share a moment when your teen son brought an unexpected splash of colour into your life or business?
In January 2020 pre-Covid, we were battling Bush Fires, and together with his sister they came into the business to help make 'Slings and Pouches' for the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. My team had all recently made #teamali tees, and they both decided they wanted one too, so that they could be a part of it. It’s a special memory for me. (Also, 6 years later, they are both now so grown up, I keep the photo on my desk to remember they were once so little).
Teen-Inspired Innovation:
Has your teen son ever given you a business idea or insight that was so brilliant it made you think, "Why didn't I think of that?" What was it, and how did it influence your business?
He designed a dress one afternoon, when he curiously came over to see what I was doing and wanted to join in. I included it in the collection, as it was a great 4-way wear option and an extension of a previous best seller.
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’d say “It’s all gone exactly to plan! But buy a house as quickly as you can!” Oh and "it’ll be in Australia not England, so travel around Europe more whilst it's nearby!" (I moved to Sydney in 2007.)
The Teenage Perspective: Living with a teenager can be like riding a roller coaster in the dark. What's one challenge you've faced while living with your teen son, and how did you turn it into a positive experience?
Online gaming. When playing with mates, he is exceptionally loud! “Bro!!! Dude!!!” We have just had to learn to live with the noise. Hoping that we find some soundproofing options soon - open to suggestions!
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!
I feel it’s more that he laughs at me. Apparently, I am embarrassing, and that is funny rather than mortifying to him. He constantly refers to a “you’re my hero” moment that absolutely cracks him up.
Admirable Traits: Teens 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?
It’s Franks world, we just live in it. He is very independent, considerate and kind and very much his own person. As a teen I think that shows strong character. He also hates social media, I wish I could stay away from it as much as he does. He made me sign a contract he wrote that I won’t post his picture without paying a fee every time. Cheeky.
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 don’t have many shared passions – his are cricket and fishing. But I have enjoyed going to see the Sydney Sixers with him over the summer this year, even though I have no idea what is going on!
The 'Goat' Legacy: If your teen son were to take over Neon Goat for a day, what innovative or outrageous product do you think he would create, and why?
Frank is creatively and logistically minded which is such a great blend, he is going to go far in life. I therefore think he might start by redesign packaging and make prototypes with his 3D printer.
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?
You just need to time it right. Talk when it suits them, not you, and be ready as it’s normally when you are in the middle of something completely different. For us, it’s not in the car, which I know works for most. On the days when I pick him up after school, he needs quiet and a decompress. Bedtime is always the gold, even as he has aged, it’s still a delay technique that I fall for every time.
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?
We always laugh about him having stinky feet as he lives in Crocs, so maybe he’d invent a foot balm/deodorant. Please let me know if you do, he’d be a great tester!
Ali Lennard is the Designer and Owner of Philosophy Australia, and Mum to Frank 14.
Philosophy Australia is a Sydney based women’s fashion brand, committed to slowing fashion down. With a highly regarded reputation for locally made womenswear, offering quality, timelessly stylish pieces that adhere to the labels design handwriting of “easy wear, easy care, wear anywhere!” Style. Proudly made in Sydney, with love.
www.philosophyaustralia.com.au
Instagram: @philosophyaustraliafashion
