“Don’t be beige”

Kristy Dickinson's jewellery line is bright, brash and lots of fun. While Instagram has been a helpful marketing platform, it's also made her vulnerable to copycats.

Kristy Dickinson, founder of Haus of Dizzy. Source: SBS

From a young age, Kristy Dickinson had always had a passion for colour and hip-hop, and one of her biggest fashion inspirations was her mother.

“My mum she was amazing back in the 80s. She used to have the best outfits on, really high-waisted [clothes].”

However, the Wiradjuri woman's passion for fashion faded as she faced tragedy.

“My mum passed away when I was 19, just as I was finishing my first year of uni. Then I had to leave university look after my younger brother and sister and sort of lost my way a little bit.”

Kirsty with her mum. Source: Kristy Dickinson

After a few years of looking after her siblings, a new job at Bondi pushed Kristy to find her spark.

“I actually started getting my creative flare back I think, meeting with people, doing a bit of acting, [so I] started making jewellery again.”

In January 2016, she launched Haus of Dizzy, with her ‘Deadly’ earrings – a homage to her connection with her Indigenous roots - becoming bestsellers.

One of Haus of Dizzy's best-selling designs. Source: SBS

Among her other designs are ‘Girl Power’ and ‘Don’t Be Beige’ earrings – perfect for making a vibrant statement.

“Don't be beige - nobody should be beige - that just means don't be basic,” Kristy says.

As the business grew - thanks in part to Instagram - Kristy quickly learnt that creativity was very different to the business side of things.

“Probably finding time for everything is the biggest challenge. I’m so good with the creative side but finding time to do the accounting [is difficult].”

While social media was her biggest strength, it’s also opened up a vulnerable side of her business.

Social media has been a double-edged sword for Haus of Dizzy. Source: SBS

“Another challenge I've had to face is people copying my stuff. I just recently saw something on a Melbourne Instagram page, and it was my earrings exactly but in colours I’ve never used.”

“To copyright every single one of my designs would be very expensive for a small business, and then that would become my biggest cost.”

However, she doesn’t let this dampen her passion for her colourful and fun designs.

“It could literally be 11 o’clock at night and I’m like, ‘I've got an idea!’ and I’ll sketch it up or write it down. So I’m always thinking of something new.”

“Sometimes, I sit back and go, ‘oh yeah this is cool. I love it!’”

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