lmnop: How were you inspired to start your business?

tc: I was making adult t-shirts for any brand that’d have me for years. But when our son was born, I wanted to make t-shirts for him that would somehow describe the idiosyncrasies of children but also express some of the parents’ joy and expectation, and well, frustration.

lmnop: What’s your biggest seller?

tc: The perennial favourite has been ‘far out brussel sprout’ but lately ‘the force
is strong with this one’ has rocketted to the top of the list.

lmnop: What advice would you give to other dads trying to start a business?

tc: Have the love of a good woman! Don’t get too caught up with a grand plan; it’s good to be adaptable. Men can tend to overlook the details so it’s good to remember a few basics … like looking after the customer and paying the bills.

lmnop: How do you juggle your business with fatherhood?

tc: Can anyone tell me how they do that? I just don’t plan to work after 3pm then catch up after Finbar’s bedtime.

lmnop: What’s your biggest challenge as a dad?

tc: When I’m with Finbar, I want to give him 100% but when you have your own business, it is always lurking there in the back of your mind somewhere. It’s very hard to switch off and get close to that 100% target

lmnop: What do you and Finbar like to do together?

tc: We’ve started playing the card game Uno and I don’t have to let him win anymore – he’s doing well on his own! Meeting with our regular park playmates after school, riding our bicycles and the occasional sneaky gelato treat at Bar Italia.

lmnop: The best piece of advice you’ll ever give your son.

tc: 1. Remember the force will be with you, always (quote from Star Wars).
2. Always be nice to your Mum. 3. Make your own luck.

wellspotted.com.au

SEE THE FULL STORY
Read more about Tony Clayton in LMNOP Magazine, Issue 7.
Download it now