Internationally acclaimed fashion designer Abby Kheir has charted steady growth since she founded her first pop-up in a Sydney shopping mall two decades ago.
“I later owned a chain of retail stores in Sydney. And when I would do the buying, I used to look at what other stores were doing and try to mimic that because I was new at it.
“Back then, I wanted to play it safe. But I also wanted to buy what I wanted to wear, but I wasn't finding. So I decided to design it myself,” the 44-year-old says.
Her label Abyss by Abby is now famous for its glamorous, eye-catching creations, with fans worldwide including Hollywood celebrities.
Abby's new range has a structured look. Source: SBS Sandra Fulloon
“Our business has grown every year. Of course, in 2020 due to coronavirus restrictions on major events and end of year formals, we took a hit.
“But because I've always been smart with my money, [COVID-19] hasn't affected me too much."
The self -taught designer is based in Mount Lewis, in Sydney's south-west, and remains hands on with her fashion label.
“My new range is more powerful, with a lot of high collars and strong shoulder pads,” she says.
Abby designs at her Sydney studio. Source: SBS Sandra Fulloon
“Because I feel like people will want to come back out of this pandemic, feeling strong.
“I don’t follow fashion trends I pretty much do what I feel a woman might like.”
Born to Lebanese parents in Australia, Abby said she had to fight expectations to be able to start her first retail business aged 21 after marrying young.
“Within the Arab culture, from the first month [after marriage] everyone's asking when you're having a baby, because that's the norm," she said. So Abby waited until she was 28 to have her son Mohammed.
Her self-starter ethic was honed growing up in the family fruit stores.
“I worked [with my dad] from a young age, when most kids were hanging out with their friends. My parents would not find me at home at the weekends, I would be at work.
“And I have used everything my Dad taught me in business.
“He believed a woman can be a mother and have a successful career, and at the same time."
With the support of her husband, Abby has grown the business exponentially and now has more than 800,000 Instagram followers.
Abby hopes to be a role model to younger female founders. Source: SBS Sandra Fulloon
“It's tough, being a woman and being in a business. You have to love what you do, or you will not want to continue,” she says.
And she has this advice for other female founders transitioning during the pandemic.
“I don't feel like this is the time to be thinking you're going to make a million dollars. It's all about survival,” she says.
And she hopes to be a role model to young entrepreneurs considering starting their own venture.
“I've always looked at women that were doing so well and that's what I wanted. It made me want to work harder.
“And I hope that girls, when they see me, think the same thing.”
