"The Business of Fun"

"I started the business literally on the kitchen table in 1982, making hand made jewellery and selling it on the streets to help pay my way through University. A woman approached me one day and asked did I wholesale? Not quite knowing what that meant I answered: yes of course! With one order under my belt I decided to approach the high profile retail chain Portmans - and was shocked to receive an order on the spot for hundreds of pairs of earrings.

This turned out to be the end of an Arts Degree – and the start of a career in fashion accessories.

During the Eighties, I leased space in Fitzroy – at the time a run down area of inner Melbourne populated with alternative shops, street people and punk rockers. I started doing business with most of Australia's major retail chains and department stores including Myer, David Jones, Sportsgirl and Sussan. It was great fun, so that is what I called the business.

In the early 1990's, the company was incorporated and I was joined by three new business partners; Sally Glover a major shareholder, Genevieve Reid and Jenny Price. Together we have turned Fun into a powerhouse in the Australian market – importing from all over the world and producing a full range of fashion products under license for top labels such as Lili and Diana Ferrari.

In 2000, Fun was appointed Australian distributor for Monet – the world's largest jewellery brand. In a few short years we are proud to have taken Monet from obscurity to being the No #2 brand of classic jewellery in this market. In 2005 Fun was appointed the Australian distributor for Kenneth Cole New York - handbags and jewellery - and in 2007 we have been very excited to launch our own brand “Fundamental" partnering with Myer.

Today Fun is still located in Fitzroy – which has become Melbourne's centre of bohemian culture, innovative young designers and trendy cafes. We occupy large modern premises with gleaming showrooms and hordes of talented staff, however two constants remain: Portmans – our first client is still a major customer, and we are still having fun"

Stephen Stanford