When Jude moved from Singapore to Melbourne as a teenager, fashion wasn’t the obvious path. After studying fine arts, serving two years in Singapore’s military, and starting over, he found his creative calling — designing clothes that reflect personality, playfulness, and purpose.

In this episode, Jude shares how he built Design by Jude from scratch — beginning with a single sewing machine, small design markets, and a couple of small loans — to growing into a permanent Fitzroy store and recognition on the Melbourne Fashion Festival main stage.

We talk about:

• How discipline from military life shaped his creative process
• The reality of starting a fashion label without investors — and growing slowly, on purpose
• Finding and understanding your first customers at design markets
• Keeping production local and ethical in Australia, using small runs and deadstock fabrics
• Why starting small can be your greatest advantage

Design by Jude is proudly made in Melbourne using locally produced and ethically sourced materials. If you’re in town, visit the store at 252 Johnston Street, Fitzroy — or explore the latest collections online at designbyjude.com. You can also find Jude on Instagram and Facebook @designbyjude.

Tune in to hear how passion, persistence, and purpose built one of Melbourne’s most beloved independent fashion labels.

In this episode of Founders and Funders Australia, Ray sits down with Louis — an actor, model, and photographer whose creative journey spans continents and industries. From moving to Australia as a child and navigating cultural shifts, to signing with one of the top acting agencies in the country and walking the runway at Melbourne Fashion Week, Louis shares a story of resilience, belonging, and artistic growth.

Louis opens up about his early experiences in drama school, overcoming cultural barriers, finding his creative voice, and breaking into the acting and modeling industries. He discusses the pivotal moment he signed with Morrissey Agency, how photography became a way to reclaim his image, and why self-acceptance was the biggest transformation of all.

We also dive into:

• ​How to secure your first acting agent — even as a teen
• ​Why vulnerability is essential for acting and modeling
• ​How TFP shoots helped Louis build his modeling portfolio
• ​The reality behind agency representation and runway work
• ​Why your mirror image isn’t the real you — and how to train your perception

This episode is perfect for aspiring actors, models, and creatives who want an honest look at breaking into the industry while staying true to yourself.

Follow Louis’ work:

Instagram: @le.studio.photography

Website: lestudiophotography.com.au

Follow Ray: @rayzworld

In this episode of Founders and Funders, host Ray Yee speaks with Karen, founder of The Creative Warehouse. Based in Australia, Karen shares her journey of building a creative business from the ground up, offering insights into entrepreneurship, resilience, and how creativity can fuel business growth.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• How Karen transformed her creative passion into a thriving business.
• The challenges of entrepreneurship in Australia’s creative industry.
• Tips for founders balancing creativity and business strategy.
• Why community and collaboration matter for entrepreneurs.

If you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative founder, or simply curious about the Australian startup landscape, this episode is packed with lessons and inspiration.

Connect with Karen at The Creative Warehouse and on Instagram.

Hosted by Ray Yee