From side-hustle to global phenomenon: How Lorna Jane became an activewear giant

Lorna Jane Clarkson started the activewear label Lorna Jane in 1989. After working as a dental therapist, she built the label from the ground up. Today, there are more than 140 Lorna Jane stores in Australia alone. This year, she celebrates 35 years of business and sits down with Forbes Australia to share her secrets to success.  

Lorna Jane Clarkson will be speaking at the Forbes Australia Business Summit on November 19. Click here to secure your tickets.

You were a dental therapist before creating a clothing line – what inspired you to make the transition? What made you believe you had the skills to do it?  

You’re right, I worked as a dental therapist 9-5, but I was also spending my spare time working as a fitness instructor. So, by the time I’d worked up the courage to quit my day job, I’d already been designing workout clothing for myself and the women in my classes for a few months (possibly a year). The demand for what I was creating and this new concept of ‘activewear’ was increasing, so as the market for my side hustle continued to grow, it simply made sense to give it a go full-time. Did I have all the skills? No. Do I look back now with disbelief that I was making my first activewear pieces on a Janome sewing machine at my dining room table, and people were willing to pay for it? Yes. But I was stepping into new territory. There were no rules.