GET TO KNOW … KALLIE HUNTER, FOUNDER OF FADE

It’s been a minute since we have provided a personal update here and with so many new faces getting to know the FADE brand for the first time, we thought it was only natural to share an insight into the people behind our brand. To kick off, we got Kallie to sit down and share her life, routine and future ambitions of our FADE team. 

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE?

I am the co-founder and director of FADE. I oversee everything from website development, marketing and PR, customer service, product development and launches, finance, as well as all the little things that pop up along the way. 

WHO ARE YOU OUTSIDE OF FADE?

Outside of FADE, I am a mother of two to Taji (10 months) and Van (3 years), dog mum to a staffy named Boo and partner to Kurt. I'm pretty low key so if I'm not working, I am hanging with the family, at our gym Neighbourhood or down the beachfront. I grew up on the coast, so you can always find me near the ocean. 

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT MORNING ROUTINE?

Lately, I have a very structured morning routine which I love. I have been trying to wake an hour before the kids every morning to focus on myself. That means I’ll either journal, meditate and then do a self-development course, listen to an audiobook or work on FADE. Then it’s getting the kids up and fed, taking 10 minutes to do my skincare routine and getting dressed before we’re out the door for the day. I’ll either drop Van at daycare or go to Good Day Coffee for our morning coffee before doing a 5km beach walk - it just sets the tone for the day and I try and listen to as much of my audiobook or a course during this time. Then it’s home to put Taji down for the day before starting work. 

WHAT DOES YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LOOK LIKE?

My day-to-day life is literally taking each day as it comes. Usually it’s trying to squeeze in as much work in as possible while Taji naps, clean the house (because having a toddler means our place often looks like a bomb has gone off) and the trying to get a workout in before switching off and being completely present for the afternoon/early evening with the kids and Kurt. 

WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE FADE? 

Before FADE, I was a consumer publicist. I started my career in Travel PR working for some of the world’s biggest brands that saw me travel to America, Turkey and Greece to name a few. I then switched over to agency land and where I had fun working on some of the world’s biggest and most disruptive brands, including Airbnb, Uber, ING, Corona, South Australia Tourism to name a few. 

WHY DID YOU CREATE FADE? 

We’ve always wanted to create businesses around the lifestyle we live. For me, during maternity leave with my first son, Van, I was living in activewear but there wasn’t really a market for minimal, neutral activewear that was seasonless and able to be worn in the studio and also look great on morning walks. Kurt was studying fashion design and has an incredible eye for womenswear, so we decided to sample a few of his designs and it just snowballed from there. We always wanted to create pieces that can last beyond one season, can be worn multiple ways and add to a woman’s personal style while keeping to our own aesthetic and be known for our colourways and silhouettes. 

WHEN DO YOU FEEL YOUR BEST SELF? 

Honestly, right now. When I am consistently moving my body each day, eating healthy, taking time for myself, being present with my family and doing things outside of my comfort zone, I really find it motivates me and brings me into a really good energy. It’s simple things, but when done consistently, really changes your attitude and mindset. 

FAVOURITE QUOTE? 

I am a quote hoarder so it’s so hard for me to pick one that is my favourite. But, I always come back to ‘fade the weight of other people’s judgements and expectations’. I try to practice this as much as possible - it’s what we’ve built FADE off. Often we know what we want and let others opinions get in the way so I always try to go with my gut instincts and follow my intuition. 

FAVOURITE COLOUR?

I don’t think I have a favourite colour - is that weird? I gravitate towards neutrals and often warm hues of orange. That may just be the leo in me. 

BIGGEST INSPIRATION? 

I feel like I am constantly inspired by people around me. Anyone doing something different, out of the norm and pushing boundaries, I get inspired by. As cheesy as it may sound, Kurt (my partner) is always inspiring me. He has the most creative mind. If he wants something, he finds a way to do it, is always open to new ideas, opportunities and giving things a crack regardless of experience. He pushes me to be great and it’s what I love most about him. 

STYLE MUSE/GIRL CRUSH?

• Shay Mitchell - obsessed. Her style, personality and her vibe is just always so good. 

• Hailey Bieber. She can do no wrong. 

• Lara Worthington. She makes everything looks so effortless.

• Anine Bing - ultimate inspo. Her style, work ethic, brand - she is amazing. 

• Arielle Vandenberg. She is one of the most funny yet stylish women I follow on socials. I love her. 

HOW DO YOU BALANCE WORK AND REST WHEN RUNNING A BUSINESS?
I try not to be too hard on myself and ride the ebbs and flows of managing businesses and rest. Having my daughter Taji late last year, I made a conscious decision to put our needs before the business, even if it meant growing the business more slowly than normal. It takes a lot of patience but, as I learnt with my son, your babies grow so quickly so I want to soak in as much time as possible. I work on the business any chance I get - early mornings, during the kids’ nap times, sometimes at night - but always try to switch off at night to spend time with Kurt. We recently opened a new training facility on the Gold Coast that consumes a lot of his time, so wherever possible, we try to be as present as we can. 

FADE IS ALL ABOUT FADING THE WEIGHT OF OTHER PEOPLE’S JUDGEMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS AND EMBRACING YOUR OWN CONFIDENCE, WHAT IS ONE THING YOU LOVE ABOUT YOURSELF?
I would have to say my loyalty but also my ability to do my own thing. Lately, I’ve really embraced my sense of self  - something I know can be very emotional when you lack it - so I really love that I can just embrace my confidence and love myself for it. 

WHAT EXCITES YOU AS THE FADE BRAND GROWS? 
I have always said I want to be more than just clothes. I see FADE as being more of a lifestyle brand than a clothing brand so I am really excited about the launch of FOR YOU. It allows me to push the brand into a different category and give back to women in a way that helps them be the best version of themselves. I always try to work on things that are purpose-led and passion-driven and FOR YOU. has me really excited as it allows me to share the techniques and learnings that have allowed me to step into my most confident self and feels so authentic and aligned with who I am personally. 
I can’t wait to hear how we have helped someone step into a new sense of self and provide them with the self-confidence, clarity and motivation they had been seeking - that really excites me. 

WHAT’S NEXT FOR FADE? 
We’re launching FOR YOU. this month with the first intake kicking off in October. It’s a self development course that allows you to focus on self-growth, personal and physical development and mindset. Often we don’t take the time to truly focus on our physical health, mindset and spiritual self in one go, so this is a 50 day commitment to do just that. I want women who may be lacking motivation, self confidence or just feeling unsure of what they’re doing to reset, realign and step into the best version of themselves. I have partnered with some incredible women to share their stories, learnings and techniques. It is going to be amazing. 
And then, we're just continuing to learn and adapt our business based off what our customers want. We're excited for the new summer range - the colours are beyond incredible. It will be a small capsule of pieces that can be easily styled in the wardrobe. 

To keep up to date with Kallie and her day-to-day journey with FADE, follow her on @kalliehunter