Created six years ago in Dunedin by father and daughter team, David and Emily Cooper, Silkbody has gone on to become one of the country's hottest creative exports.

David and Emily will trace their journey from a back room in Waikouaiti to the international market place, at the Auckland Chamber of Commerce Creative Entrepreneurs evening on Thursday 6 November.

In this Q&A David Cooper describes a creative entrepreneur as a "calculated risk taker who is open to opportunities and ideas, but whose passion is not blind."

Created six years ago in Dunedin by father and daughter team, David and Emily Cooper, Silkbody has gone on to become one of the country's hottest creative exports.

David and Emily will trace their journey from a back room in Waikouaiti to the international market place, at the Auckland Chamber of Commerce Creative Entrepreneurs evening on Thursday 6 November.

In this Q&A David Cooper describes a creative entrepreneur as a "calculated risk taker who is open to opportunities and ideas, but whose passion is not blind."

Silkbody has penetrated international markets including Australia, Iceland, Chile, Germany, the UK and is on the cusp of entering the Asian and wider European markets.

At the Creative Entrepreneurs evening David and Emily will talk about IP, manufacturing in China, branding, product development and growth management.

During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
My inspiration is not time dependant but people and environment dependant so it can happen anytime.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?
Ageing colonial with a touch of hippy.

Describe the traits and spirit of a creative entrepreneur?
A calculated risk taker who is open to opportunities and ideas, but whose passion is not blind.

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
The infectious excitement that manifests itself in the Silkbody team when a new idea is presented.

How does your environment affect your work?
It can only be positive when you are bathed in the atmosphere created by a friendly contented team whom I make sure get regular doses of freshly ground coffee.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
I am a big picture person. Vision and strategies to achieve it. Details are for mechanics and accountants.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) as a creative entrepreneur?
Surround yourself with a multi-skilled supportive and trustworthy team that has shared values.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
Penetrating the European market.

Who or what has inspired you recently?
The glass collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum because of the incredible craftsmanship, beauty and creativity that has been achieved from primitive times with this medium and that it parallels the history of silk in many ways.

What are the challenges and rewards of expanding globally?
Persistence, passion and belief to make it happen in addition to the satisfaction from making incremental gains.

Which market/countries is Silkbody looking at cracking in the future?
Having secured Europe, we are now looking towards China and the US.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
Paradoxically I am now doing what I want to be doing at this time having had a previously satisfying career in mental health.

What place is always with you, wherever you go?
The two acres of garden that my wife and I have created in Waikouaiti.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
Live, loud up the front for full sensory feed in - although mosh pits are scary.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?
Probably a bit of a mess. But then I could call it art.

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
The sensible answer is the meditation technique I learnt when I was 22. I can still ground myself using this. Simple.

What's great about today?
It's a clear, fresh Dunedin spring day, and I am off to New York.

What's your big idea for 2009?
To link Silkbody sales with an innovative socially responsible project.

Silkbody garment: Silkbody Silkspun short sleeve crew for men or women, worth $109

Double pass to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce Creative Entrepreneurs evening:
Date: Thursday 6 November
Time: 5.30pm - 7.00pm
Venue: Orams Marine Boatpark, 142 Beaumont Street, Westhaven
Tickets: Members $42.00 + GST, Non-members $64.00 + GST

Email: The editor@thebigidea.co.nz with the subject line Silkbody tickets
Include: Your TBI username, your full name and contact details
Eligibility: To be eligible you must be a member of The Big Idea. You must be able to attend the evening.
Entries: Need to be received by midnight Monday November 3.
Winners: Will be contacted by email on Tuesday November 4.

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