Kristina Karlsson, the Melbourne based founder of Swedish fashion stationery business kikki.K was last night named winner of the 2010 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Southern Region – Product.
Kristina Karlsson, a former Dynamic Business magazine cover star was presented with the award at the Regent Theatre Plaza Ballroom, in recognition of her entrepreneurial success for the kikki.K business she started in 2001. Nominees were assessed by independent judges on six criteria which included entrepreneurial spirit, financial performance, innovation, national/global impact, personal integrity/influence and strategic direction.
Karlsson moved to Australia from Sweden thirteen years ago and has grown her fashion stationery brand into a multi-million dollar international business, with more than 50 boutiques in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.
In accepting her award Karlsson said she was excited and honored by the recognition.
“Being able to create a brand that is increasingly recognised internationally is amazing to me. I feel so fortunate to do what I love everyday”.
Karlsson thanked those who supported her dream of “opening boutiques all over the world”, including her partner and kikki.K CEO Paul Lacy, who sold his house to finance the business.
Karlsson will now compete in the National award ceremony that will take place on the 25th of November in Sydney.