Liana Baffari is an Italian born artist who emigrated with her family to Australia in the early 1960s. After a wide and varied number of careers — from working as a private investigator and a security manager to an events coordinator — she recently established adidog walk wear designer art clothing for dogs, and matching people wear. Liana has a degree in business which is now being combined with her creative talents. She currently lives at Tweed Heads on the Far North Coast of NSW and sees life as a voyage full of dreams, enriched by diverse experiences and a constant striving for achievement.

What gave you the motivation/inspiration to follow your dream?

Some time ago I was at a Brisbane market and was in awe of the well-groomed people and their equally well-groomed pets parading gracefully around the grounds. I particularly took note of the dogs sporting an array of designer coats. As an artist I have always sought unusual mediums to use as a canvas and I love the concept of ‘walking art’. (I also paint designs on denim jeans and jackets for adults, teens and children.) While wandering around the market, I started to visualise dogs and owners in handpainted matching designer wear. The seed of adidog walk wear began to grow. I saw the artistic and business potential of tapping into the complex human love for dogs and the individual ‘paw prints’ of their canine pets.

At what point did you realise that your dream was actually possible and what was it that made you think you could really do it?

When I completed the first dog coat I knew my dream was a reality. However, my journey to this point started some time ago. Art has always been a part of my life, although it was something I fitted around work. My logical business side steered me through a Bachelor of Business degree before progressing to senior management roles and following a wide range of careers and interests. I’ve worked as a private investigator, commercial agent, security manager, events coordinator, and a fitness and self-defence instructor. I’ve been involved in theatre, learned to rock climb and shoot firearms, trekked live volcanoes and climbed at altitude, and I hold a first degree black belt in taekwondo. I was made redundant from my last job and, being of a ‘mature age’, found myself initially panic-stricken and without direction. Taking time to focus on my values and evaluate my situation, I began to explore new ideas. One morning I was discussing my current concerns, fears and future dreams while having coffee with Mum. She told me God had given me an artistic gift and that I should use it. Her words kept echoing in my ears over the next few days and it was then that the adidog business idea began to take shape. I was now dealing the cards, and how I played the game was up to me.

When you were a child, what did you want to ‘be’ when you grew up?

As a child I was fascinated by art, theatre, words and the inspiration gained from creative streams. I wanted to be everything! Actually, I don’t think that I’ve ever grown up, as there are still so many things that I want to be, such as a forensic scientist, a palaeontologist, a truck driver… I have always had dreams.

How did your childhood influence you in later life?

Childhood experiences moulded my being, taught me rules and made me the person that I am today. The immediate people in my life helped to set my values; acquaintances and friends fed my emotions; sad or bad experiences taught me to believe; and the innocence of youth gave me confirmation that dreams exist.

Who are your role models?

Inevitably the greatest prophet of all is my mother. She has strength, courage and the ability to understand me. Mum’s smile and her incredible character and devotion have kept the family together even in the toughest times. Her ability to fight and never give up, and her vision, wisdom and patience are a constant inspiration. I also pay homage to the many strangers who have crossed my path. Their actions and gestures of kindness continue to give me encouragement and vision. I recall a disabled gentleman who overtook me in his wheelchair on an endurance Fun Run. I was at a point of exhaustion. Demoralised, deflated and tired, I felt that I could not keep on going. He taught me that obstacles are merely temporary barriers and that dreams are achievable if you put your mind to them. I finished the race.

What does success mean to you?

Success is a calculated measure of self-preservation, personal gratification and power. It is the ability to perform at one’s personal best, to overcome obstacles and to achieve results. Success is not a monetary gain, but rather one of self-victory and often a challenge of the emotions.

What has been one of the biggest barriers you have had to face, what happened, and how did you overcome it?

I have always had a strong sense of self-worth and I possess the ability to keep going even when (at times) all I wanted to do was give up. Creating adidog has involved more than merely painting — I have needed to continually research, purchase suitable fabrics, create designs, produce the coat patterns, learn to cut fabric to minimise wastage, sew trimmings and accessories on each individual coat, and learn to sew! I didn’t even own a sewing machine when I started. In fact I’d never owned one and could barely sew a button on a shirt let alone attempt to make professional garments. I had to learn to sew — this was obvious. So I went to the best teacher I knew — my mother. Mum and I spent endless hours together. She became the patient teacher and I the frustrated student. After many testing hours of cutting fabric, sewing samples and unpicking numerous mistakes, I finally got it right. Having overcome this hurdle, I became more confident and was determined to make it happen. The other major barrier was to educate the market to recognise and pay for the time and effort that went into creating each work of wearable art. I knew my coats had to be seen to be truly appreciated, so I ‘took to the streets’. I went to dog shows, advertised in dog publications, did internet mailout promotions and contacted dog clubs and organisations. I have introduced my products to veterinarians and pet shops and even to the RSPCA. I also have a website (www.adidog.com.au). All these promotional strategies are now producing effective and positive results.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years time? What is your vision for the future?

There is a Gothic-inspired church in Port Macquarie labelled an ‘Artist’s retreat’ that was for sale some years ago. I have kept the clipping from the paper. Every now and then I look at it and think ‘one day, this will be my home’. I see myself as a semi-recluse yet living life to the fullest, painting and studying. I intend to make the most of what I have been given. As the adidog walk wear range is uniquely handpainted, and no two designs are alike, I hope to see the collection developing into an exclusive up-market range, with sales expanding overseas, and I intend to target England and the United States.

What would you like to say to other women who may be just starting out on a ‘Daring to Dream’ journey?

Dreams are a succession of images that present themselves in our mind’s eye. They are an eclectic mix of surreal beauty, personal goals, charm, inspiration and hope. Daring to dream is the ability to embrace the vision, and to have the courage to walk the journey, the power to overcome life’s obstacles, and the will to make things happen. Be prepared for the journey. Be confident in yourself. Understand your values, goals, ambitions, strengths and weaknesses. Take control of your inner thoughts and be strong and determined enough to fight. There will be times when you need to battle the odds. Believe in the knowledge that you can and will succeed. Take criticism positively and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Life is like a jigsaw puzzle — every experience (be it good or bad) and person that interacts in your life is a piece of the puzzle. And finally, be true to yourself and your emotions… your dreams will come true.