Micks knickers are smokin hot

WHEN Mick Ikin leaves the coalmines of Central Queensland and returns to his Wollongbar home, his life revolves around bras and knickers.

WHEN Mick Ikin leaves the coalmines of Central Queensland and returns to his Wollongbar home, his life revolves around bras and knickers.

But it’s not what you think.

Mick has set up his own underwear business, Smokin’ Hot, and he is passionate about its success.

“About two-and-a-half years ago there were five girls living in my house: My three daughters, my girlfriend and her teenage daughter,” he said.

“One week I was hanging the washing out, and there were all these bras and undies on the line.

“I joked that I should go into business making underwear.”

So that’s exactly what he did.

Mick registered the business name just over a year ago and he hasn’t looked back since.

Despite the tough economic climate last year, Mick has soldiered on, determined to realise his dream.

“I just decided that I should jump in and do it,” he said.

“I was nervous about it, absolutely.

“But now I’m confident in my ability and my product.

“I get so much positive feedback.

“I just try to plan and do the best I can. I think this is meant to be.”

It’s certainly a change of career for Mick. His first job was as a builder’slabourer, then he worked as a roof tiler before working with Boral Quarries.

He still spends some time working in the coalmines in Central Queensland.

Mick says many of his mining mates think he’s got a dream job.

“All the blokes laugh and joke about how I get to work with models,” he said.

“But as much as it’s fun, it’s also a lot of hard work.

“I’m involved in the whole process from start to finish.

“I design or re-design all the knickers and bras.

“I take all the information I can get.

“I’ve put everything into this business. It’s a challenge.

“Sometimes I wake up daunted, wondering what I’ve done. It’s surreal and sometimes scary.

“But then I say to myself, ‘here’s an ugly bloke like yourself, taking this on, and you’re winning’.

“Then I get a smile on my face and a spring in my step.”

Most of Mick’s sales come from his website, which was designed by digiflip, a Ballina-based company run by Mark Law.

“He’s done a monumental amount of work,” Mick said.

“Five per cent of my internet traffic is now coming from overseas. I’ve already sent orders to America.”

So which is Mick’s favourite item in the range?

“My men’s jocks are, by far, better than anything else on the market,” he said.

“But I’ve got new designs on the drawing board right now, for both men and women.

“And by spring I’m hoping to have a range of bikinis and board shorts available.”

Check out Mick’s range at www.smokinhot.com.au

Originally published as Micks knickers are smokin hot