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Spotlight on Alchemy Produx

BRAND NAME: Alchemy Produx
DESIGNER: Sara McLelland
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS: 6 years
DESCRIBE ALCHEMY PRODUX IN 3 WORDS: Minimal, Botanical, Androgynous 
 
YOU RUN ALCHEMY PRODUX WITH YOUR HUBBY, TRISTAN. WAS THIS ALWAYS A DESIRE? TO WORK TOGETHOR?  
I would never have dreamed we would end up working together on our own business, I wouldn't say we set out with this objective in mind. We did however, ask our selves, "how can we live better?" so I guess working together was a lifestyle choice, it has also been attributed to moving down the coast and trying to live a slower life. Tristan is good at all the things I am not, so we work well together and don't step on each others toes. 
 
YOUR RESPECTIVE BACKGROUNDS ARE A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN... YOU WERE A FASHION DESIGNER & TRISTAN A CHEMIST.  BEFORE WE BEGAN THESUPERCOOL, NOONIE & I SPENT A COUPLE OF YEARS TRYING TO COME UP WITH IDEAS FOR A BUSINESS THAT WOULD COMPLIMENT OUR SKILL SETS. WAS IT CLEAR CUT OR TOOK TIME TO COME UP WITH ALCHEMY? 
We never began with starting a business in mind, we originally started to make our candles as a hobby and I still laugh when I tell people I make candles for a living. Our backgrounds in fashion design and chemistry defiantly helped shaped our business, even if we weren't aware of it at the time. I didn't grow up dreaming of being a candle-maker; but I have always been creative and as long as I am doing something creative I couldn't be happier. 
 .  
 
YOU INITIALLY BEGAN SELLING DIRECTLY TO THE CUSTOMER WITH A MARKET STALL AT ROSE ST MARKETS.  WAS THIS HELPFUL IN LEARNING WHAT CUSTOMERS LIKED, WHICH SCENTS WERE MORE POPULAR? REACTIONS TO PACKAGING ETC...  
When we first started, the fragrance Lychee & Black Tea was still our best seller, today it is still our best seller!  Selling at markets is so valuable for us in terms on customer feed back and reactions! Until they invent scratch-n-sniff for instagram and websites its hard for our customs to completely experience our products. Fragrance has such
a psychological effect on people, and seeing reactions to a tangible product is priceless! Fragrance is like food, not ever body has the same palette, and different emotions and memories can be associated with different fragrances. 
HOW DID YOU BEGIN WHOLESALE? ASIDE FROM US BOMBARDING YOU WITH REQUESTS TO DO WHOLESALE BECAUSE WE LOVE YOUR PRODUCT? 
Haha yes, TheSuperCool was our first wholesale account thanks to much nagging, but it was defiantly the persuasion we needed! We did our first trade-show 4 years ago which also really helped launched our brand into the marketplace. We have also been fortunate enough to attend trade shows in New York and London. 
 
AT WHAT POINT IN YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH, DID YOU REALISE YOU COULDN'T WORK PART TIME ON ALCHEMY ANYMORE WHILST DOING YOUR FULL TIME JOB IN FASHION?  AND WHEN DID TRISTAN JOIN THE BUSINESS FULL TIME?  
Alchemy Produx is now 6 years old, it was just over 4 years ago when I started working on it full time, I didn't make the plunge because of the work load or business growth, I actually work better when super busy! I chose to pursue Alchemy full time as I wasn't happy in my time job in fashion design. Working for your self is the most enjoyable and rewarding thing ever, and I wanted Tristan to enjoy the lifestyle that I had, so he eventually joined the team 2 years ago! As I mentioned before, I didn't grow up dreaming of being a candle maker, but running your own small business is the best job in the world. 
  
 
THERE HAS BEEN SUCH AN EXPLOSION OF CANDLE BRANDS IN AUSTRALIA IN THE LAST 2 YEARS. WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE THIS TOO? 
Candle making is a fun hobby that any one can do at home, I guess this is why there has been a big rise in candle brands. There is actually a lot of "chemistry" involved in making the perfect candle, but with trial-error and some practise anyone can master this craft. 
 
YOU HAVE BEEN COPIED BY A BIG BRAND. HOW FRUSTRATING IS THIS AND WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?
Yes this is true, it is very frustrating and disappointing. There are many things you can do about it, having a good whinge is usually the first thing I do! We have gone down many paths, including legal action, but we have found the best approach is to put our emotions, money and time into just improving our own business. Somebody also once said to me "You should worry when people aren't copying you!"
WHAT 3 TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE SMALL BRANDS IN AUSTRALIA ABOUT BEGINNING A START UP?
1. Get a mentor; or 10... talking to other makers and small business owners was super important for me, I found it gave me the knowledge and confident to really expand Alchemy Produx. 
2. Be different; have your own identity and stick to it!
3. The power of social media; it is a VERY powerful marketing tool and so important for start-ups and established business.
 
YOU ARE CURRENTLY PREGNANT WITH YOUR FIRST CHILD. WHAT IS ON THE CARDS FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BRAND GIVEN YOU'LL BE BALANCING MOTHERHOOD AS WELL? 
We have been focusing on developing new products that don't require so much in-house production, we are widening our range of home fragrance to offer other products that we can just "pick-and-pack". Our candles are all hand poured to order, which is very labour intensive but also means we can oversee all quality control, with the new products we are focusing on more ready-to-go products.
Read more

Spotlight on Alchemy Produx

BRAND NAME: Alchemy Produx
DESIGNER: Sara McLelland
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS: 6 years
DESCRIBE ALCHEMY PRODUX IN 3 WORDS: Minimal, Botanical, Androgynous 
 
YOU RUN ALCHEMY PRODUX WITH YOUR HUBBY, TRISTAN. WAS THIS ALWAYS A DESIRE? TO WORK TOGETHOR?  
I would never have dreamed we would end up working together on our own business, I wouldn't say we set out with this objective in mind. We did however, ask our selves, "how can we live better?" so I guess working together was a lifestyle choice, it has also been attributed to moving down the coast and trying to live a slower life. Tristan is good at all the things I am not, so we work well together and don't step on each others toes. 
 
YOUR RESPECTIVE BACKGROUNDS ARE A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN... YOU WERE A FASHION DESIGNER & TRISTAN A CHEMIST.  BEFORE WE BEGAN THESUPERCOOL, NOONIE & I SPENT A COUPLE OF YEARS TRYING TO COME UP WITH IDEAS FOR A BUSINESS THAT WOULD COMPLIMENT OUR SKILL SETS. WAS IT CLEAR CUT OR TOOK TIME TO COME UP WITH ALCHEMY? 
We never began with starting a business in mind, we originally started to make our candles as a hobby and I still laugh when I tell people I make candles for a living. Our backgrounds in fashion design and chemistry defiantly helped shaped our business, even if we weren't aware of it at the time. I didn't grow up dreaming of being a candle-maker; but I have always been creative and as long as I am doing something creative I couldn't be happier. 
 .  
 
YOU INITIALLY BEGAN SELLING DIRECTLY TO THE CUSTOMER WITH A MARKET STALL AT ROSE ST MARKETS.  WAS THIS HELPFUL IN LEARNING WHAT CUSTOMERS LIKED, WHICH SCENTS WERE MORE POPULAR? REACTIONS TO PACKAGING ETC...  
When we first started, the fragrance Lychee & Black Tea was still our best seller, today it is still our best seller!  Selling at markets is so valuable for us in terms on customer feed back and reactions! Until they invent scratch-n-sniff for instagram and websites its hard for our customs to completely experience our products. Fragrance has such
a psychological effect on people, and seeing reactions to a tangible product is priceless! Fragrance is like food, not ever body has the same palette, and different emotions and memories can be associated with different fragrances. 
HOW DID YOU BEGIN WHOLESALE? ASIDE FROM US BOMBARDING YOU WITH REQUESTS TO DO WHOLESALE BECAUSE WE LOVE YOUR PRODUCT? 
Haha yes, TheSuperCool was our first wholesale account thanks to much nagging, but it was defiantly the persuasion we needed! We did our first trade-show 4 years ago which also really helped launched our brand into the marketplace. We have also been fortunate enough to attend trade shows in New York and London. 
 
AT WHAT POINT IN YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH, DID YOU REALISE YOU COULDN'T WORK PART TIME ON ALCHEMY ANYMORE WHILST DOING YOUR FULL TIME JOB IN FASHION?  AND WHEN DID TRISTAN JOIN THE BUSINESS FULL TIME?  
Alchemy Produx is now 6 years old, it was just over 4 years ago when I started working on it full time, I didn't make the plunge because of the work load or business growth, I actually work better when super busy! I chose to pursue Alchemy full time as I wasn't happy in my time job in fashion design. Working for your self is the most enjoyable and rewarding thing ever, and I wanted Tristan to enjoy the lifestyle that I had, so he eventually joined the team 2 years ago! As I mentioned before, I didn't grow up dreaming of being a candle maker, but running your own small business is the best job in the world. 
  
 
THERE HAS BEEN SUCH AN EXPLOSION OF CANDLE BRANDS IN AUSTRALIA IN THE LAST 2 YEARS. WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE THIS TOO? 
Candle making is a fun hobby that any one can do at home, I guess this is why there has been a big rise in candle brands. There is actually a lot of "chemistry" involved in making the perfect candle, but with trial-error and some practise anyone can master this craft. 
 
YOU HAVE BEEN COPIED BY A BIG BRAND. HOW FRUSTRATING IS THIS AND WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?
Yes this is true, it is very frustrating and disappointing. There are many things you can do about it, having a good whinge is usually the first thing I do! We have gone down many paths, including legal action, but we have found the best approach is to put our emotions, money and time into just improving our own business. Somebody also once said to me "You should worry when people aren't copying you!"
WHAT 3 TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE SMALL BRANDS IN AUSTRALIA ABOUT BEGINNING A START UP?
1. Get a mentor; or 10... talking to other makers and small business owners was super important for me, I found it gave me the knowledge and confident to really expand Alchemy Produx. 
2. Be different; have your own identity and stick to it!
3. The power of social media; it is a VERY powerful marketing tool and so important for start-ups and established business.
 
YOU ARE CURRENTLY PREGNANT WITH YOUR FIRST CHILD. WHAT IS ON THE CARDS FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BRAND GIVEN YOU'LL BE BALANCING MOTHERHOOD AS WELL? 
We have been focusing on developing new products that don't require so much in-house production, we are widening our range of home fragrance to offer other products that we can just "pick-and-pack". Our candles are all hand poured to order, which is very labour intensive but also means we can oversee all quality control, with the new products we are focusing on more ready-to-go products.
Read more

The move towards Fairtrade & Handmade Homewares

    

We've been in business for nearly six years and during this time we've seen lots of trends come and go but we've noticed one trend we hope is here to stay; the move towards knowing where and how your products are made. 

We've had both the customer asking questions and the brands promoting their goods origins more and more in the last 12 months in particular.  We're so impressed with how many brands are offering products that are fairtrade yet still at reasonable prices. 

We stock many brands that are handmade, fairtrade, ethically made, sustainable, recyclable or use organic ingredients/ fabrics. 

One such example is The Baba Tree baskets. These incredible baskets are not only works of art designed to infuse your home or space with character and colour but they are made lovingly by artisans in Ghana.  The Baba Tree is a company run by an Aussie expat and based in Ghana where they work with local artisans and photograph each finished piece with its creator. 

     

Not only are they paid fairly for their work, but they get to promote their craft. From tiny shoppers to baby moses baskets, drum baskets to laundry baskets - there is a basket for everyone in this range and they are so bright and colourful. The work that goes into each one is incredible. They are super sturdy and resilient. 

We are super proud to be stocking these SuperCool baskets. Come instore and check them out for yourself. 

  

We also stock a variety of other homewares we've listed their credentials below.

(so you can buy with confidence) 

Click on each brand to see their ranges we have in stock....

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Olli Ella baskets  (Fairtrade and Handmade) 

Fiona Walker Felt Wall Heads (Fairtrade and Handmade) 

Phoenix & The Fox Kids Clothing (Organic cotton & Ethically made)

Kapow Kids Clothing  (Ethically made)

Donsje leather kids accessories (Fairtrade and Handmade)

Carlie Ballard Baby Kids Clothing (Fairtrade)

Missa Made It Bibs (Handmade and Australian Made) Coming Soon.... 

Oomph & Floss Kids clothing (Fairtrade & organic cotton)

Trixie Kids Clothing (Organic cotton)

Alchemy Candles (Handmade and Australian Made)

Damselfly Candles (Handmade and Australian Made)

Fiona Loves (Handmade and Australian made) 

Langdon Ltd Textiles & Accessories (Handmade & ethically made)

Mr Kitly x Decor Self Watering Pots (Australian made) 

Solid State Solid Cologne (Australian made)

The Adventures of Co (Australian made and handmade)

AHD Paper Co (Australian made and handmade)

You, Me & Bones (Australian made and handmade)

Uashmama (Handmade) 

Read more

The move towards Fairtrade & Handmade Homewares

    

We've been in business for nearly six years and during this time we've seen lots of trends come and go but we've noticed one trend we hope is here to stay; the move towards knowing where and how your products are made. 

We've had both the customer asking questions and the brands promoting their goods origins more and more in the last 12 months in particular.  We're so impressed with how many brands are offering products that are fairtrade yet still at reasonable prices. 

We stock many brands that are handmade, fairtrade, ethically made, sustainable, recyclable or use organic ingredients/ fabrics. 

One such example is The Baba Tree baskets. These incredible baskets are not only works of art designed to infuse your home or space with character and colour but they are made lovingly by artisans in Ghana.  The Baba Tree is a company run by an Aussie expat and based in Ghana where they work with local artisans and photograph each finished piece with its creator. 

     

Not only are they paid fairly for their work, but they get to promote their craft. From tiny shoppers to baby moses baskets, drum baskets to laundry baskets - there is a basket for everyone in this range and they are so bright and colourful. The work that goes into each one is incredible. They are super sturdy and resilient. 

We are super proud to be stocking these SuperCool baskets. Come instore and check them out for yourself. 

  

We also stock a variety of other homewares we've listed their credentials below.

(so you can buy with confidence) 

Click on each brand to see their ranges we have in stock....

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Olli Ella baskets  (Fairtrade and Handmade) 

Fiona Walker Felt Wall Heads (Fairtrade and Handmade) 

Phoenix & The Fox Kids Clothing (Organic cotton & Ethically made)

Kapow Kids Clothing  (Ethically made)

Donsje leather kids accessories (Fairtrade and Handmade)

Carlie Ballard Baby Kids Clothing (Fairtrade)

Missa Made It Bibs (Handmade and Australian Made) Coming Soon.... 

Oomph & Floss Kids clothing (Fairtrade & organic cotton)

Trixie Kids Clothing (Organic cotton)

Alchemy Candles (Handmade and Australian Made)

Damselfly Candles (Handmade and Australian Made)

Fiona Loves (Handmade and Australian made) 

Langdon Ltd Textiles & Accessories (Handmade & ethically made)

Mr Kitly x Decor Self Watering Pots (Australian made) 

Solid State Solid Cologne (Australian made)

The Adventures of Co (Australian made and handmade)

AHD Paper Co (Australian made and handmade)

You, Me & Bones (Australian made and handmade)

Uashmama (Handmade) 

Read more

Spotlight: Billy Loves Audrey

 

BRAND NAME:  Billy Loves Audrey

DESIGNER/FOUNDER:  Penny van Schaik is the founder. Designer is Fleur Harris

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS: 
Billy Loves Audrey is a new kid on the block, with one year under the belt.

DESCRIBE BILLY LOVES AUDREY IN 3 WORDS: 
Whimsical. Innocent. Adventurous

WHAT DROVE YOU TO START A KIDS ACCESSORY BRAND?
Billy Loves Audrey was one of those light bulb moments, after a few years
travelling. There was a gap in the market to return to childhood innocence, to
create a world of whimsy and fun, using woodland creatures in little accessories
starting with socks and hats, moving quickly on with the most adorable tights
and hair accessories.

 

HOW DID YOU COME TO COLLABORATE WITH ARTIST FLEUR HARRIS?
Serendipity was a large part of meeting Fleur Harris.  Incredibly I knew exactly the tone and look of the design style for Billy Loves Audrey, which Fleur has in spades. She had worked for a brand who I was associated with in a past life and “ping” once I discovered her talent that was it.

YOU HAVE GROWN YOUR BUSINESS WITH A BANG! TELL US HOW YOUR
INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION IS GOING WITH EXHIBITING AT PLAYTIME PARIS? 
Such an exciting brand to play with, and to see it grow at such an incredible rate
via word of mouth, social media has been such a joy.  Presenting at Playtime
Paris has been a wonderful experience resulting in Billy Loves Audrey now in the
Congo, Belgium, UK, France, The Netherlands, California and even Caribbean.
(We think there’s a store review to be done!)

THE KIDS CLOTHING/ACCESSORY MARKET HAS EXPLODED. WHAT DO YOU
PUT THIS DOWN TOO?
Kids Rule. Parents and Grandparents love to buy cute and adorable accessories
for their little ones and it doesn’t need to be big ticket items, it can be the pair of
socks for under $20 that will bring a smile to everyone’s face.



WHAT'S YOUR BACKGROUND?
Fashion and Retail Marketing in Melbourne with the likes of Country Road and
London features throughout my career, while more recently I was a co-owner of
a boutique homeware brand which we developed and sold in 2014.

TELL US WHAT'S NEXT? 
Currently writing this at Paris Airport on the way home, so next is to present the
new SS17 Collection in Melbourne with our agent Hello Rain.  Our new Hair Accessories “took off” in Paris and there’s no shortage of pink, sparkles and glitter. Midi length socks for Spring is a new addition to our sock range with a Ballet theme including Swan Lake, Dancer Cat, Panda, Deer and the ever favourite Bunny characters.

An great indication of its popularity is that most European stores are showing the new range for Christmas rather than waiting for the new SS18 season. We are working on an interesting new collaboration and developing Billy Loves Audrey woodland characters into animals with heart and soul. Always exciting and loads of fun.

Shop the current range of Billy Loves Audrey here....

Read more

Spotlight: Billy Loves Audrey

 

BRAND NAME:  Billy Loves Audrey

DESIGNER/FOUNDER:  Penny van Schaik is the founder. Designer is Fleur Harris

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS: 
Billy Loves Audrey is a new kid on the block, with one year under the belt.

DESCRIBE BILLY LOVES AUDREY IN 3 WORDS: 
Whimsical. Innocent. Adventurous

WHAT DROVE YOU TO START A KIDS ACCESSORY BRAND?
Billy Loves Audrey was one of those light bulb moments, after a few years
travelling. There was a gap in the market to return to childhood innocence, to
create a world of whimsy and fun, using woodland creatures in little accessories
starting with socks and hats, moving quickly on with the most adorable tights
and hair accessories.

 

HOW DID YOU COME TO COLLABORATE WITH ARTIST FLEUR HARRIS?
Serendipity was a large part of meeting Fleur Harris.  Incredibly I knew exactly the tone and look of the design style for Billy Loves Audrey, which Fleur has in spades. She had worked for a brand who I was associated with in a past life and “ping” once I discovered her talent that was it.

YOU HAVE GROWN YOUR BUSINESS WITH A BANG! TELL US HOW YOUR
INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION IS GOING WITH EXHIBITING AT PLAYTIME PARIS? 
Such an exciting brand to play with, and to see it grow at such an incredible rate
via word of mouth, social media has been such a joy.  Presenting at Playtime
Paris has been a wonderful experience resulting in Billy Loves Audrey now in the
Congo, Belgium, UK, France, The Netherlands, California and even Caribbean.
(We think there’s a store review to be done!)

THE KIDS CLOTHING/ACCESSORY MARKET HAS EXPLODED. WHAT DO YOU
PUT THIS DOWN TOO?
Kids Rule. Parents and Grandparents love to buy cute and adorable accessories
for their little ones and it doesn’t need to be big ticket items, it can be the pair of
socks for under $20 that will bring a smile to everyone’s face.



WHAT'S YOUR BACKGROUND?
Fashion and Retail Marketing in Melbourne with the likes of Country Road and
London features throughout my career, while more recently I was a co-owner of
a boutique homeware brand which we developed and sold in 2014.

TELL US WHAT'S NEXT? 
Currently writing this at Paris Airport on the way home, so next is to present the
new SS17 Collection in Melbourne with our agent Hello Rain.  Our new Hair Accessories “took off” in Paris and there’s no shortage of pink, sparkles and glitter. Midi length socks for Spring is a new addition to our sock range with a Ballet theme including Swan Lake, Dancer Cat, Panda, Deer and the ever favourite Bunny characters.

An great indication of its popularity is that most European stores are showing the new range for Christmas rather than waiting for the new SS18 season. We are working on an interesting new collaboration and developing Billy Loves Audrey woodland characters into animals with heart and soul. Always exciting and loads of fun.

Shop the current range of Billy Loves Audrey here....

Read more

Wanderlust: Our Travel Tips

There is something incredibly satisfying, soul renewing and special about travel. We've noticed a massive movement of late towards people documenting their journey using social media. Some have made video's, some have published books, some have blogged but all are helping others live through them and joining them on their unique journey.

Some of our fave's are listed below.

Gypsea Lust - Lauren, Travel Blogger & Photographer, Australia

Lauren began documenting her journey; her travels to Turkey to stay in the caves and watch the balloon festival in Cappadocia are some of my favourites. She travels full time now with her partner and showcases incredible locations and imagery with a fashion edge.

One Year On a Bike - Martijn, Freelance Graphic Designer & Film-maker from Holland

Martijn travelled from Amsterdam to Singapore and over one year has documented the journey including supplies, gear, the people he met and the route he took. It's incredible and humbling.  You can watch his video here...

 

Captain & The Gypsy Kid,  Sheree and family, Blogger & Photographer, Australia

nostalgic and her super photogenic family have had several impressive trips around the globe. Some of our fave's are through Montana & Amangiri in the USA. 

 

1924us, Christian; Journeyman of Branding, Travelling, Writing & Film 

This guys instagram feed is next level. It's like straight out of a film. He just gets branding. We dig his stripped back photo's, his nostalgic spirit, his appreciation of yesteryear, the storytelling and the incredible travel destinations! 

Somewhere Slower, Courtney Adamo & Family - Blogger & Mama

We've followed this adorable family from London to Byron Bay. They sold everything and took a year off to travel with their young family.  Through North America, South America, New Zealand, Australia, Sri Lanka, Europe and finally settling in Byron Bay, this family of 7 (they recently had a new baby join their tribe) showcase the best possible education for a young family is travel, new experiences and seeing the world!  

Read more

Wanderlust: Our Travel Tips

There is something incredibly satisfying, soul renewing and special about travel. We've noticed a massive movement of late towards people documenting their journey using social media. Some have made video's, some have published books, some have blogged but all are helping others live through them and joining them on their unique journey.

Some of our fave's are listed below.

Gypsea Lust - Lauren, Travel Blogger & Photographer, Australia

Lauren began documenting her journey; her travels to Turkey to stay in the caves and watch the balloon festival in Cappadocia are some of my favourites. She travels full time now with her partner and showcases incredible locations and imagery with a fashion edge.

One Year On a Bike - Martijn, Freelance Graphic Designer & Film-maker from Holland

Martijn travelled from Amsterdam to Singapore and over one year has documented the journey including supplies, gear, the people he met and the route he took. It's incredible and humbling.  You can watch his video here...

 

Captain & The Gypsy Kid,  Sheree and family, Blogger & Photographer, Australia

nostalgic and her super photogenic family have had several impressive trips around the globe. Some of our fave's are through Montana & Amangiri in the USA. 

 

1924us, Christian; Journeyman of Branding, Travelling, Writing & Film 

This guys instagram feed is next level. It's like straight out of a film. He just gets branding. We dig his stripped back photo's, his nostalgic spirit, his appreciation of yesteryear, the storytelling and the incredible travel destinations! 

Somewhere Slower, Courtney Adamo & Family - Blogger & Mama

We've followed this adorable family from London to Byron Bay. They sold everything and took a year off to travel with their young family.  Through North America, South America, New Zealand, Australia, Sri Lanka, Europe and finally settling in Byron Bay, this family of 7 (they recently had a new baby join their tribe) showcase the best possible education for a young family is travel, new experiences and seeing the world!  

Read more

Spotlight on Mr Kitly x Decor Self Watering Pots!

 

BRAND NAME: Mr Kitly x Decor

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS: Since Dec 2010

DESCRIBE MR KITLY IN 3 WORDS:  A shop upstairs

HOW DID THE COLLABORATION BETWEEN DECOR & MR KITLY BEGIN?  I reached out to Decor a few years ago as I was a long term fan of the design,  from way back in the 80s and 90s I remember seeing them in my Grandma’s house and greenhouse. I wanted to reintroduce that enduring and classic design to the current generation of indoor plant fans.

WAS IT IMPORTANT TO YOU TO CREATE SOMETHING THAT IS MADE IN MELBOURNE?  That they are made in Melbourne is truly a great bonus. I mean, how great that such a well made and iconic design has been made in a Melbourne factory since the 80s and it is still so. In general though I am city agnostic in may ways, what is equally important to me is that the production process is transparent and all of the people involved in bringing the product about are working in good conditions. Though the very short ‘plant pot miles’ involved in transporting this particular product is pretty ace. 

WHAT HAS THE RESPONSE BEEN LIKE SINCE YOU LAUNCHED THIS? Overwhelming positive! It’s really great to see the love for them and to see how plant fans have embraced them as part of  their indoor gardens, carefully selecting plants and colours.

 

WE PERSONALLY HAD BLACK THUMBS & SINCE USING THE SELF WATERING POTS HAVE BECOME GREEN THUMBS! WE GET A LOT OF CUSTOMERS SAYING THE SAME THING. WAS IT A BYPRODUCT OF CREATING SUCH A SIMPLE IDEA OR STRATEGIC?  That’s nice to hear! That’s down to well thought out design, the original designer, Richard Carlson was a highly respected designer and he worked with horticulturalists to refine the design.

YOU'VE AUTHORED A BOOK - LIVING WITH PLANTS - HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE EXPLOSION OF INDOOR PLANTS INDUSTRY?  It’s really interesting to see the popularity of indoor plants grow and grow - when we opened in 2010 it was a bit left of field and it took quite a bit of effort and research to seek out growers specialising in indoor plants.  Since then it has exploded absolutely, which is great because it’s really nice to think that indoor plants have regained their place proudly in so many homes again. Heartwarming. 

WHAT'S NEXT FOR MR KITLY? ANYMORE COLLABORATIONS? WILL WE SEE MORE COLOURS/SHAPES OF THE SELF WATERING POTS?   Yes for sure, new collections will be on the drawing board I am sure!

Check out the ace range of Mr Kitly x Decor Self Watering Pots here. 

 

 

Read more

Spotlight on Mr Kitly x Decor Self Watering Pots!

 

BRAND NAME: Mr Kitly x Decor

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS: Since Dec 2010

DESCRIBE MR KITLY IN 3 WORDS:  A shop upstairs

HOW DID THE COLLABORATION BETWEEN DECOR & MR KITLY BEGIN?  I reached out to Decor a few years ago as I was a long term fan of the design,  from way back in the 80s and 90s I remember seeing them in my Grandma’s house and greenhouse. I wanted to reintroduce that enduring and classic design to the current generation of indoor plant fans.

WAS IT IMPORTANT TO YOU TO CREATE SOMETHING THAT IS MADE IN MELBOURNE?  That they are made in Melbourne is truly a great bonus. I mean, how great that such a well made and iconic design has been made in a Melbourne factory since the 80s and it is still so. In general though I am city agnostic in may ways, what is equally important to me is that the production process is transparent and all of the people involved in bringing the product about are working in good conditions. Though the very short ‘plant pot miles’ involved in transporting this particular product is pretty ace. 

WHAT HAS THE RESPONSE BEEN LIKE SINCE YOU LAUNCHED THIS? Overwhelming positive! It’s really great to see the love for them and to see how plant fans have embraced them as part of  their indoor gardens, carefully selecting plants and colours.

 

WE PERSONALLY HAD BLACK THUMBS & SINCE USING THE SELF WATERING POTS HAVE BECOME GREEN THUMBS! WE GET A LOT OF CUSTOMERS SAYING THE SAME THING. WAS IT A BYPRODUCT OF CREATING SUCH A SIMPLE IDEA OR STRATEGIC?  That’s nice to hear! That’s down to well thought out design, the original designer, Richard Carlson was a highly respected designer and he worked with horticulturalists to refine the design.

YOU'VE AUTHORED A BOOK - LIVING WITH PLANTS - HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE EXPLOSION OF INDOOR PLANTS INDUSTRY?  It’s really interesting to see the popularity of indoor plants grow and grow - when we opened in 2010 it was a bit left of field and it took quite a bit of effort and research to seek out growers specialising in indoor plants.  Since then it has exploded absolutely, which is great because it’s really nice to think that indoor plants have regained their place proudly in so many homes again. Heartwarming. 

WHAT'S NEXT FOR MR KITLY? ANYMORE COLLABORATIONS? WILL WE SEE MORE COLOURS/SHAPES OF THE SELF WATERING POTS?   Yes for sure, new collections will be on the drawing board I am sure!

Check out the ace range of Mr Kitly x Decor Self Watering Pots here. 

 

 

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