Giftguide September 2023

IN FOCUS

Wellbeing & beauty, eco and alfresco dining

GROWING PAINS

The biggest mistakes small businesses make

RETAIL TIPS

How to spring clean your store

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Perfect Christmas Gifts

inside retail

Well Versed Homes opened a physical store late last year.

For most retailers, launching a bricks and mortar store is the first step in their journey before they create an online presence to complement their store. However, there are those who decide to do it the other way around like Jo Hutchens, owner and founder of Well Versed Homes.

Well Versed Homes opened as an online store in July 2018 and then as a bricks and mortar store on 27 September 2022.

“In 2018 I took a six month ‘creative sabbatical’ from my corporate career in education marketing and events management to gain an interior design qualification and begin my journey to transition my career and fulfil a life-long dream to open a gift store,” she explains.

“A bricks and mortar store was always part of the plan so that I could meet my customers face to face and offer a level of care and service that is not always possible with online consumers. I also wanted my store to inspire my customers

Well Versed Homes interior

and show them how to create a beautiful home environment when selecting products from our store.

“Our mission is to offer a range of beautifully designed and carefully curated homewares and gifts, which

allow our customers to express themselves, their values and their generosity.”

Her connection to the gift and homewares industry goes way back and started when Hutchens was in her 20s and she was the group event

manager for a company called World Trade Promotions.

“Some wholesalers may recall that this was the company who brought the concept of gift trade fairs to Australia and eventually went on to sell their business to Reed Publishing.

“I started my working career as a receptionist for this organisation and learnt sales and marketing skills on the job. It was an amazing first job for a young woman. I was responsible for selling the exhibition space, the trade fair catalogues and promotion to visiting retailers.

“The portfolio of events I managed included giftware, china, glass and tableware as well as jewellery trade fairs. I learnt so much, but it was a little shop in Sydney’s Stand Arcade that was my greatest inspiration. Does anyone remember Martinvale, who were both wholesalers and retailers?”

Many retailers are doing it tough at the moment with the

Jo Hutchens’ customers are what she loves most about being a retailer.

current rising cost of living and interest rates as well as an uncertain economic climate and would only add more pressure to a new store such as Well Versed Homes. However, Hutchens has embraced every opportunity and challenge with open arms.

“I actually loved every minute of opening our store,” she enthuses.

“We literally started with a shell and an unlevel concrete floor. My interior design training kicked in and with the help of a great builder, graphic designer, painter and so many suppliers, we created a beautiful space that our customers often say is calming and inspirational.

“I was a bit nervous about the whole POS thing but what would we do without Shopify? It was so much easier than my sleepless nights imagined. I guess the biggest challenge was how much stock I needed to fill a shop, but we figured that out too.

“We’ve noticed though that those who are unaffected by inflation and interest rates are travelling and others are buying gifts but perhaps reducing personal spending,” she adds.

“We just all need to stay focused, keep costs under control and ride out this tricky time. Show up every day, work hard, be kind, be creative and share hope. It will turn around,” she says.

Well Versed Homes interior

Well Versed Homes has a very strong brand aesthetic and values, which drive all its selections and own designs instead of following the latest trends.

“Not chasing trends can be a challenge because we can fear losing customers if we don’t have the latest, greatest new look, but if this means we are moving off-brand, it is a big no for me.

“I create a mood board each season or campaign e.g. Father’s Day or spring and curate from our existing loyal suppliers or new trends that I

have spotted. If it is aligned it’s in, if it’s not, it’s not.

“I believe that’s what keeps our store unique and maintains our vision and mission. It’s also what differentiates our store from others and what brings our customers back over and over again.

“However, I do love the warmth and authenticity that is coming through with the natural biophilic design movement and as this is consistent with our brand look and feel, it is a positive development for us and one that we are embracing because it is who we are, not because it is a trend,” she explains.

While Hutchens is looking forward to opening more stores in the (near) future, for now she will be focusing on just the one.

“Life is busier than I imagined so having the right people to help you is crucial. Whether that is your staff, suppliers,

accountant, contractors or friends and family who will show up to clean the windows and serve the bubbles on opening night. Find your people, create a fit out and stock budget and then stick to it.

“This dream has been in my heart for a long time and it can be hard to take that great big leap, but I can assure you it is worth it.” G

Jo Hutchens at her happy place, inside the store.

SPRING Fever

In a Giftguide exclusive, Tara Solberg, owner of retail store

Few and Far and wholesale brand Indigo Love, will share her experience, expertise and knowledge in a series of articles. In this issue she shares her tips on getting your store spring ready and how to maximise your sales by starting a conversation.

With spring finally on our doorstep, there’s something magical in the air.

Nature’s grand spectacle of blossoming flowers, warmer weather and longer daylight hours brings a much needed sense of rejuvenation to what has felt to some like a long and challenging winter.

With the holiday and gifting seasons approaching, it’s important as retailers that we plan ahead in order to make the most of what is ultimately our busiest time of year.

So let’s take some of that new ‘spring’ energy and get started on preparing our stores for our best Christmas yet and what better opportunity than to start with a spring clean.

Clean out your storeroom.

As a retailer and wholesaler myself, I personally understand the cash flow challenges some of you may be experiencing, which is why I suggest you clean out your backroom before placing any orders for new stock. Old product sitting in your back room isn’t adding to your bottom line and is actually costing you money. Roster a helper and remove every box, open it, sort it and throw out or donate the junk. Put anything possibly salvageable on sale prior

Few and Far Thirroul

to Christmas and dedicate an area of your store to display any clearance items. The sooner you sell through this old stock (even if you’ve had to sell it for less than you paid for it), the sooner you’ll have more cash in your pocket to invest in trying something new (that will actually make you money).

Where possible, try to keep this clearance display in keeping with the rest of your store so that it is still attractive to shoppers and doesn’t distract from the overall store experience. Clean your store.

I’m talking about really cleaning your store and pulling out that good ol’ elbow grease. Remove every box, bag or old tag. Vacuum or mop every floor surface. The goal is for your store to look as new as possible, like you’ve just had a makeover.

Better still, a fresh coat of paint goes a long way—give your store a new lease on life and fix up any

untidy or worn areas of the store, ready for a fresh new start. Re-merchandise. Move things around and create new displays (don’t forget the windows) using your existing stock and think about how you can draw attention to any new arrivals. It’s amazing how moving product around can make everything look new again. It’s a trick we use in the stores all the time and it works.

Redo your displays to include more space for customers to move around and give more space to product collections so they stand out. Cluster similar

products together rather than spreading them throughout the store.

With a clean and sparkling ‘new’ store comes a positive outlook and clear and open mind—not only will you feel refreshed and energised, but your customers will too. They will be curious to see what all the fuss is about and will no doubt pop their head in to find out.

However, the real secret to success lies in having quality conversations. So, now that you’ve enticed them back into store, here are some things you can focus on to approach

Tara Solberg

customers more effectively, increase your average order value and to build customer loyalty, and to give your business the best opportunity for a successful end of year.

1. Greet your customers

Welcome customers like they’re entering your home—with a positive, friendly attitude. Greet them, but make sure you give them enough time to enter first. Try a greeting such as ‘good morning, feel free to look around, and I’ll be right with you’.

2. Create opportunities for conversation

Think of something that you can talk to them about to build rapport and trust. Share something honest about yourself that they may relate to based on their response to your first interaction.

Make sure you are always genuine, otherwise you will instantly lose your customers’ trust. If you can, always use your name (and your customers will feel more inclined to offer theirs).

3. Ask questions and listen to the answers

Always avoid ‘how are you today?’ (don’t get me wrong, even I’m guilty of that), but the problem is, you’re setting yourself up to fail. There is no opening to continue a conversation or to build a relationship with your customer. They will shut down the conversation before you can think of your next line. Instead, try to use only one general question to find out what the customer is trying to do or needs and actually listen to what it is they want. How can you help find a solution?

4. Provide product education

Rather than explaining the features of a product, inform the customer of the benefits (these are always so much more exciting) and why that particular product would be suitable to meet the needs of the customer.

5. Close the sale with an add-on

Add-on sales always feel awkward and ‘salesy’ but if you approach them in a genuine way and again, discuss the benefits of an additional product before purchasing the one they came to your store

to buy, the process becomes more about looking after your customer rather than selling to them.

6. Don’t forget to capture their details at checkout

Now that you have their name and you’ve built rapport and trust, it will be much easier for the transaction of your customers’ details to take place. Don’t forget, this is your most valuable database—your owned audience. Capturing your customers email address (as a minimum) will be business. G

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growing pains

The biggest mistakes Australian businesses make when scaling up.

Small businesses account for 97.5 per cent of all businesses in Australia. As these businesses scale up, they are faced with a myriad of opportunities and challenges. These can be overwhelming for some. As a result, 60 per cent of Australian businesses fail within the first three years.

By learning from the mistakes of others, you can hopefully avoid them on your path to success. Here are the six biggest mistakes that Australian businesses make when scaling up.

1. Not testing new markets

Expanding into new markets is like venturing into an unknown territory. Expanding too quickly without testing market demand and customer feedback can be detrimental. While a product or service may show tremendous

growth in a region, it may not yield the same results elsewhere. Forty-two per cent of small businesses fail because of a lack of market need. They jump into the market without understanding customer requirements.

The insights derived from market analysis can help you gauge the demand, opportunities and challenges. Ninety-five per cent of companies report a positive return on investment from using market research to venture into new markets. This will also help you understand if your company can survive amidst the competition. Nineteen per cent of businesses fail because they are outshone by the competition. It will also help you identify gaps that your brand can fill in a particular market.

2. Underestimating operational complexities Underestimating the costs

and complexities of operations such as logistics and inventory management can seriously harm your growth potential. You need to understand how to scale your operations sustainably.

For instance, a retail business may find it easy to ship inventory directly to the outlets when it is operating in just one city, but as the company expands to other cities they need to change the distribution strategy. Owing to multiple destinations, receiving inventory directly from the supplier may not be cost effective. The business may need additional outlets to store and distribute inventory, based on estimated demand in different cities. A business will come across unique opportunities and challenges at different scales. The differences that seem trivial

Expanding too quickly without testing market demand and customer feedback can be detrimental.

on the surface grow in significance as a business scales up. You need to accept the complexities that come with scaling up and adjust your operations accordingly.

3. Poor financial management

Poor financial management is a big challenge for scaling businesses. It is estimated that 82 per cent of businesses fail due to cash flow problems. To avoid common financial pitfalls, you need clear protocols for managing revenues and expenses. Businesses also need complete visibility over cash flow. This has a significant impact on managing operational costs. You also need systems to measure the ROI from various assets and

activities. A growing company must constantly forecast its finances and adjust its strategy based on insights to stay afloat in volatile conditions.

4. Not leveraging outsourcing

While businesses are scaling up, flexibility is crucial. The demand can fluctuate drastically based on several factors. These can be market acceptance, seasonality, shortages, marketing campaigns and so on.

In such conditions, investing in owned assets or leasing assets can prove to be a burden.

Businesses can enjoy substantial savings and flexibility by outsourcing certain operations to industry partners. For instance, a retail or ecommerce company can hire a logistics partner to handle inventory distribution and order fulfilment.

They can access assets, resources and trained personnel

without investing in any of it. Businesses need only pay for the services they use. Seventy per cent of companies outsource various operations to reduce costs, while 40 per cent do it for flexibility. You can work with the vendor to rescale the operations as needed.

5. Poor hiring

In terms of hiring and managing human resources, two things happen to start-ups as they grow: they either hire too many people too quickly or they don’t hire enough people soon enough. The former leads to high overheads while the latter leads to burnout and poor performance.

Before you begin hiring people, you need to

analyse the needs of the company. It is necessary to understand the capabilities and outcomes required from a particular role.

Alongside employing people who can contribute to your growth, you also need to ensure that they grow with the company. For this, you also need to provide adequate training and support to the employees. You need to prepare them to handle the challenges the company will face when scaling up.

6. Not focusing on customer retention

Existing customers can serve as the backbone of a growing business. The average conversion rate for new customers ranges between five to 20 per cent in retail, while that for existing customers is

Retained customers spend more and buy more frequently from a brand.

60 to 70 per cent. Retained customers spend more and buy more frequently from a brand. Improving the retention rate by merely five per cent can result in a 25 per cent spike in profits. As the business grows, you should not neglect the factors that contribute to customer retention. You need to monitor customer reviews and feedback to identify the aspects that affect their brand experiences. Bad experiences and unresolved issues can

lead to a drop in customer loyalty. In the race to build the tallest tower, businesses often forget that they need a solid foundation for the structure. You need to scale your business with a marathon mindset, rather than a sprint. Avoid the common mistakes that other companies have made and focus on building a foundation that can support your company for years to come. G

By Nicholas Woodward, country manager of Pack & Send

our new range of homewares, crafted with Summer in mind. Designed in-house in our Melbourne studio and stocked in stores across Australia.

WHO’S THE

BOSS?

How losing her job turned out to be a blessing for Aussie mum Jane Black.

In a world filled with unexpected twists and turns, Jane Black, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of corporate sales experience, was suddenly faced with an unexpected opportunity for reinvention.

What began as a promising venture into the health and wellness industry in early 2020 was abruptly halted by the global pandemic. As her corporate health role came to an end, Black’s life took an unforeseen turn, leading her to uncover a hidden passion and launch a thriving supplement business that has turned heads in the industry.

As the pandemic swept across the globe, introducing unprecedented changes to our daily lives, her career path underwent a remarkable transformation. With the emergence of remote work, virtual classrooms

and new norms, she turned adversity into opportunity and created Health Boss in late 2020, a brand that aims to empower individuals on their journey to wellness.

“Losing my job at the beginning of the pandemic was a setback that shook both my career and my confidence,” she shares.

“But I chose not to let it define me. Health Boss is my way of empowering fellow ageing individuals

Health Boss founder, Jane Black.

who may have felt overshadowed by life’s challenges. Making a positive impact on others’ lives fills me with immense satisfaction, reminding me that every hurdle is an opportunity for growth.”

After a lot of research, development and product trials, she introduced her flagship product, Beauty Boss Bovine Collagen, in November 2021.

Health Boss was born out of a vision to empower individuals to take control of their health and wellbeing. With a focus on delivering effective and affordable supplements, the brand’s mission revolves around enabling customers to

become their own health boss. Today, the range has expanded to include diverse offerings, catering to both men and women seeking holistic wellness solutions.

Black’s dedication has garnered recognition, positioning her as a finalist in the health and wellness category of the 2023 AusMumpreneur Awards. She has successfully launched three TGA-listed supplements including Beauty Boss Vegetarian Collagen, Immune Boss and Joint Boss and she is excited to add a menopause range and companion products soon. She is also her own brand’s

best advertisement. After over 20 years suffering from chronic neck pain, she has been thrilled with the results she has achieved from using the supplement. Joint Boss utilises eggshell membrane as the primary ingredient and is indicated for mild osteoarthritis, joint aches and pains and connective tissue health.

However, Black’s journey is not just about business success; it’s also about creating harmony between her professional pursuits and her role as a mother.

“My days are a whirlwind of research, meetings with naturopaths, label deadlines, compliance and social media engagement,” she reflects.

“Yet, amidst the hustle, my top priority remains supporting my daughter’s aspirations. Health Boss gives me the flexibility to nurture both my business and my family.” G

TOP: Beauty Boss vegan collagen is one of the brand’s best-sellers. BELOW: Gold Coast based Black launched Health Boss after losing her job in the pandemic.

Luk Beautifood Lash Nourish mascara (RRP $37). service@lukbeautifood.com, www.lukbeautifood.com

Ella Vie scalp elixir (RRP $66). enquiries@ellavie.com.au, www.ellavie.com.au

Biologi’s Bf restore face and body serum (RRP $34). enquiries@biologi.com.au, www.biologi.com.au

The Kind Collective prep and protect mist with blue protection (RRP $18.95). hello@thekindcollectiveaustralia.com, www.thekindcollectiveaustralia.com

Urban Rituelle Natural Remedy face scrub (wholesale $11.80). info@urbanrituelle.com.au, www.urbanrituelle.com.au

be. Health chocolate collagen powder (RRP $64.95). support@behealth.co, behealth.co

Sunday Riley B3 Nice serum (RRP $108). hello@sundayriley.com, sundayriley.com

Roccoco Botanicals frangipani and lychee body créme (RRP $154). sales@roccoco.com, au.roccoco.com

Maine Beach Kakadu Plum Duo gift set (wholesale $26.95). info@cocco.com.au, mainebeach.com.au

Nutrimetics silk finish foundation SPF15 (RRP $30 to $76). online@nutrimetics.com.au, nutrimetics.com

Grown Alchemist skin renewal mask (RRP $72). customercare@grownalchemist.com, grownalchemist.com/au

Urban Jungle Beauty Melt Me Softly cleansing balm (RRP $36). hiya@urbanjunglebeauty.com, urbanjunglebeauty.com

Roccoco Botanicals lip nourisher (RRP $18). sales@roccoco.com, au.roccoco.com

Biologi Bk eye rejuvenation serum (RRP $88). enquiries@biologi.com.au, www.biologi.com.au

Lanolips overnight lip mask (RRP $19.95). hello@lanolips.com, lanolips.com.au

Maine Beach Discovery collection (wholesale $12.95). info@cocco.com.au, mainebeach.com.au

Stuf Skin hydrate and glow kit (RRP $45). hello@stufskin.com, www.stufskin.com

Wotnot Naturals natural face sunscreen SPF 40 (RRP $34.99). Info@wotnot.com.au, www.wotnot.com.au

Rogue Beauty R+Co Bleu rose water wave spray (RRP $80). info@roguebeauty.com.au, www.roguebeauty.com.au

Urban Rituelle Natural Remedy hydrating face cleanser (wholesale $11.80). info@urbanrituelle.com.au, www.urbanrituelle.com.au

Fragrances of Ireland Inis revitalising body lotion (wholesale $14.55). customerservice@inis.com, inis.com

Intrinsic Enterprises hand cream (wholesale $11.81). hello@intrinsiconline.com, www.intrinsiconline.com

info@roguebeauty.com.au, www.roguebeauty.com.au

Evidence Skincare ageless microneedle patches (RRP $140). info@eskcare.com, www.eskcare.com

The Kind Collective miracle glo serum (RRP $19.95). hello@thekindcollectiveaustralia.com, www.thekindcollectiveaustralia.com

Fragrances of Ireland Inis refreshing bath & shower gel (wholesale $11.36). customerservice@inis.com, inis.com

Rogue Beauty Maria Nila true soft argan oil (RRP $48).

Biologi bio cellulose sheet mask (RRP $31). enquiries@biologi.com.au, www.biologi.com.au

Grown Alchemist and skin renewal day cream (RRP $85). customercare@grownalchemist.com, grownalchemist.com/au

Urban Jungle Beauty Saké Bomb gel cleanser (RRP $42). hiya@urbanjunglebeauty.com, urbanjunglebeauty.com

Sweetest

THING the

Meet Worthy founder, Angela Michel, the fearless radiographer turned sweettoothed visionary.

Clockwise from top: Worthy founder, Angela Michel. Worthy bottles can be taken anywhere and come in eco-friendly packaging.

For Angela Michel, it all started with a bold mission to change the status quo. Without any background in manufacturing, marketing or sales, Michel decided to revolutionise the humble water bottle in the best way imaginable.

Enter Worthy drink bottles, the sweetest change makers on the eco-friendly block.

After working as a radiographer for over a decade, Michel wanted to take the entrepreneurial plunge. Fed up with fragile glass bottles, chipping paint on stainless steel ones and smelly plastic alternatives, she set out to create the most sustainable, coollooking and planet-loving bottle imaginable.

“One morning I was up early feeding my one-year-old daughter,” she recalls.

“I had a picture of a drink bottle in my head and decided to create the most sustainable bottle on the market. I spent many late nights

researching the most viable option and through this discovered the benefits of sugarcane as an alternative to plastics.

“From there, I spent even more hours finding out how to make this a reality, how the manufacturing process can work and how to do this locally with the lowest environmental impact; it was a steep learning curve and a lesson in resilience and self-belief.

“I managed to find a local Melbourne manufacturer who believed in what I was doing and supported me in the process. Four years after my first vision, Worthy bottles were launched. We are pioneering manufacturing with this innovative material and are so proud to be one of the first in the world to do so,” she enthuses.

Indeed, Worthy bottles are made right in the heart of Melbourne from 100 per cent sustainably grown sugarcane.

The bottles are always positive because they’re carbon negative. By using the sugarcane stem to create bioplastic

Worthy bottles are made from 100 per cent sugarcane.

resin and utilising sugarcane waste (or begasse) to power the factory, every step of production is sustainably and ethically done. They’re carbon negative and zero waste during manufacturing, making them one of the most ethical and sustainable bottles on the market, adds Michel.

“Sugarcane is nature’s powerhouse. It captures carbon while growing and uses natural resources to grow (the sun and rain) yet it functions just like plastic without the nasties. Its lightweight, durable, dishwasher safe and 100 per cent recyclable in household bins.

“As mentioned before, we use the stem of the sugarcane for the bioplastic resin and the waste (begasse) to power the factory, making our

bottles carbon negative and zero waste at manufacture. Traditional bottles like stainless steel or glass use a lot of resources to manufacture including crude oil, energy and heat and this isn’t good for the environment,” she explains.

“We use natural energy and resources. Our bottles have a full circle lifespan and we have the ability to turn (and broken or unused parts) into new sugarcane products.”

Michel makes sure each Worthy bottle also supports a worthy cause. Over 10 years ago, Michel and her husband embarked on a lifechanging journey to India and Nepal for six months. Their encounter with a slum in Mumbai living beside a massive rubbish dump filled with plastic waste left an indelible mark.

Determined to make a difference, they returned

Worthy bottle.

to Australia and the moment Worthy was born, Michel knew she would give back to those in need.

“We are a big-hearted brand that spreads the message of worth and we donate 10 per cent of every bottle sale to Vision Rescue, helping women and children living in the slums of Mumbai. We also partner with local NFP RAMS running resilience programs for at risk adolescents in Victoria.

“Even though times are tough for so many at the moment, we have still found incredible opportunities during this time.

We are using this time to spread brand awareness and offer support to communities doing it tough. We also partner with Christmas box, offering a box of non-perishable goods at Christmas for those in need.

“A big part of our brand is spreading the message of worth. I love speaking and inspiring the next generation to ditch single use plastic bottles and to start a relationship with a reusable one, while sharing our startup journey and the resilience needed for that,” she says.

To date Worthy has seen a 180 per cent growth in just two years and the brand is now stocked nationally in over 100 stores.

“The thing we hear the most when people first pick up a bottle is how lightweight they are. Our customers love that they are durable, easy to use and clean. They really have the feel-good factor of being so eco-friendly and giving to those in need.

“We are a local family run business and customer service is paramount as well as providing a superior quality product. We offer 12-month warranties on our bottles and lids.”

And her goal? To be a gamechanger in the battle against single-use plastic drink bottles and replace other unnecessary plastic products using this ground-breaking technology. With a staggering one million bottles being purchased globally every minute, Worthy’s here to provide an eco-friendly solution that’s way cooler than your average reusable bottle.

“We are excited for what lies ahead. We have many products that we are bursting to design including a kids range of bottles, lunch boxes as well as picnic wares and reusable coffee cups. We have new bottle colours launching in the coming weeks. We also see great opportunities to take the brand internationally at the right time.” G

Worthy bottles on the road.

Go Do Good Botanica jewellery collection (wholesale $20.45). hello@godogood.com.au, www.godogood.com.au

Bright Wonders Lilliputiens discovery house (wholesales $43). info@brightwonders.com.au, www.brightwonders.com.au

Finmark ribbed garden wrapping paper (prices on request). admin@finmark.com.au, www.finmark.com.au

Urban Rituelle Natural Remedy Wellness Rituelle’s 100% essential oil blends (wholesale $9.10). info@urbanrituelle.com.au, www.urbanrituelle.com.au

Domenica Formulations hand soap (RRP $39). care@domenicaformulations.com, domenicaformulations.com

Emilie O’Connor bamboo tableware (RRP from $10.50). info@emilieoconnorhomestore.com, emilieoconnorhomestore.com

Earth Greetings 2024 planners (wholesale $22.70). info@earthgreetings.com.au, www.earthgreetings.com.au

Earth Worthy hauler bag (wholesale $35). hello@earthworthy.co, earthworthy.co

Steadysticks Retrokitchen compostable sponge cloths (wholesale $3.30). info@steadysticks.com, www.urbangreens.com.au

info@artiwood.com.au, www.artiwood.com.au

Honeybee Wrap the kitchen collection (wholesale $18.16). hello@honeybeewrap.com.au, www.honeybeewrap.com.au

Artiwood Australia Tolo Toys Bio Teatime shape sorter (wholesale $22.80).

EcoSmart Chaser 38 (RRP from $2,995). info@ecosmartfire.com.au, ecosmartfire.com.au

Artiwood Australia

Bigjigs Rail Simply Scandi FSC Woodland train set (wholesale $47.50). info@artiwood.com.au, www.artiwood.com.au

Earth Greetings everyday cards & wrapping paper (wholesale $2.97). info@earthgreetings.com.au, www.earthgreetings.com.au

SOEK Milla Caramel (wholesale $40.49). order@soek.com.au, www.soek.com.au

Domenica Formulations interiors parfum (RRP $65 to $159). care@domenicaformulations.com, domenicaformulations.com

Go Do Good Seaside jewellery collection (wholesale $20.45 to $26.80). hello@godogood.com.au, www.godogood.com.au

Earth Greetings colouring cards (wholesale $13.60). info@earthgreetings.com.au, www.earthgreetings.com.au

Earth Worthy handloom throws (wholesale $112). hello@earthworthy.co, earthworthy.co

Bright Wonders Kaloo Lapinoo green rabbit (wholesale $19). info@brightwonders.com.au, www.brightwonders.com.au

Honeybee Wrap twin medium (wholesale $9.07). hello@honeybeewrap.com.au, www.honeybeewrap.com.au

Bright Wonders Janod tea set (wholesale $35). info@brightwonders.com.au, www.brightwonders.com.au

Earth Greetings spiral bound journals (wholesale $11.30 to $18.10). info@earthgreetings.com.au, www.earthgreetings.com.au

Artiwood Australia

Bobi Craft cotton crochet rainbow unicorn, (wholesale $19). info@artiwood.com.au, www.artiwood.com.au

Earth Worthy hauler mini tote bag (wholesale $35). hello@earthworthy.co, earthworthy.co

Go Do Good Connect jewellery collection (wholesale $13.20 to $26.80). hello@godogood.com.au, www.godogood.com.au

Domenica Formulations surface spray (RRP $39). care@domenicaformulations.com, domenicaformulations.com

Finmark

vines brown kraft wrapping paper (prices on request). admin@finmark.com.au, www.finmark.com.au

ribbed

Emilie O’Connor organic hemp & cotton info@emilieoconnorhomestore.com,

EcoSmart T-Lite series (RRP from $1,895). info@ecosmartfire.com.au, ecosmartfire.com.au

Earth Greetings Christmas cards & decorations (wholesale $2.97 to $5.90). info@earthgreetings.com.au, www.earthgreetings.com.au

CREATIVITY UNLEASHING

Giftguide sits down with Juanitur founder, Juanita Phillips, to chat about her business, her family and how a Cricut machine changed everything.

Born out of a passion for creating inspiring artwork that draws on her Māori heritage, Ipswich artist Juanita (Nita) Phillips found herself needing a flexible work schedule to balance life with her three kids and one on the way, after working two jobs to make ends meet as the sole earner.

Striving for a strong income stream without the structure of a nine to five job, she opened her small business selling her artwork.

“About five years ago when I found out that I was pregnant with my fourth child, I knew I wanted to stay at home and spend more time with my children,” she explains.

“At the time, I was juggling two jobs—working in marketing at a real

Juanitur founder, Juanita Phillips, at the Gold Coast Waitangi Day pop up.

estate company during the day and Baskin ‘N’ Robbins by night. Whilst I was the sole earner of my family and these two jobs were important for us to make ends meet, I didn’t like that it meant I’d have to compromise on quality time with my family.

“I especially didn’t like the thought of my newborn at daycare. As such, when a picture that I drew of my sister received an amazing response from family and friends on Facebook, I realised there was an opportunity there. Not only would I be able to work from home and spend time with my children, but I’d also be able to do something that I genuinely love, which is creating things.”

Nita’s small online business, Juanitur (“Juanita was taken on Instagram so I changed the spelling until I found the handle that was available”), focuses on creating a collection of meaningful prints, stationery and accessories to uplift and bring positivity into the world.

With a background in marketing, she’s no beginner in business and saw space to sell her artworks in a variety of ways. Starting in art prints, she quickly pivoted to selling other products, with the first she created being the most popular design, pēpi (baby) on board car sticker.

“The thing I love most about my job is being able to create artworks that resonate and inspire thousands of people. When I first started, I was in quite a bit of a dark place and so some of my

artworks had motivational quotes to help keep me on track. What I didn’t realise though was how many other people (especially single mums out there) were going through a similar situation as me.

“Through messages I received from the community, I realised that my art was more than just creating, it had the power to inspire others. When I hear stories like these, it just makes me so emotional and proud, reminding me why I started in the first place.”

Her strong ties to the community have seen her business continue to grow in success, most recently at the Gold Coast Waitangi Day pop-up where she amazed crowds with her on-the-spot custom orders.

“Recently being able to participate in the Waitangi Day store pop-up to showcase my customised hoodies, tote bags and banners that I created has been an absolute highlight of my journey so far. The response I received for my artwork was incredible and it was so nice to be able to further spread my Māori heritage in that way.”

As her business expanded, she had to find a way to accommodate large orders of custom hoodies, t-shirts and totes, which she achieved with her new Cricut Autopress. She first came across Cricut machines online and realised these at-home gadgets allow you to personalise and customise just about anything.

“Cricut has been a lifesaver for my business and I can’t imagine what my business would be like without it,” she adds.

“Initially, I only used my Cricut smart cutting machine to sell customised prints, stationery and accessories. Since then though, my business has grown and so has its products. I’ve now been receiving larger orders for custom hoodies, t-shirts, totes and banners. You can just imagine how much time would be spent on these orders.

“So, to help me out now I’ve actually also expanded my Cricut range and recently got a Cricut Autopress to help me fulfill these orders in a smooth, successful and timely manner.”

Nita now sells a range of art banners, tote bags, clothing, mugs, coasters, suncatchers, vinyl stickers and keychains. Her business has grown quickly and through using Cricut machines she’s been able to keep up with the demand and expand her product range.

“As my business continues to grow and orders come in hard and fast, being able to adapt and quickly customise orders can be slightly tricky. Luckily my Cricut smart cutting machine and Cricut Autopress have helped to alleviate a lot of this pressure.

“Staying organised can be sometimes difficult, especially as my business continues to grow and more orders come in. Given that I’m working from home, I have a designated Cricut workstation where most of my orders are made. This is usually tidy, but sometimes can flow into other areas of my home space.”

As she has expanded into her other party planning business, her Cricut machines have also been able to roll into making acrylic and wood signage for birthday parties and custom decorations.

“I owe my success to three main things: my strong passion for creating, the support of my family and of course, my Cricut machines and tools. Without any of these elements, I don’t think my business would be where it is now,” Nita adds.

“To first get started, I believe one needs to have a passion for what they want to do and believe it will succeed. It all starts with your drive and mindset. To continue this growth, having the support of loved ones is always helpful. Then of course comes the logistical side of things, which is the operation of the business.

One of Juanitur’s creations

“As mentioned before, Cricut has no doubt helped me in terms of turning around professional-looking customised products in a timely manner and I’m so thankful for that.

“I have just released my first four designs in baby swaddles. I’m currently working on a bunch more designs. I’m excited because I’m expanding my range from just baby swaddles too. I’m in the process of trialing a range of new designs for the baby swaddles being sampled and am working on thicker blankets and playmats.

I’m currently pregnant with baby number five and studying to

Juanitur’s best-selling product.

FOREVER Diamonds are

Giftguide chats to Medley Jewellery founder, Amber Hodgman, about the secret of her (international) success and what’s next for the multi-million-dollar business.

Medley Jewellery celebrated over $1 million of sales within its first full financial year (FY20/21). With a strong focus on ethically sourcing its materials, Medley’s business centres around leveraging customer buying behaviours to deliver in-demand designs and a strong digital investment in advertising that highlights its core messaging.

When was Medley Jewellery launched and what inspired the launch?

Medley launched in late 2020 and is what I like to call a Covid baby. It was created to offer affordable and ethically sourced jewellery to the digitally savvy Gen Z and Millennial shoppers of Australia.

Initially, Medley started as a female brand designed for the self-gifter. Who better to speak to our customers than a female-minded team? However, that quickly evolved to selling over 30 per cent of our styles to male-identifying customers. Even though we like to communicate to a broader audience, we still have the original female team. Being a female-led business creates an empathic and supportive environment, which we all love.

What makes Medley Jewellery stand out in the market?

It’s backed by a much larger jewellery business (MHJ International) that has access to global supply chains. Even though the business very much runs separately, we have the best of both worlds. An agile, small start-up with accessibility to resources that help us scale.

Our brand ethos is to co-create and our philosophy, ‘worn for nobody’ means we design styles that are foundational but also customisable by the wearer. Essentially, to be worn for themselves and nobody else. We like to be customer-centric in our product design, our trend guidelines are more around consumer demand, so we like to analyse high search terms or changes in preferences e.g. lab grown diamonds.

All images courtesy of Medley Jewellery.

From the beginning, we wanted to ensure we were a value-led business, so Medley is certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council and strives to consistently prioritise our sustainability practices, which isn’t always easy. Ultimately, we are designing for longevity.

We create four seasonal collections a year. This means our newness is somewhat limited in both quantity and breadth. We like to select products that will be wearable for years to come. Why did you decide to expand overseas and what have been some of the challenges and highlights?

It just seemed like a natural progression for the business. Our social media consists of customers from all around the world. We are still only in 12 countries, but we plan on continuing to expand. Modern digital platforms make it fairly easy to launch into new countries, so we have utilised those out-of-the-box solutions where we can. I would say our most interesting challenges have been running our campaign shoots in Puglia, Paris and most recently Barcelona. As a direct-to-consumer brand, our social media is an important way for us to connect with our

community. TikTok right through to LinkedIn, each channel allows us to engage a different part of our audience for various reasons. It’s an extension of the people in the team and transparency for us is key. We also like to participate in topical and fun trends, which allows us to understand what’s happening in the market and ensure we stay educated on pop culture.

What is next for Medley Jewellery as a business in the current economic climate?

We are very mindful that both our team and

our customers are becoming more aware of how they invest their money. This is where conscious consumerism comes into play. We have a customer retention plan that involves bringing our customers along the brand journey even if they can’t always buy from us. We like to talk about how they can style their existing jewellery and reinvigorate what they already own. When they are in a position to buy something, we want to make sure we offer great style at an accessible price. Jewellery is incredibly sentimental and so our customers see it as more than just a fickle fashion piece. G

rugs, doormats, home & garden

doormatdesigns.com.au

Past, present & future

Villeroy & Boch celebrates 275 years of creativity and craftmanship.

In the world of dining and lifestyle, Villeroy & Boch is synonymous with elegance and innovation as the iconic brand celebrates its 275th anniversary this year.

Founded in 1748 in Audun-le-Tiche, France, by François Boch and his three sons, the company began producing ceramic tableware and expanded its operations to Luxembourg before ultimately relocating its headquarters to Mettlach, Germany in the 19th Century.

“Villeroy & Boch’s history is a testament to the vision of our founders and the commitment of our employees, who have carried on the legacy of our brand with pride and passion,” says family ambassador, Maria von Boch.

“We are proud of our heritage and we look forward to continuing our tradition of creating beautiful, elegant homes for generations to come.”

Innovation behind the evolution

The 275-year journey of Villeroy & Boch is a story of constant innovation and reinvention. From its early days as a pottery manufacturer, the company has transformed into a global leader in the design and production of high-quality dinnerware, glassware and cutlery, as well as luxurious bathroom and wellness products. Villeroy & Boch has always been at the forefront of design trends, introducing

new styles and shapes that have become classics in the world of home decor.

In its early days, the company was quick to adopt new technologies and techniques that let the company create products that were not only beautiful but also functional and durable. For example, in 1836, Villeroy & Boch introduced the first ceramic tableware that could be put in the oven safely, a revolutionary innovation at the time.

Villeroy & Boch 275 Jubilee collection La Boule Paradiso.

Villeroy & Boch Paradiso birthday cake.

Today, Villeroy & Boch continues to explore the limits of possibility, using advanced materials and technologies to create practical and exquisite dining and lifestyle products.

“Villeroy & Boch’s goal has always been to create products that enhance lives. We are constantly looking for new ways to make our products more beautiful, more functional and more sustainable, and we are always exploring new materials and techniques that will help us to achieve this goal,” says Von Boch.

Villeroy & Boch is driven by a deep appreciation for the beauty of the world around us. From the intricate floral patterns of the company’s early ceramic products to the sleek and modern designs of its contemporary lines.

“Beauty has always been a central part of Villeroy & Boch’s philosophy. We believe that beautiful objects have the power to enhance our lives, inspire us and bring us joy. That’s why we take such care in designing our products, from the choice of colours and materials to the smallest details of the pattern,” she adds.

Creativity and iconic patterns are at the heart of Villeroy & Boch

Of course, innovation is only part of the story.

As part of its 275th anniversary celebrations, Villeroy & Boch is releasing a limited-edition range that encapsulates the most iconic designs of the

Villeroy & Boch 275 Jubilee collection Paradiso mug.

past 275 years. This collection is a fusion of the company’s past, present and future, and features a new interpretation of historic decor with modern, graphic elements.

The collection includes a range of products including the popular traditional Old Luxembourg collection, which reflects the beginnings of the company with its delicate,

hand-applied blue rococo motifs of blossom sprigs and delicate reliefs. The anniversary items are available in strictly limited editions and highlight pieces of the highest quality, featuring durable and sustainable materials.

“The collection’s design is a tribute to Villeroy & Boch’s heritage and innovation, with a vibrant orange colour infusing

Villeroy & Boch 275 Jubilee collection.

our traditional blue with energy. This collection brings together various creative influences to create an amazing creation that customers can add to their homes,” says Von Boch.

Looking to the future, Villeroy & Boch continues to push the boundaries of design and technology,

creating products that are not only beautiful and functional but also environmentally friendly.

As Villeroy & Boch marks its 275th anniversary, it not only celebrates its illustrious past but also anticipates a future filled with endless possibilities to elevate the dining and lifestyle experience. G

Villeroy & Boch workspace.

Ooni Karu 12G multifuel pizza oven (RRP $699).

Roccbox pizza oven (RRP $799).

Ooni volt 12 electric pizza oven (RRP $1,499). sales@ooni.com, au.ooni.com

like. by Villeroy & Boch (RRP from $34.95). www.villeroy-boch.com.au

The Kindred Co eb&ive Alma mini board set (wholesale $22.50). sales@thekindredco.com.au, www.thekindredco.com.au

Nicholas Agency & Co NF alfresco dining range (wholesale $3.50 to $49.95). Nicholas Agency & Co, sales@nf.net.au, www.nf.net.au

J Style Japanese bowls (wholesale $10.80). info@jstyle.com.au, www.jstyle.com.au

The latest products to take your store from winter into spring

1. Metro umbrella, wholesales for $58.20. BLUNT, 0427 710 744, lisa@bluntumbrellas.com, bluntumbrella.com.au, www.instagram.com/bluntumbrellas 2. CIRCA Alchemy White Tea & Wild Mint home fragrance, prices range from $26.95 to $64.95. Alchemy, help@circa.com.au, circa.com.au, www.facebook.com/circafragrances, www.instagram.com/circafragrances 3. Kaloo stimuli soft sound shapes, wholesales for $35. Bright Wonders, 08 7425 1400, info@brightwonders.com.au, www.brightwonders.com.au, www.instagram.com/brightwonders_au 4. Avocado vase, wholesales for $15.50. Alfresco Gardenware, 03 9118 4333, service@alfrescogardenware.com.au, www.alfrescogardenware.com, www.facebook.com/alfrescogardenware, www.instagram.com/alfrescogardenware

8232 2366,

www.instagram.com/theintrinsicway

www.intrinsiconline.com,

8811, info@jstyle.com.au, www.jstyle.com.au, www.facebook.com/jstyle.com.au, www.instagram.com/jstyle_au

www.facebook.com/bramblebaycandleco/, www.instagram.com/bramblebayco

1. Gift boxed bracelets, wholesale for $18.16. Intrinsic Enterprises, 08

hello@intrinsiconline.com,

www.facebook.com/theintrinsicway,

2. eb&ive La Vie cushion, wholesales for $27. The Kindred Co, 02 9667 1991, sales@thekindredco.com.au, www.thekindredco.com.au, www.facebook.com/thekindredcolifestylebrands, www.instagram.com/the_kindred_co

3. Disney pastel kiss mugs, wholesale for $36. J Style, 02 4225

4. Rose Garden collection, RRP from $24.95. Villeroy & Boch, 1800 252 770, www.villeroy-boch.com.au, www.facebook.com/VilleroyandBoch, www.instagram.com/villeroyboch

5. Desert Rose candle and diffuser, wholesales for $14.95 each. Bramble Bay Co, 07 3492 0951, sales@bramblebayco.com, www.bramblebayco.com,

722 443, info@steadysticks.com, www.urbangreens.com.au, www.facebook.com/urbangreensco, www.instagram.com/urbangreensco

2. eb&ive Esprit cape, wholesales for $22.50. The Kindred Co, 02 9667 1991, sales@thekindredco.com.au, www.thekindredco.com.au, www.facebook.com/thekindredcolifestylebrands, www.instagram.com/the_kindred_co

3.

wholesale for $20.40 and $22.70. Cocco Corporation, 08 8383 0715, info@cocco.com.au, mainebeach.com.au, www.facebook.com/MaineBeach, www.instagram.com/mainebeachofficial

4.

wholesales

$1.45.

Gardenware, 03 9118 4333, service@alfrescogardenware.com.au, www.alfrescogardenware.com, www.facebook.com/alfrescogardenware, www.instagram.com/alfrescogardenware

www.facebook.com/urbanrituelle, www.instagram.com/urbanrituelle

1. Urban Greens Co Australian native flower grow kits, wholesale for $11.35. Steadysticks, 0400

Maine Beach fragrance diffuser and candle,

Chicken pot sitter,

for

Alfresco

5. Apotheca home fragrance collection room and linen mist, wholesale for $13.65. Urban Rituelle, info@urbanrituelle.com.au, www.urbanrituelle.com.au,

Fragrances of Ireland, 1800 779 238,

1. Silver ring with ball necklace, wholesales for $17.90. Lillyco Accessories, 08 9534 9688, sales@lillyco.com.au, www.lillyco.com.au, www.facebook.com/lillycoaustralia, www.instagram.com/lillycoaustralia

2. Twilight Sunset candle and diffuser, wholesale for $14.95 and $15.95. Bramble Bay Co, 07 3492 0951, sales@bramblebayco.com, www.bramblebayco.com, www.facebook.com/bramblebaycandleco, www.instagram.com/bramblebayco 3. Inis home fragrance diffuser and scented candle, wholesale for $22.73 and $20.45.

customerservice@inis.com, inis.com, www.facebook.com/InisEnergyoftheSea, www.instagram.com/inisenergyofthesea/ 4. Large Banksia Corten wall art, wholesales for $99. Alfresco Gardenware, 03 9118 4333, service@alfrescogardenware.com.au, www.alfrescogardenware.com, www.facebook.com/alfrescogardenware, www.instagram.com/alfrescogardenware 5. CIRCA Alchemy Grapefruit & Cedarwood home fragrance, prices range from $44.95 to $52.95. Alchemy, help@circa.com.au, circa.com.au, www.facebook.com/circafragrances, www.instagram.com/circafragrances

1

2 3

1. Indoor and outdoor cushions, RRP from $119. Oak & Ave, 0415 525 211, hello@oakandave.com.au, www.facebook.com/ oakandavetextiles, www.instagram.com/oakandave_textiles

2. Mother of Pearl range, prices available on request. Philbee Interiors, 03 9585 8599, info@philbee.com.au, www.philbee.com.au, www.facebook.com/PhilBeeAustralia, www.instagram.com/philbeeinteriors

3. Smelly Balls reusable air freshener, wholesales for $10. Australian Lifestyle Brands, 07 5613 2088, orders@australianlifestylebrands.com.au, www.smellyballs.com, www.facebook.com/ihavesmellyballs, www.instagram.com/smelly_balls

4. Zahra Opal Tort wooden eyewear, wholesales for $40.49. SOEK, 0417 681 769, order@soek.com.au, www.soek.com.au, www.facebook.com/soeksunglasses, www.instagram.com/soeksunglasses

3492 0951, sales@bramblebayco.com, www.bramblebayco.com, www.facebook.com/bramblebaycandleco, www.instagram.com/bramblebayco

7425

9688,

9118 4333, service@alfrescogardenware.com.au, www.alfrescogardenware.com, www.facebook.com/alfrescogardenware, www.instagram.com/alfrescogardenware

1. Lemon Ironbark candle and diffuser, wholesales for $14.95 each. Bramble Bay Co, 07

2. Lilliputiens animated music box, wholesales for $32.50. Bright Wonders, 08

1400, info@brightwonders.com.au, www.brightwonders.com.au, www.instagram.com/ brightwonders_au 3. Rose gold heart pendant, wholesales for $17.90. Lillyco Accessories, 08 9534

sales@lillyco.com.au, www.lillyco.com.au 4. Apotheca home fragrance collection fragrance diffuser set, wholesales for $22.70. Urban Rituelle, info@urbanrituelle.com.au, www.urbanrituelle.com.au, www.facebook.com/urbanrituelle, www.instagram.com/urbanrituelle

5. Mild steel balls, set of 3 wholesales for $39.95. Alfresco Gardenware, 03

1. Ocean Drift candle and diffuser, wholesale for $14.95 and $15.95. Bramble Bay Co, 07 3492 0951, sales@bramblebayco.com, www.bramblebayco.com, www.facebook.com/bramblebaycandleco, www.instagram.com/bramblebayco 2. Inis cologne spray, wholesales for $36.36. Fragrances of Ireland, 1800 779 238, customerservice@inis.com, inis.com, www.facebook.com/InisEnergyoftheSea, www.instagram.com/inisenergyofthesea/ 3. Vegan leather essential purses, wholesale for $14.08. Intrinsic Enterprises, 08 8232 2366, hello@intrinsiconline.com, www.intrinsiconline.com, www.facebook.com/theintrinsicway, www.instagram.com/theintrinsicway 4. Apotheca home fragrance collection soy candles, wholesale from $13.65 to $22.70. Urban Rituelle, info@urbanrituelle.com.au, www.urbanrituelle.com.au, www.facebook.com/urbanrituelle, www.instagram.com/urbanrituelle 5. Florence six-seat dining table, retails for $2,660. Olan Living, 02 9498 219,2 info@olanliving.com.au, olanliving.com.au, www.facebook.com/Olanliving, www.instagram.com/olanliving

Win the coveted gia (Australia)

Nominations for the 2023-2024 gia (Australia), the prestigious award honoring business innovation and retailing excellence in home + housewares, are now being accepted. To be considered for this award or to nominate a retailer, please contact:

Marion Gerritsen at marion@intermedia.com.au

Participating in gia opens up unique opportunities for your business:

• Compete with and be honored alongside global peers

• Receive both local and global recognition, visibility and positive PR

• Learn how to improve your business through expert feedback and benchmarking

• Win a trip to The Inspired Home Show in Chicago 17–19 March 2024

Sponsor of the gia program:

MARCH 16-19, 2024

TheInspiredHomeShow.com/Awards/gia-Retailing

Proud sponsor of the gia (Australia)

TIENDAS LANDMARK, ARGENTINA

AMBIENTE LIVING, COLOMBIA

ILLUMS BOLIGHUS, NORWAY

LA IBERICA, URUGUAY