Chocolate and textiles: not the most likely of bedfellows, how did you two get together?
JA & SF: She likes to sit around. I like to eat chocolate. One thing lead to another.
Is it daunting stepping out into the world of business these days?
JA: The trick is finding something you love and working out a way to make a living from it. Within the planning and development of a small business, fear certainly has its place. It helps you remain realistic and mitigate the risks which are really important.
SF: It’s always daunting to take a punt when there are things you value at stake. The security of a full time, bill-paying job is a tricky thing to give up, but the buzz and fulfilment of bringing something of my own to fruition and spending my time and energy on my own venture has been totally worth the risk for me. Plus all the best things are daunting at first.
There seems to be a real sense of community within the world of Melbourne’s crafty and boutique businesses, not as cut-throat in competition as it might be in other sectors. How strong have you found your peer support?
JA & SF: That’s most definitely been our experience. There’s a sense among local makers and creatives of wanting to work with rather than against each other. The interest and support we’ve received from other people in these circles has been so encouraging and such a strong affirmation of the environment I have chosen to work within.
JA: We’re also really fortunate to have Claire Bowditch’s organisation, Big Hearted Business, right here in Melbourne which is a fantastic forum for creative’s and business people to discuss and demonstrate how business can be thoughtful and community minded while being lucrative. It’s very sensible stuff. Very encouraging.
How important are markets like the Coburg Night Market in kick-starting and supporting local businesses?
JA & SF: A forum like CNM is really useful for putting makers and crafts people directly in touch with the market within their local community. In turn, it exposes market-goers to the fantastic creative work that’s going on right under their noses.
What makes your respective products unique?
JA: There’s been this amazing chocolate awakening in Australia in recent times and we’re seeing bean to bar and artisan chocolate makers popping up all over. It’s exciting. But I want to have some fun with it and try to convert the unconverted to the joys of quality ethical chocolate. Sometimes you want more than just a few chilli flakes stuck on the back of a bar. You want the option of milk chocolate, flowing salted caramel, honeycomb and handmade nut pralines. Then there’s the incredibly unique packaging featuring Sarah’s designs.
