It’s summer in the Northern Hemisphere at my parents’ home. I’ve left Brad behind for the next month and a bit in near freezing temperatures down South. I’m not sure which I like better – the hot and humid weather that I’m sweltering in or the continuously cold and rainy days that I’ve temporarily left behind. Anyway, Brad has kindly decided to fill in for me to look after the online shop ( I don’t think I gave him a choice) so that you don’t have to wait till I get back from my break. I will of course be away from my regular Bunbury Markets and Boyanup Farmers Market for the month of August and most part of September so hopefully my market customers are well stocked until my return.
Contrary to my early resolution to be regular with my website blog posts, I confess I’ve failed miserably. Business has progressed to a busy pace and trying to write in the midst of making and creating has required a show of discipline that I have not been able to muster! And I’d rather wait for an opportune time such as this than succumb to the lure AI.
One route of communication that has been a tad easier has been FB and Instagram. These have seen a gradual increase in followers so hopefully some of you are getting updated via that avenue.
GLASS If you haven’t noticed it already, I have been gradually phasing out my aluminium and stainless steel skincare containers with glass. Although mailing out glass around the country can prove to be a challenge, I’ve decided to choose this option for a few good reasons that most of you may already be aware of.
PRICE HIKE Yes, this has been inevitable due to the increase in cost of raw materials all around. A lot of my products have gone up in price but not by a big margin. There are a number of items that I’ve decided to keep unchanged because I can afford to do so. Australia Post have gone ahead with their postage and handling charges for packages so that’s now reflected in my postage costs.
VICTORIA STREET COLLECTIVE This store in the middle of Bunbury just next to Benesse cafe in town and a few minutes away from the Lord Forrest Hotel has been the ideal place to have my eco-dyed garments. I also stock a small range of my natural skincare and home-care products here. My garments have proved to popular among customers looking for affordable and unique alternatives to fast fashion. It has been a pleasure to create and showcase my wares through this little shop front that’s been Kerry’s (3 Folsom Avenue) brainchild.
COLLIE PROVIDORE This cafe-store in Collie is another great place to access Brad’s chilli condiments who is busy completing a 14 jar order of his Three Chillie Condiment (vegan) for a regular customer of over 10 years. Currently, I also have a small selection of my soaps and skincare products at this cafe.
HOMEBODY home & body care naturally …. To wrap up, here’s another glimpse into who I am since a number of you have never met me in person at the markets. I love being home! Home is where I plan & design, research, create, make and produce what you have been buying from me so far. It’s a space where I can continue to be a “small business” with no plans to expand. It suits me to be small scale and a small batch maker. And I’m so pleased that we are on the same wavelength and that you appreciate this. It’s always motivating and encouraging to catch up with customers at the Bunbury Markets and Boyanup Farmers Market, some of whom I’ve been seeing for the past 15 years and many of whom I now call friends.
