We recently sat down with clothing designer Tirta Rhamawati to learn more about her luxurious new clothing label Batik Batik.

What made you decide to set up your own business – Batik Batik?
I have always wanted to do what I love. I love creating something; and I love everything that is beautiful. One of the things I'm passionate about is fashion and what better way to do that than designing my own Batik line. I took the risk and jumped at the chance of having my own fashion line...

We sat down with Bec from BHO Bags & Purses for a cuppa and glimpse into the mum-of-two's busy life... 

What made you decide to set up your own business?
Necessity! I needed a new wallet but I wanted something a bit different. Something child friendly and I wanted to know what it was made of as children often handle Mummy's wallet and they even put it in their mouths while in your arms. It’s not something you would normally notice but to me who had made the sea change to a simpler life it was very important.

What does a “normal” day look like for you?
Wow a normal day? What’s that?! My day usually consists of getting up early to organise my two girls for school, packing lunchboxes and- while heading out the door- getting the hubby up to head to work. My morning ritual is...

We recently caught up with Jackie and Adrian of Pendragon Shoes. Here's how our convo went down:

Where did you live before calling the Coast home?
 I'm originally from the Gold Coast and Brisbane; Adrian is from Warwick and Brisbane.

What did you do before Pendragon Shoes?
It was our first job apart from some restaurant work (which I kept up for many years to support my shoe habit!). We were both at Griffith Uni in Brisbane. I was doing an arts degree and Adrian was doing Australian Environmental studies...

What made you decide to set up your own business?
After completing my degree in Visual Arts, I was determined to be one of the few who decided to make a career out of it. It’s unfortunate these days that the Arts is not taken as a serious profession and many talented artists need to find other ways to support themselves and then never go back to the arts. I guess I was lucky as it was just about the time my daughter was born that I decided to really peruse my business. I wanted to give it my best and also to support my family while I had the chance...

Where did you grow up & where do you live now?
I grew up on the south side of Brisbane. I then lived abroad in London and America for 6 years before settling here on Queensland's Sunshine coast.
 
What did you do in your 'previous' life before Chuckles and Boo & how did you become involved in fashion?
I did office/secretarial work for many years both in Australia & overseas, but fashion has always been a 
passion of mine & sewing really fulfills my creative need...

I’m Jenny, the designer behind Eden Dreams, and I want to tell you a little about who I am and where I’ve come from. For as long as I can remember I have had a fascination with the natural world - before studying for my arts degree I worked as a veterinary nurse and also in a wildlife rescue sanctuary. Creatively, studying flora & fauna is something I did even as a small child - whether it was sculpture, painting or papiermache & I know that this fascination is something that will be with me forever in one way or another…. Evolving & growing with my ideas & concepts. The whole point of Eden Dreams is to not only create jewellery that looks good & makes you feel great but I also want it to connect the wearer to the natural world - evoke memories & instill a sense of discovery and...

We recently caught up with designer Sue Kirk of Bellicious Life to find out a little more about her roots, inspiration and direction...

Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I grew up in North Queensland and my father was a school principal so we moved around quite a lot until we settled in Brisbane, where I spent most of my childhood.

You were an exercise physiologist before you made the jump to fashion design. What prompted the switch?
I’ve always had a creative side and once I began having a family it gave me the perfect opportunity to put my dreams into reality and I began designing and making maternity clothes. I juggled both careers for awhile and then made the decision to follow my passion...

I am Bec, the lady behind BHO bags and purses, and here is a peak into my world of leather...

Sourcing supplies is never easy. We spend hours trawling the internet, making phone calls and email inquires. Leather is certainly the hardest one of the bunch though, as it's so tactile and there are so many variations due to its organic nature.

When initially sourcing my leather I wanted much more than a certain look and feel. I wanted to know where it came from, how was it processed and whether it was sustainable. When I looked deeper into how leathers were processed I was shocked to find that methods banned here are still being used in places like India. That was when I made the choice to source my leathers from a company that has an ecological conscience...

Your business needs a strong online presence. Regardless of the service or product you offer, if consumers cannot find you online your business faces the very real threat of being left behind while your competitors bound ahead at full pace, scooping up your potential online customers on their way!

For a strong and healthy online presence, make sure your business is set up on the following platforms: