Local Small Business Love
The Surf Coast of Victoria is a real hub for creativity and ingenuity. It’s a community we’re very proud to be a part of. As a small business ourselves, we know how hard it is putting so much time, effort and energy (and money!) into getting something off the ground, making a product you’re proud of and finding a way to do something you love as more than a past time.
We also believe in supporting those we find inspiring, on both a personal and professional level. Whether it’s collaborating, conversing or cheering on, we have so much to gain from one supporting another and there is always something new to be learned or uncovered.
Below you’ll find a list of some of our favourite local small business, if you’re a follower of ours you’ll probably recognise a few and others may be something new that you’re excited to discover.
Wet Dog - Wet Dog was born in Jan Juc, the suburb right next door to Torquay, a couple of years ago, when Nelly (Wet Dog’s Founder) started sharing stories of dogs and their owners (of which we and our dog Del were one of the first few - see some of the pics here).
Nelly is a dog lover, an adventure seeker, a friend of the earth and now, since developing the first Wet Dog product, she can add ‘girl boss’ to that list. The Wet Dog Poncho is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles and you can get them for both you and your dog.
Wet Dog's mission is to connect people and dogs, make life easier, more fun and help reduce the carbon footprint of dog lovers by creating more sustainable products for our furry friends.
We’ll vouch for the Wet Dog products - Del has the whole range in the Forrest print (poncho, bandana, lead and collar). They work wonderfully for drying her, are waterproof and stink proof and look adorable.
MAKESTUFF by Julian Beattie - We discovered Julian’s work at an Ocean Grind Twilight Market. His work is the stuff his fellow cabinet makers and joiners, like us, froth on. Curved timbers, quality wood, innovative designs with mid-century modern inspirations. The MAKESTUFF liquor cabinets and record cabinets are the STUFF dreams are made of.
Julian does commissions for custom works as well as running a shop with ready to items - lamps, tables, cabinets and more. If you are after a custom piece of furniture to suit your needs and style, MAKESTUFF can help refine the idea and bring it to fruition.
Julian does the occasional markets but you can also see his work in the flesh being used at places like the Pivotonian Cinema in South Geelong and Saving Grace in Melbourne CBD.
The Surfcoast Picnic Co. - At Surfcoast Picnics they make an array of grazing boxes, hampers and picnics to suit all occasions and, the best part is they support other local business by doing so.
Lynda, the powerhouse behind the picnics, curates all the boxes and can even help with something custom if you need. We have a range of dietary requirements in our household and have always been accommodated. Our favourite items include the caramel popcorn by Happiness Is, the Zeally Bay baguettes and the dips by The Wholefood Kitchen.
The turnaround time can be super quick too, so if you’re looking for last minutes gifts or a picnic for a spontaneous afternoon adventure, definitely hit Lynda up.
Angela Mulcahy Ceramics - Angela Mulcahy is a ceramics teacher who teaches beginner, hand-building, jewellery, and sculptural classes at Be My Keeper Studio in Ocean Grove, Australia.
Ange believes in the therapeutic ability of clay, and loves creating pieces that bring beauty to everyday life - whether it’s a special mug that you drink your coffee out of every morning, or a pair of earrings that feel comfortable to wear and look beautiful. I (Sam) have two pairs of Angela’s earrings and they’re some of the only earrings I can wear all day without getting sore ears!
She is inspired by the colours and textures of the Victorian coast and aims to create pieces that remind you of the natural world and make you feel like you want to reach out and touch them. Over the years she’s also been open to creating some custom pieces for us, trialling new ideas and experimenting in the kiln. Above that, she is also just a lovely person.
Tal Lemmens Photo - Tal is someone else we met through an Ocean Grind market and we now see him at OG for coffees on the reg. He is a very talented, international award-winning ocean and seascape photographer. His work documents the wild and rugged atmosphere of the southern hemisphere’s oceans.
Tal’s skillset is tried and tested each time he takes to the water where he is at the mercy of all sorts of creatures and all types of whether, the photos he takes within proving his boundless talent. Tal is also branching out into wedding photography, so if you’ve got a special day coming up you want captured in Tal’s rich style, hit him up.
We have one of his pieces on display at our workshop and it brings us both a sense of calm and adventure whenever we enter the office. Tal was also featured on the Surf Coast Creatives podcast .His ep is one of the most listened to episodes. Check it out where you get your podcasts!
Al & Imo - To say Al & Imo make bedroom furniture would be an incredible understatement. Their furniture may be handmade, sustainably designed and impeccably styled but that is only the beginning. They document the ins and outs of their life, business and dreams - inspiring you along the way.
They have the Talkshop Podcast, the Successful Furniture Makers Course, original artworks, recipes and DIY projects available on their website.
While doing all of the above, they’re also currently building their Torquay based house and have baby #2 on the way. Follow them on Instagram for a daily dose of inspiration.
Scout for Vintage - Scout for Vintage is located right in the heart of Torquay. It is the creative venture of Australian designer Jodie Hayes.
With fashion being a contributor to one of the most wasteful industries in the world today, Jodie is hoping to adapt the habits of her consumers, inspiring a new wave of conscious consumption of the fashion industry and keeping beautiful garments out of landfill.
No one knows denim like Jodie, she knows each individual piece she has in store and can pick out pieces to suit you on the spot. Scout for Vintage also offers a hands on tailoring service.
You can find more about Jodie and her story on the Surf Coast Creatives podcast too.