New Kids on the Block: Newcastle

ANOTHER two, new businesses from Newcastle! We’re doing our best to spread the word on SNOBS across Australia; we’ll profile any woman who has recently launched a business in this country (see more details below) but, for now, round of applause please for these entrepreneurial Novacastrians…

The Lady in Charge: Kamisha Refalo
Business name: Little Wren
Location: Newcastle
Launched: January 2008
Website: www.littlewren.com.au

Hit us with your elevator pitch:
Little Wren is an independent clothing label. It is an ethical label including a range of 100% Organic cotton Tee’s. Designs are simple and diverse for all comfy occasions with a little bite of cuteness…
What drove you to go it alone?
I’ve always liked being creative in my own space and knowing that I had a little one on the way, it seemed to make sense to start Little Wren full-time from home so that I could look after my son and still work at my own pace, which is actually his pace [laughs].
What’s one thing you want to change, or introduce to your business, soon as you have enough money?
I would really love to be able to employ someone to do the little jobs, so that it allows me to focus more on the designing, media marketing and getting more stockists.

The Lady in Charge: Jacquie Davidson
Business name: JADAVIA – NB: this business is no longer in operation
Location: Newcastle
Launched: September 2008
Website: www.jadavia.com.au

Hit us with your elevator pitch:
JADAVIA specialises in abstract art and decorative homewares. The current collection features a range of acrylic paintings on canvas. Each piece is a unique original design by me, Jacquie Davidson. JADAVIA can add a splash of colour to the loneliest of bare walls!
What drove you to go it alone?
Splashing around with paint on canvas is like my oxygen. Plus I’ve always dreamed of running my own successful business, so why not combine the two!
What’s one thing you want to change, or introduce to your business, soon as you have enough money?
At the moment this is a part-time operated business which I’d like to see working as a full-time operation within the next 12 months. The next stage is to source a bigger studio with perhaps a gallery or shop at the front. I’ve also toyed with the idea of creating a hub of local creative talent so my business could expand by showcasing a variety of hand-crafted wares including jewellery, clothing and homewares. So many ideas!

Starting out in business is never easy (at least we’re yet to hear from someone who says it was) so New Kids on the Block is a SNOBS’ initiative to help Australian start-ups, started by women – that are less than one-year old. For those of you already in business, think of this as a heads-up on the newcomers who just might be looking to carve themselves a cosy position in your industry…

If you’d like to grab a bit of the spotlight for your new business, send us an email and we’ll let you know if you’re eligible.