With the local retail sector a hot topic of discussion, one outlet is aiming to highlight local makers and artisans under one roof.
Housed since January 2018 in a building long known in the town as a creative showspace and working gallery, the Margaret River Collaborative is the brainchild of Francine Davies and Sam Badger.
“MRC is a shared space and home to 13 small independent businesses. Those behind the brands are the creators, with many of the products being one offs,” said Ms Davies.
“The idea behind Margaret River Collaborative was to create a shared space that helped small producers get off the ground and have a retail space that wouldn’t be possible on their own due to their sheer size.
“It allows small businesses access to market by aligning themselves alongside other like-minded operators whilst sharing the load of the running costs associated with businesses.
“Together we support each other.”
Ms Davies said the space allows her to appreciate the range of talents and ideas in the region.
“The diversity of what is on offer in the Margaret River region is amazing, this really on scrapes the surface of what is out there.”
We chatted with the creative forces within the MRC about why the set up works for them…
Bloomsmith
Miranda Webb
I’ve been creating & producing floristry ideas for many years but operating as Bloomsmith for the last couple.
In a area loaded with floristry talent I wanted to have a point of difference so I decided with a love of foraging and recycling anything old that could provide bespoke backdrops – something to set the scene – would give me the creative design outlet I wanted alongside the foliage & floral design that I love. Weddings, parties anything!!
I look at the Collaborative as a farm gate or cellar door if you like for my backdrop ideas as it gives people an opportunity to see what I do...when your selling a visual image it’s important to have a space that can do just that.
Being surrounded by so many super talented people in the region makes you want to create, be creative & be involved.
Amato Vino
Brad Wehr
Amato Vino are small-batch artisan winemakers based in the Margaret River.
The winemaking philosophy is ‘lo-fi’, in that we embrace wild-ferments, minimal adjustments in the winery, gentle handling. Most wines are unfined and unfiltered.
Wines include the classic Margaret River varieties of Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Cabernet, yet we also specialize in unusual and eclectic varieties such as Fiano, Nero d’Avola, Nebbiolo and Teroldego.
We are hands-on winemakers in terms of the grunt work, the care and guidance, but with a hands-off approach to the science of winemaking. An old- school approach yet with a modern flare for creativity and adventure.
The many other members of the Collaborative embrace and fit this philosophy. We like being part of like-minded, creative people.
The region is full of creative, inspiring, community-spirited people. We love it when those people seek out local producers and businesses to supply their needs. We shop local where possible and encourage others to do the same.
The Herbal Emporium Margaret River
Suzette Vinci
The Herbal Emporium Margaret River is a boutique tea company, where teas are handcrafted & blended by hand, using organic ingredients where possible, we also supply local unprocessed honey, honeycomb and bee pollen.
It’s fantastic to co-share space with other local, creatives that specialise in their own trade.
The Margaret River region supports quality local products & produce, and that’s what we’re about!
Ocean House Collection, Margaret River
Maria Firmin
I’ve been creating & producing soy candles for over 10 years and have been operating as Ocean House since 2015.
I handcraft luxury, scented, soy candles at an affordable price while sourcing supplies from Australian businesses.
For me the MRC has created a platform for creatives like myself, showcasing our products and for most part our passions.
I find this to be very motivating but also a great place to learn and nurture what I have created. I also love support it gives to small local business, enabling a foot hold on our main shopping district.
We live in such a truly wonderful place and it really is a continuous source of inspiration for me! It keeps me motivated while striving to make my luxury candles affordable and available to everyone.
Made By Lucy
Made by Lucy started in 2013, two years after moving to Margaret River from Cornwall in the UK.
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t creating and making products. I remember selling caterpillar shaped bookmarks to the kids at school from the age of 10.
I create aesthetically textured pieces for your home, current works are nostalgic through applying ‘old’ craft techniques such as macramé and crochet, but with a modern twist.
Our current products range from large scale macramé wall hangings, crochet planters, plant hangers and lights. Also on offer are a range of macramé ‘do it your self kits’ and ropes to encourage customers to have a go.
Being surrounded by other makers and creators with the same attitudes and goals is inspiring. As a collaborative we offer customers a unique experience but also a choice for customer to be able to buy products that haven’t been mass produced.
There is an underlying appreciation and acceptance of one off unique produced products, people living in Margaret River just seem to ‘get it’ and want a diversity in where and what to shop for.
Then you have visitors to the region want to take home something made in Margaret River to capture their experience here.
On top of all of that, living in the area feeds the creative soul.
The Everlasting Posy Company
Gabriele O’Connor
We create all things dried flowers – Bouquets, arrangements, installations, backdrops and weddings.
Being part of the Collaborative means sharing space with amazing, creative people.
The best part of trading and creating in the Margaret River region is the chance to live in a town with so many talented, creative artists.
Anna Rose Designs
Claire Sieber
I create homewares, interior and upholstery design, fabric and wallpaper supplies.
It is both inspiring and motivating working alongside other amazing local creatives.
Margaret River is an outdoor focused region, and I am enjoying bringing people’s focus back to their interiors so that the inside can be enjoyed as much as our wonderful outdoors.
The Paper Parlour
Rebecca Minchin
I have been a graphic designer for 11 years. I created The Paper Parlour 8 years ago and started as a wedding stationery designer and the business has evolved from there.
I create beautiful prints and artworks to brighten up your walls. They have a very Australian theme to them, particularly the South West.
I love how the Margaret River Collective supports local businesses. There is so much talent here in the South West and its such a great group to be a part of.
All the inspiration there is to be found here. From the bush and animals to the ocean and all the sea life. I love creating pieces that will appeal to the tourists, showing off all the beauty there is here.
Stocked Foods & The Gluten Free Scallywag
Kym Hawkins & Jasmine Gardiner
Stocked Foods was founded in 2017. The Gluten Free Scallywag began in 2009 as a food blog, with Jasmine's first cookbook published as a free online magazine in 2011.
Stocked Foods creates scrumptious gluten free pantry staples; a gluten free flour mix and cereals while The Gluten Free Scallywag shares gluten free recipes and photography in her beautiful cookbooks.
We love that the Margaret River Collaborative is a space where a number of local creatives can come together to share what they do with locals and visitors alike.
Long time visitors ourselves, and Jasmine is new to living in Margs, we've loved the region for decades thanks to its prolific creative community and the vibe of the region with local, quality producers of food, wine and art, not to mention stunning scenery and beaches.
We are working with other local artisans to create a space filled with items that complement our baking and munching range such as Waxiwraps beeswax food wraps which are perfect for wrapping up baked goods for enjoying later.
Living in this region gives us the chance to share what we've made with such a wonderful community of creatives and essentially people who appreciate handmade and personally crafted goods.
NTM Jewellery
Nicola Macklin
I graduated Curtin University in 2011 with a degree in Product, Furniture and Jewellery Design and have been producing on some level ever since. I have been creating seriously under my NTM Jewellery for the last 5 or so years both here and overseas, returning to the region 18 months ago.
Every piece that comes out of my studio is 100 per cent handcrafted by me.
I hand forge each piece individually as it is an important part of my jewellery practice that every piece has its own unique features and character.
I create work from precious and non-precious metals including recycled copper, silver, brass and gold. I enjoy creating my ever-evolving NTM collection and also enjoy creating commission work.
Being part of the Margaret River Collaborative for me is a great way as a small business/creative to get my products exposure in a retail market that is in keeping and supportive of my branding and presentation.
It is fantastic to showcase work in an environment alongside other local artists and markers where customers can get a truly local experience, as sometimes seeking and actually finding quality, locally produced products can be quite a challenge.
I think spaces like the Margaret River Collaborative are essential in helping strengthen the movement of supporting locally produced wears by making it accessible for both makers sell and customers to buy.
I love that we have such a supportive and creative community in the region.
The region itself has such a strong brand associated with it so to be part of this is a real positive in terms of business.
The best thing I think for me though is simply living in such a beautiful and relaxed environment gives me the time and energy to be able to create. I feel grateful and proud to be producing in the South West.
Visit the Margaret River Collaborative at 91 Bussell Highway, Margaret River, or check out www.facebook.com/margaretrivercollaborative
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