MINUTES WITH...

AARON RIENIETS – Tan Lines Distilling

Tell us about yourself and your business. In 2020, while most people were perfecting their sourdough starters during the COVID-19 lockdown, I decided to spice things up and launched my own venture, Tan Lines Distilling. The global pandemic wasn't exactly the most opportune time to start a business, but hey, what’s life without a bit of challenge? I dug deep into the world of business planning, recipe development, and late-night gin tastings – someone had to do the tough job. From this spirited adventure, a unique gin recipe was born, proving that you can, indeed, make lemonade (or in this case, gin) when life hands you lemons... or a global pandemic.

What has been the most challenging aspect of being a business owner?

The most challenging and rewarding aspect of owning a business is taking it from a mere idea to a fully operational distillery. Growing Tan Lines Distilling has been a journey filled with continuous learning, adaptation, and growth.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

A fun fact that most people don't know about me is that I spent over five years posting a Dad-joke a day on my Facebook page, and I have quite an arsenal of jokes to pull from.

What is the best piece of business advice you ever received?

The best piece of business advice I ever received came from an unlikely source: my 93-year-old, teetotaller grandfather. He told me, "As long as you don't become your own best customer, you'll do well." Despite not being a drinker himself, his words held a nugget of wisdom that is particularly meaningful in the distilling industry. It's a gentle reminder to keep my focus outward – creating remarkable spirits that others can enjoy, rather than keeping it all for myself. His advice is a daily reminder that success lies in sharing our best with the world.

Going forward, what is next on the cards for your business?

Our next steps involve expanding our offering beyond our current line-up. We're eager to explore and incorporate local and native flavours, reflecting the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of our region. Imagine sipping on a spirit that captures the unique character of Townsville – that's the experience we aim to deliver.

MALIA LINDEBERG – Urban Aspect Build Planning + Interior Design

Tell us about yourself and your business. I studied a Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration and gained valuable residential construction experience while assisting hundreds of new home builders select their materials and finishes. I launched a little side hustle at the start of COVID and became so busy trying to do it all – mum, wife, employee, and small business owner, that I knew it was time to take the leap and make my passion my full-time gig.

What has been the most challenging aspect of being a business owner?

The most challenging aspect of being a solo business owner would be learning all the “things” and wearing all the hats. At first, I thought I had to learn and excel in it all. But I have learnt the hard way that it’s OK to ask for help and outsource some of the tasks that take the joy away from your running your business. I’m more than happy to leave the experts to do what they do best!

What is a fun fact about yourself?

I have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Whilst I’ve never actually worked as an engineer, the degree certainly balances my creative side with an analytical side and has been beneficial in the construction and build planning aspect I offer my clients. I am very much about functionality and flow, as I am about the colourful pretty things!

What is the best piece of business advice you ever received?

The best piece of advice I have ever received was that building a successful business is a marathon and not a sprint. It’s about setting short- and long-term goals, celebrating the wins and not letting roadblocks get in the way.

Going forward, what is next on the cards for your business?

As part of my recent re-brand I’ve launched a Build Planning service, which is a new and unique concept, particularly in our local region. I want to focus on developing and marketing this service, with the goal to run in-person and online workshops. Experience shows that many people “don’t know what they don’t know” when it comes to building their new home, so having someone on their side to help bridge the gap between their building designer or builder is advantageous, saving lots of money and heartache in the long run!

M i s s J u n e P a r i s

C l e o b e l l a

H o n e y a n d B e a u

N e w Y o r k J e s s e Z

L o c a l D e s i g n e r - R M a h o n e y D e s i g n

E v e n i n g W e a r / F o r m a l s / W e d d i n g s / M o t h e r o f B r i d e C a s u a l / P a r t y / R a c e w e a r / S p e c i a l E v e n t s

L o c a t e d i n C a s t l e t o w n w w w r a c h e l l e s u n i q u e b o u t i q u e c o m a u r a c h e l l e s u n i q u e b o u t i q u e @ r a c h e l l e s u n i q u e b o u t i q u e