Women in Business - Cath Fowler

focus_contributor.

WOMEN

IN BUSINESS

with CATH FOWLER

FROM THE DIGITAL LANEWAY

Adelle GOULD

KEIKI FOLK

Can you tell us a little bit

about what led you to create Keiki Folk?

After the birth of my daughter in 2013 I discovered the lack of choice in clothing options. We lived in a hot climate and it was hard to fi nd breathable quality basics and fun fabrics. We were a cloth nappy family and clothing wasn’t made to accommodate the bulk of a cloth nappy. So I started to make my daughter outfi ts and from there my hobby grew into a business. In 2015 I started doing pop ups and selling via social media. I went online in 2017 with Etsy and a website, in 2020 I went full time, rebranding and opening my studio to the public.

Keiki Folk means little one in Hawaiian. This resonated with me as you’ll hear me call my kids my ‘little ones’ most days. I’ve created an eco-minded, ethical business taking great care in my choice of materials used and products that I stock.

I choose as many Australian sourced and made items as I can and a large majority of my suppliers are women-owned businesses. The business is largely powered by solar, and orders are packed with recycled materials and fabric offcuts to minimise wastage.

What’s your favourite part of your work?

I love working with families who are looking for customised fi t clothing. Children with disabilities, hip dysplasia, premmie babies, kids with medical conditions who put on weight due to medication. Helping these families to have well fi tted clothing that is adjustable is a very rewarding process. I also love fi rst time aunties, grandmothers and mums. The preparation and celebration that comes with babies is an exciting time in many people’s lives, so being a small part of that feels really good.

Who is your greatest infl uence in business?

My children! I have a son and daughter who have grown up on my sewing room fl oor, wearing the clothes I make and participating in the process. Both are very handy with the scissors and label machine these days. They both love to promote what mummy does. And are so proud to be at my market stalls and in the studio.

Have you always lived on the Coffs

Keiki Folk means Coast? What do you li le one in love about the area? Hawaiian. This I was born in Ballina resonated with me as NSW and have moved you’ll hear me call my around a fair bit, kids my ‘li le ones’ including a stint in the most days. I’ve created Northern Territory. We an eco-minded, ethical business taking great care in my choice of now consider Coffs to be our fi nal move and to settle here. I love the coast and the weather materials used and is fabulous! Our family products that I stock. love checking out all of the outlying small surrounding towns, there’s so many places to explore in the area. We are very lucky here.

What piece of advice would you give women making their way in the business world?

I come from a long line of creative women. Growing up with handmade things, I was taught how to sew by my mother and grandmothers. So I would say follow your heart and do what you love. Small business is tough and it’s all too easy to get wrapped up in the what ifs… or comparing yourself to others. But now I know it’s most important to do what you do, and do it well. Back yourself and the rest will fall into place.

GRAFTON

RACING CARNIVAL

The Gra on Cup is a Listed race held annually at Gra on Racecourse. Conducted over 2350m, the Gra on Cup a racts a quality line-up of winter stayers and offers a total of $200,000 in prize money. We had a chat with Michael Bea ie to find out more...

Hi Michael, what can we expect from this year’s Grafton July Racing Carnival?

This year’s carnival gives every indication of being bigger and better than the last pre-Covid running. The interest in the corporate areas and marquees is at an all-time high with very limited spaces available and only on some days.

How has the event changed from previous years (post-Covid)?

I think having to manage the event in a Covid year showed us to some degree that we had taken our members for granted. With 2020 being a members-only event, those members enjoyed increased benefits. That had to be factored into this year to replicate the 2020 experience. That is not to say the general public will not be catered for, they will be. With more bars and food outlets open than in previous years the public can feel assured their day will be very enjoyable.

What makes this event different to other racing events across NSW?

The tradition Grafton is about the racing… Sure, the party is there as well but the CRJC has always been about the best horses, the best trainers, the best jockeys. And the best racing.

What packages are available and where can they be purchased?

To be honest it would be impossible to try and explain what is left on what days. The best bet (pardon the pun) is to call the office on 6642 2566 and ask… Memberships are still available and are a great way to go.

Do you know if there will be transport packages from the Coffs Coast?

Some of Coffs’ best watering holes arrange buses for cup day. It is a safe and inexpensive way to get to and from the track… again speak with your local and if they are not coming get them to call us we might be able to help out.

Who can we expect to see on the track?

The best of the best horses that win at our carnival year in and year out go on to compete at the highest level. Only recently Signore Fox, the 2020 Ramornie winner was placed at Group 1 Level over the Brisbane Carnival. The best sprinter in the world Takeover Target, won a Ramornie Handicap in 2004 before winning in England, Singapore and Japan. Historically Grafton Cup winners have gone on to win Melbourne Cups; it does not get much better than that and 2021 will no doubt unearth another star.

Who are the sponsors and affiliates of the Grafton July Racing Carnival?

The Maclean Hotel is the Grafton Cup Sponsor; The Grafton District Services Club the Ramornie Handicap; Grafton Toyota the South Grafton Cup and Maclean Bowling Club, the Maclean Cup. Westlawn Finance sponsors the Prelude Day. XXXX Gold has the Carnival Naming Rights and is the Carnival’s beverage supplier. I say with some modesty that every race over the five days is sponsored by mostly local business houses who support the club.

Where can people find out more?

Visit our website www.crjc.com.au or find us on Facebook at Clarence River JockeyClub. A call to the office on 6642 2566 will provide most answers as well.

Thanks Michael.

UPCOMING RACE DATES

27th - Westlawn Finance Prelude Day 4th - Grafton Toyota South Grafton Cup Day 7th - Grafton District Services Club Ramornie Handicap 8th - The Maclean Hotel Grafton Cup 11th - Maclean Bowling Club Maclean Cup Day