8 minute read
Women in Business - Cath Fowler
by Focus
WOMEN
IN BUSINESS
with CATH FOWLER
FROM THE DIGITAL LANEWAY
SOPHIEBIRD
TALLOW AND TIDE
Can you tell us a little bit
about your business?
I own 3 businesses, the main one being Tallow & Tide, a Conscious Collective store in the CBD which has been open for 6 years now. We stock all consciously created, Australian Designed products across Designer, Kids, Home, Lifestyle, Jewellery, Vintage etc. I also bought 2 businesses in the past 2 years. One being a kids’ clothing label, Jagger & Bloom, and most recently Amilita the Label, a sustainable ladies’ fashion brand. The importance in it all is that we are working against the ‘machine’ of fast fashion and lifestyle consumables.
What’s your favourite part of the work you do?
I would say relationships first and foremost. I’m naturally drawn to people’s stories. Time serving and connecting with my customers is never boring! I also have amazing relationships with my stockists and suppliers.
I step into a totally different head space when I’m creating designs and ranges for the Jagger & Bloom and Amilita, I need music loud, tea on tap, a notepad, I need my 10 year old sketches and magazines so my
imagination can expand.
Who is your greatest influence in business?
Locally it would be Pam Williams, who owns Nik & She. Many times over the years I have walked in and asked for advice. She is always so generous and open, I admire her kindness and longevity in business. On a national scale, probably the longest inspiration (I had my hair cut like her when I was 17 haha!) has been Pip Edwards. She has forged an incredible career in the fashion industry and has no qualms about pushing the limits. Whenever I feel like I need a push to keep at my dreams I have a little It may sound stalk of her accounts and trivial and my inner fire gets a boost. naive, however life Have you always lived is a culmination of on the Coffs Coast? little moments and I haven’t! I moved to business is hardcore Moonee Beach from and frustrating! Bangalow in 2016. I love it here because of the way the incredible country meets the beautiful ocean. You can go from deep bush, to open beaches in 5 minutes. I think everyone needs a strong connection to nature and this area has it in spades. I have 2 kids, and they are blessed with an abundance of community, natural resources and a wild and messy home to come back to. I am also a creature of habit so being able to settle into a comfortable routine of coffee from The Black Apple, swim in the Estuary, cocktails with my neighbours as the sun goes down… Truly life is as idyllic as it sounds!
What piece of advice would you give women making their way in the business world?
Kindness is key, but you are worthy. I think being kind in any aspect of life is so important, try to choose kind first. It may sound trivial and naive, however life is a culmination of little moments and business is hardcore and frustrating! You want your little moments to create a big, beautiful and interesting picture. But remain aware that you are worthy of equality, respect and to be taken seriously. I have found myself many times over the years being typecast as the ‘bubbly blonde’, ‘hot mess mum’, ‘all over the shop’ – in reality, I am all of those things in a great way haha! But I also can hold my own in a negotiation and have experience and smarts in a lotta good ways that are worth listening to. So know your worth babes!
Where can people find out more about your business?
Come visit! Have a cuddle at 17 Park Ave, our big beautiful new HQ! Shop online at tallowandtide.com and get social with us
@tallowandtide @amilitathelabel
- see you soon!
DISABILITY D I NDance N E R
Stacey Warwick and Sam Phillips started DisAbility Dinner & Dance to bring people together, build social connections, and empower those living with disabilities.
Hey Sam and Stacey, you have been hosting a DisAbility Dinner and Dance (aka DDD) event at The Coffs monthly. Where did the idea come from?
Our event has been a collaboration of both of our passions; Sammy’s experience in creating events and my love for supporting people living with disabilities.
What has the night been like so far?
A huge success! Having created events like Jetty Food & Wine with 2000+ patrons, DDD rivals the energy! We have community travelling from Grafton and abroad to attend. We’re building social connections, empowering and celebrating individuality. The
We’re building social connections, empowering and celebrating event continues to grow individuality. The rapidly every month. event continues to Can you tell us about grow rapidly every who is invited to month. attend the events? The Catalyst Club wishes to create events inclusive of all; focusing on equality and everyone’s unique abilities. Our aim is to create a safe and supportive environment while having loads of fun with
friends despite any physical or intellectual disability.
You theme each of the events, what are some examples of some of the themes you’ve put on so far?
The themes are guided by our community; previous DDD’s post-COVID include Neon, Mexican Fiesta, Radical 80’s, Cowboys & Indians and an extra special one scheduled for June – Avengers Superhero theme on June 17th – this is not to be missed!
What has the response to your events been like so far?
We have had such a positive response. There is a clear need to create a space for more events like this and as a result we
We feel so are venturing north passionately about to Grafton, having providing a safe space just secured a venue for connecting with and date! Watch this peers, forming safe and space... positive relationships What do you hope and promoting and attendees get out of fostering self esteem, having an event like confidence and social this locally? skills. Connection and inclusion is the main focus around these events. People living with disabilities already have so many barriers to overcome in their everyday lives. We feel so passionately about providing a safe space for connecting with peers, forming safe and positive relationships and promoting and fostering self esteem, confidence and social skills. Our hope is that we are a platform to create connections and friendships for life for everyone who comes along.
Where do you hope to see DisAbility go from here?
We have some exciting projects on the horizon including Groove Therapy workshops, Catalyst Club Adventure Tours and Respite. We want to shift the conversation around disability towards positive change with an emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility to mainstream events.
How can people find out about when your events are on or get in touch?
Keep an eye on The Catalyst Club socials on Facebook and Instagram or for any inquiries please contact Sam or Stacey at thecatalystclubevents@gmail.com
THWAITES MARINE
Thwaites Marine is a family-owned marine business based in Coffs Harbour. They are experienced marine mechanics and they also sell new boats and outboards. We met with Ben Thwaites and his wife Laura to find our more…
You are a family with a passion for boating.
Yes, that’s right! During the week, we work on our customers’ boats and then on the weekend we also spend our time on boats! Sailing, spearfishing, scurfing... If the ocean is a bit rough, then we will be on the river in Urunga or Mylestom. Our girls are growing up surrounded by boats and surfboards. We cannot wait to take them out whale watching soon! We feel very fortunate we can provide them with this awesome lifestyle.
Tell us more about your business?
We offer a big range of services: we do marine engineering work and mechanical repairs on boats of all sizes, from small tinnies to big super yachts. We can service and repair any make and model of outboard and inboard engine. Our customers range from young boating families, spearfishermen, game fishing enthusiasts, commercial fishermen, Marine Rescue… We are also dealers
We have a good for Stacer boats and understanding trailers and we have of people’s interests quality, affordable boat and needs. Our aim packages in stock. We is to help find the also sell Japanese built right boat and the right engine to suit Tohatsu outboards. Tell us more about your boats? each customer and The Stacer boats their family. we have in stock suit the most common practices and uses in the area: fishing, diving and pleasure boating. We are very proud to offer this well-established, Australian-built brand in Coffs Harbour, for those who seek high quality, reliable, and affordable boats to go out to sea and return home safely. And for those who like freshwater and estuary fishing, we have selected a range of tinnies to suit your waterway adventures too.
How do you help people find the perfect boat?
The staff at Thwaites Marine are experienced fishermen, divers and sailors. We have a good understanding of people’s interests and needs. Our aim is to help find the right boat and the right engine to suit each customer and their family. It is important for us that they feel comfortable with the product and that they know we have their back, with our five-star aftersale service. Thwaites Marine at their premises on 30 Industrial Dr, Coffs Harbour @thwaites_marine thwaitesmarine.com.au 02 6651 7810
