Today we have the pleasure of getting to know Elke from Calamity Bolt a little bit better, so Elke¦.
Tell us about your business:
Calamity Bolt specialises in designing keepsake hobby-horses, old-fashioned toys for young imaginations. I especially love re-purposing vintage linen and embroidered pieces and using sustainably-produced, organic and natural materials.
What inspired you to start your business?
Planets aligned somehow in the time-poor years as a new mum. My business grew out of an intrinsic need to create and a preference for handmade over mass-produced toys. I started to sew. I made hobby-horse toys for my children one Christmas and Ive been making them ever since, for children all round Australia and further afield.
Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?
˜Calamity Bolt was the affectionate title given to one of my then 4 year old daughters artworks. A few months later, it was whipped off the fridge door and adopted not only as my logo but business name too. Fast forward nearly three years and ˜Calamity Bolt gallops on. My daughter is still drawing, this current logo fresh off the sketchpad. It makes me all kinds of happy!
What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
Seeing the same customers coming back time and again is always a delight. Its wonderful hearing where the horses go when they leave my hands, a real joy knowing they brighten playtime, at the same time treading lightly on the earth.
Have you tried something in business that didnt work as planned, or on the flip side worked out better than expected?
Yes, so many times! Take starting a business page on facebook for example. I had my reservations initially and even unpublished my page for several weeks. It didnt feel like me. However, I gave myself a stern talking to and decided to trial it for 12 months. So glad! For customer interaction and word-of-mouth, turns out facebook is a downright cool place to be!
What would be your best tip for someone thinking about selling their handcrafted goods?
Strive to find your niche. Make what you love and love what you make. There is a certain vulnerability in putting your creative ˜heart and soul out there but there is also a joy in sharing. Start the journey. Just start! Learn as you go and enjoy the ride!
What is your favourite item you make?
The vintage fillies, each unique, each so sweet.
Any personal or business highlights in the last year?
Supplying the National Gallery of Australia shop with exclusively designed Calamity Bolt ˜Renaissance horses has been a huge highlight for me this year.
3 things about you (not business related) that people might not know
Hmmm! Sure!
1. Raw dark chocolate, anytime! Just add chai for a match made in heaven.
2. I may have been Japanese in a past life. I love all things Japan.
3. When no ones about, I play piano.
Thank you Elke, it has been a pleasure meeting you, the maker!
