May 21, 2013
Catherine Blackford, Bindle
Bio The path that led her to this point
I grew up on a property and spent my formative years clambering over sheep’s backs and fossicking in creek beds. My bedroom was awash with “creations” as I cut and pasted as if my life depended on it.
The usual followed – school, then university which gave me a degree in Landscape Architecture, and I woke up in IT!
My creative impulses were suppressed and needed an airing.
I faced an ever recurring small nightmare of trying to find an inspired gift for friends and family for milestone occasions.
After seeing the world becoming a lot smaller due to globalisation, and local produce becoming less and less a feature in gift purchases, Bindle was born.
Bindle engages local artisans to produce Australian, hand-made, tailored gift packages that incorporate food, wine and design.
There are Bindles for every occasion and every part of the creation is Australian - the products within the Bindles; the boxes that contain them; the hand that wrapped them.
I continue to work with amazing artisans, food producers and designers.
I get to combine my love of design, food and wine and have fun creating and developing new gift concepts.
I am constantly energised by new challenges, meeting inspirational creative people, and the joy of gifts.
Q&A Insider advice & tips
What's been your greatest achievement to date?
Believing in myself whole heartedly and conveying the story and philosophy around my business has been incredibly rewarding.
What's been your biggest challenge so far?
The biggest challenge that I have had to overcome and face on a regular basis is attempting to attain a balanced focus.
As a sole business owner there are a lot of areas that require constant attention from design and client management to logistics and accounting.
Best lesson you've learned along the way?
To always surround myself with positive and inspirational people who both drive and challenge me on a daily basis.
A website, book or resource that has helped you in your business or inspired you and why?
Xero online accounting together with my friends at Mifi.
Accounting is not my forte and Xero really does make the number game easier and more time efficient.
Which person or brand do you most admire and why?
I would feel robbed to name just one as so many come to mind.
I admire positive people who constantly challenge themselves to find truth in their being and in doing so offering their passion and energy in a diversity of avenues.
What advice would you give someone starting an independent business in your industry?
Believe in yourself, be brave and follow your intuition and don't be afraid to receive feedback negative or otherwise.
Finish this sentence
Everything changed for me when…
I realised I had found my niche. With happiness and fulfilment came the courage to take risks.
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