My Small Rural Business: Sunshine Barrossa

What is the name of your business?

Sunshine Barossa Australia

What is your website? Instagram and Facebook too please.

When did you start your small biz?

End of 2016

Why did you start it?

I’m a creative person and the third generation in my family to craft leather goods. It allows me to share my love of leather with others whilst satisfying my creative side while providing for my family. It’s lovely to be able to make a career out of my passion.

Is it the only biz of its kind in your area?

There are others in the area who also work with leather, however my products and range are unique to my business and sought after Australia wide for this reason.

What do you love most about living where you live?

The space to bring up my twin teenage boys, the strong community support and being surrounded by bushland and vines. It makes me feel connected and allows my creative side to flow.

Do you have a shop front?

I have a working studio at my property which I welcome visitors into by appointment. All my Sunshine Barossa products are in the studio available to browse and purchase for both personal and wholesale customers.

How would you describe your client base?

Varied. I have customers all around Australia, both in rural and metropolitan areas. I also have numerous corporate clients whom I work with to co-brand leather products for gifting, events and general business use. Having my new laser engraving machine has helped me further develop this side of the business.

Who/what do you consider your biggest competitor?

I prefer to focus on my own business and products. I believe my customers and clients appreciate not only my leather goods but my business ethics and personal values.

How do most of your clients find you?

Word of mouth has been critical in growing my business. Community support and the support of fellow small business owners has really played a major part in my growth.

Do you network with other small biz in your area?

Living in a world renowned tourist area is fabulous, with local tour operators and accommodation hosts often recommending visiting my studio, and me in turn recommending their businesses.

Do you have a local chamber of commerce in your area?

Yes, I am very blessed to have the Regional Development Australia which is very active.

Who is your greatest support?

Family, friends, the few people who work with me behind the scenes, my customers and, of course, my local community.

What’s your biggest goal for the next 5 years?

To have a shop front with an attached studio space so that I can work and welcome tourists and customers to browse my products in person on a daily basis. I’d also like to develop and run workshops to demonstrate to the creative public my laser engraving machine. I’d also like to extend my online shop from Australia wide, to global.

What is your biggest challenge in terms of growing your business?

Cash flow, which I think is always an issue for small business owners.

If there was one thing you could to make the biggest change to your business what would it be?

More money! So that I can expand my team, employ people and grow Sunshine Barossa to what I know it can be.

What/where is your favourite place in your town and why?

My own backyard, which is actually a large 17 acre property. I take a daily morning walk with my dog Harry and it reminds me just how lucky I am to live in such a wonderful area.