It was an ‘adult gap year’ that sparked Libby Helinski’s love of all things Nordic. After spending a year living in Sweden, in a small town right on the Arctic Circle, she returned home to Newcastle brimming with ideas – and Pappa Sven was born.
It takes a special kind of person to feel so passionate about supporting small businesses and their community that they’d drop what they’re doing, quit their day jobs and dedicate every last minute of their spare time to doing just that. Welcome to the stage – Lauren Curtis and Lewis Kearney, founders of the Homegrown Markets.
What does a piece of art tell you about its creator? The art in question here is jewellery, and its creator is art teacher turned jewellery designer, self-taught business woman and lover of the lyrical line – Michelle Smith.
It’s no secret that here at Swell we’re big fans of Mustard lockers. Let’s face it – we’re also big fans of basically everything they do. We first caught up with founders Becca and Jess back in issue 6, so we were well overdue for a catch up on all things lockers, life and running an international business.
For Pi Williams, life is joyfully bursting at the seams. For this unique Central Coast artist with three young sons and an increasing demand for her stunning textile artworks, each day is a busy bundle of wool, fabric, nature adventures and kids.
Amy Lovat is no stranger to Swell. Her work has graced the pages of this magazine many times before as one of our regular writers. This time around though, instead of being the one asking the questions, Amy’s the one answering them. Strange as this may feel for her, it might just be a position Amy needs to get accustomed to following the recent launch of her highly anticipated debut novel, Mistakes and Other Lovers. Swell chats to Amy to find out more.
Sitting on top of Nobbys-Whibayganba Headland, is Nobbys Lighthouse, one of the most iconic landmarks in Newcastle – but it’s not just ships it’s guiding in. These days the lighthouse is home to Hunter Writers’ Centre initiative, Lighthouse Arts, and its artist-in-residence program. Swell speaks to Katherine McLean, Hunter Writers Centre and Lighthouse Arts director, to find out more.
When her grandfather’s leather tools serendipitously came into her possession, Millie Harvey was determined not to let them gather dust. Combining her background in industrial design and interests in slow fashion and simplified living, she created Tamboon Leather Co – a modern brand built on age-old values.
It’s considered a household staple, but did you know that some of Australia’s finest extra virgin olive oil is made on our doorstep in the Hunter Valley? In celebration of Pukara Estate’s twenty-five years in business, Swell chats to Raquel Goodchild about their journey so far.
It’s every kid’s fantasy to grow up and own a donut shop, and for DoughHeads founder and creative director, Anna Farthing, she’s living the dream. Not only that, but her donuts have received national recognition, with the traditional jam donut (‘Pump Up The Jam’) taking the number one spot at the National Donut Competition for two years straight. But for this baker and entrepreneur, it hasn’t all been sprinkles and icing. Hard work and perseverance have paved the way to her sweet success.
