We like to be healthy. We like to be support locals. We like #fashun.
Our clever local number three is Tanya from Purple Fox Designs - the beautiful earrings and necklaces that you'll find on our front counter, that get lots of ooohs and ahhhs from customers.
GV: How long have you lived in Ballarat?
TK: I've lived in Ballarat for 20 years now after moving from Maryborough. I chose Ballarat because it was a regular go-to for my family and had more job opportunities compared to Maryborough. I do visit "home" regularly though to see family and friends.
GV: Tell us about your family.
TK: There's my hubby Jamie and our children Ty (12), Chad (10) and Zara (8). And my amazing Mum who has been single since I was just one year old and she is my rock!
GV: How did Purple Fox Designs get started?
TK: Purple Fox Designs was started by myself and my friend Heidi after we purchased some similar earrings online. At the time we were both stay-at-home mums, looking for a creative outlet. After a few years Heidi had another baby and felt that she couldn't contribute to the business 100%, so I decided to keep it rolling and branch out into the retail market. Now I have a number of retail stockists and attend markets. I love the market vibe and realty enjoy the chance to connect and get feedback from customers. Although the early starts of market set up can be tiresome. As Spring rolls in the market scene starts to pick up, so I will be booked up most weekends. It is exhausting, but I love it!
GV: What is involved in the process of making your beautiful products?
TK: The making process requires a lot of organisational skills. Ordering enough stock is vital. The glass dome component of the jewellery arrives with the design already printed. (You can also create your own designs but I ain't got time for dat!). Once the bits and pieces have arrived, I spend quite a few hours gluing before leaving to dry overnight. Then I put onto the place cards the next day (or when I find time!). During peak season I can make up to 500 pairs per week.
I'm very lucky that the whole family in involved in the process. My daughter Zara helps with making and matching the earrings at home, Chad is the car-packer and un-packer, Ty helps me serve customers on market days and Jamie has made all of the market stands. My mum also comes to help me from time to time.
I love how one product can bring a lot of people together - market, retail stores and social media is a wonderful thing!