From Germany to Australia
Here is the story of my little shop. I think it is a nice one, that's why I'd like to share it.
Back in Germany I studied Industrial Design. The products I developed during my studies are very different to the items in my Etsy shop, but the Folkwang University has a great workshop for making models. Soon I realized that working in a workshop is my obsession.
I met my Australian partner when I was studying as an exchange student in London. By the way, he has nothing to do with design but always supports my visions.
After finishing University in 2013 we moved to Wangaratta in Australia - a very friendly small city in Victroria.
I decided to spend a few months working on my own ideas and projects before seeking a design job somewhere in Melbourne, so I joined the "Wangaratta Woodworkers" which was a great experience. The "Wangaratta Woodworkers" is a group with great woodworking facilities and extremely skillful and experienced members. Most of the members are retirees who enjoy hands-on work and everyone welcomed me in a very warm way. I worked there three times a week, researched a lot and developed the jewellery making process during the six months we spent in Wangaratta.
After a couple of months I realized that my ideas could have potential because sales were going well. So when we moved to Melbourne in April 2014 we decided to rent a property which features a small workshop space and I invested in a few tools and machines which I require for my work. So now I am the proud owner of my own tiny and dirty workshop which makes me one of Melbourne's happiest residents... I guess. Producing and selling the items keeps me quite busy and luckily I can sell just enough not to have to focus on another job and so I can carry on developing my own ideas.
Leaving the fantastic woodworking group in Wangaratta, however, was sad for me because the people there are so lovely but I often go back to visit my old friends.
