In October 2023, Dean came to visit me in Melbourne. It wasn’t just a reunion, it was a quiet celebration of a friendship that has lasted more than 35 years. We’ve grown through different seasons of life, across countries and careers, but every time we meet, there’s a sense of familiarity that feels like home.
During his visit, we explored the city with fresh eyes. We wandered through laneways, visited local makers, and sat in cafés where ideas flowed as freely as the coffee. Our conversations drifted between memories and possibilities — and somewhere in between, we began to see a vision forming.
We spoke about creating something here in Australia. Something meaningful. Something that could be made locally, with care, and shared with the world. The idea of manufacturing in Australia felt bold, but also deeply aligned with our values — quality, transparency, and connection.
Of course, we knew the challenges. Labour costs are high. Raw materials are expensive. The pace of production here doesn’t always match global expectations. But we also knew that if we wanted to build something lasting, we had to start where we are and find a way forward.
We’ve begun working on different plans to manage these costs. Some ideas are unconventional. Some have been met with resistance. But we understand that building something new often means making hard decisions — and standing by them.
This journal will be a space where we share that journey. Not just the polished outcomes, but the process itself — the questions we ask, the risks we take, and the values we hold onto. We’ll talk about each action in detail, and invite you to walk alongside us as we shape something honest, thoughtful, and real.
Because at the heart of it all is a friendship. And from that friendship, a vision — to create with purpose, and to share with care.