This feature is different from our usual as it spotlights one of our own- co-founder Zoe Dent via Bed Threads Makers Home Tour. Click here to view the full story on Bed.Threads website, and see below a feature excerpt with images taken by the talend Alana Landsberry for Bed Threads.
"The laidback vibes of Dent’s house are reflected in Wandering Sol, the homewares business she co-founded with a view to producing sustainable, essential products for everyday life. The range is curated, offering simple things like the perfect basket bag, a cart for carrying groceries and a range of gardening tools. Nothing extraneous, everything of the highest quality. “We are a slow brand in the truest of senses,” she says, “as every item we make is carefully considered and built to last… We are creating products that are unique, or reimagining existing products, this point of difference has enabled us to stand out of the crowd.”
Talk us through your creative process. Where do you start?
We usually start with a need that Narelle and I have both identified in our lives that we have not been able to find a sustainable product to meet our demands. Wandering Sol’s launch product is a sustainable, foldable shopping trolley that we had both needed, but could not find existed.
Following the idea and market research process, we then sketch designs, create colour pallets and research and source the most sustainable, functional raw materials. Finally we work alongside skilled designers, engineers and suppliers to actualise the final product.
What’s been the most challenging lesson learnt since you started your business?
Patience! Every new product takes a lot longer than expected. We also launched alongside COVID which of course has had its challenges, but as a small business we are nimble, and so we have just had to practice resilience, and work within the continually moving boundaries.
What’s been the best thing that’s happened to you since you started your business?
Seeing our creative visions come to life. When we saw our first customers using our wares, and started to receive overwhelming positive feedback and love for our products, it was such a joy.
Do you have a single piece of advice you’d give to your younger self or someone looking to start their own business?
A sustainable growth mindset is key. Running a small business alongside nurturing a young family means we are constantly challenged, yet these challenges are an opportunity for growth and learning. We both value the health of our families over the needs of the business, so finding balance is key, and keeping a long term view crucial to make sure we don’t burn out in the interim.
What are your top tips for a well-styled bedroom, and home generally?
Layering texture and tones such as the stunning textural Bed Threads linens creates warmth and character.
This textural element extends to wall art. We have so many talented artisans in Australia, many whose works are very affordable and sculptural handmade artworks creates a point of difference.
Bringing nature inside also compliments this natural sculptural element as an oversized branch or potted plant can enhance the connection with the outdoors, which we all need to balance the screen heavy modern life.
