Australian Creatives in Isolation
A series documenting the stories of Australian creatives during isolation.
Alice Foulcher
Writer, Actor, Photographer
@moccasinfilms
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
Fortunately, we are currently in development writing 2 projects - a film & a TV show - so that hasnât been affected by the virus. Unfortunately, we both lost some work too (Alice shoots weddings, Greg had some other video shoots for universities booked too). But weâre feeling very grateful to have the time to devote to writingâĶ aside from the 14.5 month old who is making that somewhat impossible.
How are you really feeling?
Big question! To be honest, my feelings are changing from day to day. Some days I feel like I could enjoy this domestic bubble for months, easy peasy, and other days I want to scream âLemme off this hamster wheel!!!â. We just have to take it day by day, and be grateful for our health and safety.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
Writing aside, and looking after Peggy aside - Iâve been throwing myself into ways to become more environmentally sustainable. Iâve started using cloth nappies and period undies, and dyeing my hair and eyebrows at home! The pink hair did not last longâĶ Iâve also been doing an enormous amount of cleaning. Window by window, weâll see this pandemic out with a very clean house!
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
PLAY DATES! More than anything - I miss the company of other mums and their little ones. Motherhood can feel very isolating already, and those women have gotten me through the first year of Peggyâs life. I miss them enormously, and FaceTime just isnât the same.
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Can I have 3?
Lather, rinse, repeat
Tom Gaunt & Bridie Cotter
Organic veg market gardeners
@kinsfolk_farm
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
Our business has been affected a little. No more restaurant sales and we are no longer at our farmers market, but our online shop has had a great response and got our creative juices flowing again. Weâve added Zeally Bay bread and olive oil to our online pantry and might add some more local goodies. So itâs been kinda fun changing things up a bit.
How are you really feeling?
2. Definitely a little uneasy and uncertain in these times, but luckily weâve had some handy workers on the farm to keep us sane and share our thoughts and feelings.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
Busily planting and harvesting as normal...with a slight twist. Very grateful to be able to continue running our business and provide food for our community.
Whatâs the first thing youâll do once the restrictions have lifted?
Party!
One word to summarise your lockdown-life.
Strange
Mark Lording
Tattoo Artist
@marklording
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
Yes it has 100% been affected due to the tattoo shop I work at (Frankston tattoo) was forced to close its doors in March.
How are you really feeling?
Iâm going ok. A few ups and downs for sure. I really miss having routine and find it hard to get in a rhythm of being productive while being restricted to my home.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
I have been trying to make use of the time as much as possible by painting tattoo flash and painting some canvases. My wife and I have been walking our dog so much that we think she might be sick of walking haha. We have really been spending some quality time in our garden re planting and also making new veggie boxes. I also helped a mate of mine out with some landscaping work to spend some time outside and have some form of income.
I would say the think I have learnt how to enjoy the simple things a lot more. Like taking nice slow walks around the neighbourhood. Waking up early and having a coffee with my wife without rushing. Helping out with Cooking and Eating 3 healthy meals a day at home has been really nice, despite being an absolute terrible cook. I think just generally slowing everything right down has been somewhat soothing. Taking time out to do small things I previously wouldnât make time for. In many ways itâs been wonderful.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Mmm if Iâd been asked this during the first few weeks I would have said go for a nice breakfast at our favourite cafe but now I realise I can totally live with out that and the biggest thing I miss is spending time with family so Iâll say a family get together will be the first thing Iâd like to do.
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
UndulatinG
Stephanie Rooney
Interiors and Product Photographer
@stephanie_rooney
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
Absolutely it has. I had majority of my April and ongoing work cancel or postpone like many service providers the current Stage three restrictions make it difficult to carry out planned shoots. Also because I do a lot of shoots in people homes it's just not appropriate at the moment while everyone is isolating at home.
How are you really feeling?
Today I'm feeling pretty good but I've definitely been riding the waves like everyone. Trying my best to see the positives and embrace the slower pace of life. My dog Kevin. is feeling GREAT about me being home more that's for sure.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
I've been video chatting with family and friends more than ever and talking more openly about mental health too. In a strange beautiful way I feel like isolation has brought people closer together.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Go out for dinner with family and friends.
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Adaptation
Shae-An Williams
Wedding & Event Styling
@the.collection.co
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
Yes unfortunately, like many businesses during this crazy time the wedding & events industry has been hit hard. I'm slowly coming to the realisation that maybe there won't be any weddings this year, which is so heartbreaking.
How are you really feeling?
March hit me hard as I also lost all my hours at my casual job and the postponements/ cancellations were just flying in. My heart was heavy, the stress and the unknown for myself, my business and my beautiful clients was just crazy - I cried a LOT. I take it day by day and each day has new challenges but today I'm feeling positive.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
April has been a lot better and I have been able to spend time quality time on my business; to simplify and refine my vision, learning how to create a sustainable business and the goals that I want to achieve in the years ahead. I also joined a community garden which I absolutely adore, reading lots of juicy romance novels LOL, creating new art & craft projects, up-cycling old vases and learning how to weld! My Dad has been teaching me which has been so much fun! I have started to enjoy the unexpected down time and the extra time I now get to spend around home and the new skills I'm learning.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Going out for drinkssss, dinner and dancing!!! Visiting all my darling friends who have recently had babies & showering them with hugs & kisses! I miss the endless laughter when celebrating with friends, the catch ups, coffee dates and family dinners down the pub.
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
THANKFUL
Thankful for my family, friends, our community and the beautiful country we live in. I am thankful for our healthcare workers and the Australian healthcare system. My LOVE goes out to all the beautiful people - The countries, families and individuals who are suffering right now, stay strong X
Kyme Farley
Commission furniture, Surfboards and art (soon tattoos)
@theoryofwillow @mr_meley
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
At first it seemed to slow down but looks like we are back on track. Hard to say right now. I guess I could answer that better at the end of 2020. I have moved out of my commercial factory back to working from my private home, which was planned anyway so thatâs all good.
How are you really feeling?
Meh. Kinda same same to be honest. Iâm a hermit at the best of times so life hasnât changed a large amount for me. My other business (@thecornerdispensary) has changed a bit but thatâs ok. Personally I am missing a beer and meal at the pub with friends and some freedoms like riding motorcycles for the hell of it but over all Iâm good. Happy. Positive. Healthy.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
Iâm always hustling at something. Iâve been doing a lot more art and designing of things. Also set up another small business venture in the down time. Getting ready for a baby girl due in June. Iâve learnt that people are showing their true colours. Some good. Some bad. Over all Iâm happy with the way Australia has acted on a whole around the situation. We are very very lucky compared to other places!
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Probably go for a ride on my motorcycle down to East Gippsland to see my mum. Tattoo. Surf trip. See my friends.
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Productive
Jessica Davis
Mindset Mentor & Conscious Influencer
@jessdav
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
Iâve been busier honestly - as an introvert who always worked from home, Iâve collaborated with a lot of brands to create resources to help their audiences, Iâve booked new clients who are worried about uncertainty, I pivoted my plans and managed to put together an all day virtual event with guest speakers to help women with their mindset. It feels so rewarding to be able to assist during these times in any way I can!
How are you really feeling?
Overwhelmed. Uncertain. Very full of energy and positivity and gratitude but boy oh boy, am I ready for a very long vacation. I miss the beach. I miss my friends. Iâm so excited and thankful for all the opportunities I have right now but also could really use some downtime and an assistant to plan my life for me ð
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
Biggest learning is simply to be kind to myself. I need the sleep. Hydration and sunlight are non negotiable. The comfort snacks are okay but I will feel better if I take care of myself with nutritious food! So Iâm just taking it day by day, implementing small acts of self care.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Iâm taking my best friend to the beach. Weâre both going through a lot of emotional changes right now and both spent our birthdays in isolation, so we deserve and need this.
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Sweatpants
Natalie Martin
Art & Design
@natalie_martin
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
Of course! Who hasn't? The main area I was effected in was my in-person workshops, I love connecting and creating with people in painting workshops and have had to cancel these for the time being. Luckily I can still go to my studio, that has been huge relief.
How are you really feeling?
It changes one day to the next. Motivated, flat, bored, proactive, tired, happy, sad, silly.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
I decided to see it as an opportunity rather than an infliction, I went into a complete frenzy for the first part. Dug through my to-do list (both personal and professional) and just started tackling the things I never made time for. Rebuilt my website, renos on the house, tinking in the garden. I learnt that I get caught up in my own hamster wheel more than I care to admit and that there's so much joy in the little things.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Hug my friends and family!
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Opportunity
Laura Baldwin
Makeup | Illustration | Art
@laurieboring
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
Sadly Iâm no longer allowed to do makeup and probably wonât be for awhile. I havenât made any changes at this stage, because itâs a tough one to do from a distance, so Iâve just been taking some time to breathe and reflect. In saying that, if anyone wants to a makeup lesson via Zoom, hit me up. Illustration is business as usual, thank you internet.
How are you really feeling?
Everyday is different. One day Iâll be super focused and loving the extra time to play with my dogs, then the next Iâll feel really anxious and lost. Just taking the good days with the bad and moving forward one step at a time.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
I have been taking advantage of the time to work creatively outside of makeup and my usual beauty illustrations to free my mind. Iâve been setting myself small creative projects, to keep my hands busy. At the moment Iâm making cards so that I can send love letters to my family and friends. Iâve learnt that I donât love staying home as much as I thought I did. Although I am loving all the virtual services that have popped up- Harry Potter trivia in my pjs with cheap wine is a real mood.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Iâm calling â6 months of regrowthâ of Them Joe Exoticâ as the hottest trend of 2020- but Iâll be back at the hairdresser the second this is ove.
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Day-drinking
Jason Van't Padje
Photographer
@therawphoto
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
Yes, the business has been affected. Lost 60% of 2020 wedding bookings, could be higher depending on future restrictions. Not much has changed when serving my couples. I've left a lot of gratitude because of thoughtful clients that have been understanding and easy to work with. I've also been super empathic... More than I was before the pandemic.
How are you really feeling?
Great! The community of wedding vendors have been super supportive and have come together even more. Some days I wish I could be more productive. However, this hit the us at the very beginning of the FNQ wedding season. We spent 4 months off already because of the off-season. It felt like I had already accomplished everything I wanted to do before Covid-19.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
I started a little thing called The Morning Grind. A video chat session for wedding vendors to join every Monday morning at 9:00am. I now look forward to it every week! I have become even more connected with my work mates. I experimented/reworked images from 2019 weddings, submitted a wedding to Hello May (cross fingers) and did a portrait session of myself.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Get my film rolls printed from our road trip around Adelaide in February ð Honestly, I just want to get back into weddings. People are going to be overjoyed when they can hug and party with each other!
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Appreciation
Emily McEachern + Jim Ferguson
Boutique Farmstay
@thefarmsteadtatura / @workersdaughter
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
Sure has. Currently we are only offering a hosted curated farm stay bed and breakfast in our 1920âs Cal bung farmhouse. During this period of unknown we have followed advice and have had the bnb closed. We had our upcoming bookings cancel so lost all our income for our little business. My part time work closed its doors for weeks so very fortunate that Jim works full time locally.
How are you really feeling?
Grateful. I really think this time of isolation has helped bring people âhomeâ. Back to basics. The fear of not being able to purchase whatever you want, when ever you want has turned people to look inward, people have planted seeds for food and I think that sows a whole lot more.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
In all honesty not a whole lot has changed here on the farm. A little quieter without the constant rush of guests, family and friends but truth is Iâm a home body, a home maker. Gardening + gathering, so Iâve enjoyed creating, baking and loads of gardening.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Most likely visit my family on my home farm in Western Vic. My beautiful old people (parents) my brother, his wife and 3 amazing little people live there still. Iâve missed them. For Jim and I it is the yearn for adventure, our first stop will be the Sapphire Coast, probably our very favourite spot.
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Hopeful
Izzy Tolhurst & Woodrow Eke
Musicians
@go_get_mum
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
We play in a band, so our work has been affected in that the response to COVID-19 quickly meant the closure of venues for rehearsal, performance, recording and collaboration. Our music and merch was always sold online and people have been incredibly generous despite the financial strains of this time. We've also managed to do a few online shows through Instagram, which have been fun. The willingness to continue engaging in music and the arts online has been phenomenal, so in that way we've pivoted to a fully online offering. Hard to imagine this is where live music would be mid-2020 eh?!
How are you really feeling?
Time in isolation has meant considerably more time alone, which has its highs and lows. The highs - we're playing more guitar and drums, learning piano and harmonica, thinking about all the opportunity that awaits us when this is over, and most of all, admiring the enormous spirit and resilience of the arts community. The lows - it remains a dark time for the arts with the future utterly unknown, and many people are doing it tough. There's a fight and a willingness to see it through though and that has been inspiring. Music and arts are the heartbeat of this country, so I'm equal parts nervous and excited about what lies ahead.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
We've been busy! Moved down the coast, got stuck into the veggie patch, baked sourdough, written letters, played PlayStation, done gigs and drunk A LOT of alcohol. I mean A LOT.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Have a huge dinner party - like, I mean full banquet; totally lavish, no expenses spared - with friends and family. Hug every one of them and celebrate how fortunate we are.
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
BOOZE
Corey
Music Maker
@kodiak_kid_beats
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
DJing and making music is secondary for me at the moment but the end goal is to make it full time. My main work is as AV technician at the convention centre which has completely dried up as so the whole industry has as well. The way I have been reaching my fans is through live streams on twitch which has been really fun so far. So Iâm looking forward to doing more of that in more creative ways.
How are you really feeling?
Iâm feeling awesome, productive, uncertain, lazy, inspired, uninspired all the things. I put a lot of pressure on myself to get things done but I also procrastinate a lot too :)
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
I have been making lots of music which has been really awesome. I made 10 new tracks in the first 10 days of isolation but I burnt myself out and have slowed down now. I have started skipping which has been a real fun way to get fit. Iâm learning new ways to perform my music live. Started smoking lots of weed - that has slowed down too now haha. Trying to talk more on the phone with friends and the house is cleaner than ever! Sort of.. Definitely had a a fair few lazy days which i've felt really guilty about but iâve learnt that we just canât be too hard on ourselves and most people are going through the same thing, some worse than others which sucks. But also itâs been really nice to not go out all the time and relax at home and be happy with what you got. Try not to be too hard on yourself but also do try to make your life different. The world needed to slow down, and so did we. BUT itâs time to take control and try new things. So get motivated when you can because we might not get this chance again.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
See all my friends at once and throw a party!
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
This is the life
Tom Whitty
TV Producer, Podcaster, Musician, Visual Artist
@timetodiepod
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
This time two years ago I was managing The Project, a TV show on Channel Ten. Then I quit in July 2018 to pursue some personal goals. This time last year I was producing the The Gala and Opening Night of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for the ABC and ended up taking a role as the executive producer for the Australia Talks project for the ABC. Then at the start of the year I started a new podcast called Time To Die with comedian Ben Russell. The premise is fun; we get two different comedians each episode, they write three minutes of the worst stand up material they can for each other, then each goes out and performs it in real comedy clubs and tries not to die on stage. It was a blast before the clubs shut down. Point is, I'm usually involved in ventures that involve large crowds of people, be it TV studio audiences, theatre events, or comedy clubs. None of that stuff is possible for me right now so my business is in a holding pattern until I dream up a new creative pursuit that is achievable under the current conditions.
How are you really feeling?
I'm fluctuating from feeling very free and excited by all this spare time and possibilities, to feeling hopelessly anxious and directionless.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
I've been gardening and building garden beds for some winter veggies. I've also been drawing a bit, and making random pieces of art. I've made some music as well. Last week I put out a song called Steal For You on Spotify and drew a self-portrait for the cover. But apart from the gardening, none of it has a purpose. I'm not making art to sell it. I didn't release the song to get it played on radio or streamed by people. I did no promotion for it. I didn't even tell my girlfriend I was doing it. I'm just doing creative stuff for the sake of it which I need to constantly remind myself is absolutely fine. I'm most comfortable when I have a big ambitious, purposeful creative task in front of me, and right now I'm having to learn to be comfortable with just existing in the moment. It's so hard to for me to give myself that permission though. I'm constantly at war in my head. And all of this feels so selfish. I know other people are doing it a lot tougher.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Restart the podcast. We got three episodes out and started receiving some great reviews and then... well, you know. It was a kick in the balls. I'll also go to the pub and connect with all of my friends and family. I've always considered myself an introvert, and I still believe that. But it's become evident that I also need to bounce off people, even if just intermittently, to maintain my equilibrium.
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Restless
Jane & Michael
Horticulturists / Interior Plantscapers
@the_plant_exchange
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
Yes it has, we had to close our shopfront early on as our space is located in Schoolhouse Studios, and our beautiful boss ladies wanted to ensure the 70-odd tenants could keep working during lockdown. So pretty much overnight, we launched a webstore offering Local Delivery or contactless Click&Collect from the store. We havenât stopped since!
How are you really feeling?
If weâre honest â bloody exhausted. But still having so much fun! Itâs such a pleasure to see everyoneâs faces light up knowing theyâve got a new ISO companion. Peopleâs appreciation for our green comrades seems higher than before.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
Yesterday we took a trip out to one of our favourite suppliers â a family owned and operated orchid nursery. One of our favourite things always, but more so during ISO, is visiting our suppliers who are still open. We have great relationships with all our suppliers and growers, but during these strange times weâve all become a little closer and little more thankful for each others businesses. Weâre extremely thankful for those who are still open and letting us come in. Weâve learnt that in the face of the most adverse times weâve personally experienced, people are about as adaptable as the plants we nurture!
Whatâs the first thing youâll do once the restrictions have lifted?
Look itâs a bit of a contest between taking a (real) holiday, sleeping for an extended period or throwing a Rupert Street Block Party. If we go with the Block Party, we promise to send invites.
One word to summarise your lockdown-life.
Lit
Elise & Cam Greenwood
Outdoor Gear and Apparel
@Zorali
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
Yes, we have taken a hit being in the retail space, but we are in a pretty unique position as Cam and I were already working from home and we donât have any staff which is a huge blessing at this time. So all in all, not much has changed to our day to day work life. It's challenged us to be creative in the way we can serve our customers, for example we hosted a âvirtual camp inâ night where we connected with our customers all over the globe from their back yard set ups. It definitely boosted everyones spirits!
How are you really feeling?
Honestly, this time has been so good for us on a personal level. Since launching the brand 8 months ago we have been non-stop and we didnât realise how tired we were until we were forced to slow down. There are definitely times we feel the pinch, like planning our next range and not knowing how much we can commit to but we have faith we will get through and feel excited to see whats on the other side of this for our brand and customers.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
We have a list of âbig picture projectsâ that we never seem to have time for, so this quieter time has given us a chance to get stuck into some of those creative ideas. We have also been taking more time to do some homey things around the house like gardening and.. you guessed it - baking sourdough! This time has just taught us that resting wont make everything stop, it could actually be the key to creating more momentum!
Whatâs the first thing youâll do once the restrictions have lifted?
Go see all of our friends and family!!And we cant wait to go camping and hiking again. We are excited to explore some more of Victoria! This time has definitely made us look at what we have close by.
One word to summarise your lockdown-life.
Sourdough
Mia McAuslan & Tom Jones
Writer / Actor
@mia_mcauslan / @tomjonesssss
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
We both have regular jobs, I work in events and am now livestreaming from home. Tom works in a school and in landscaping. Our 'business' is creating - we both write for various projects, collaborations, publications, competitions and professional development opportunities. Tom is signed with a casting agency, and he regularly performs in independent theatre productions.
There have been many call outs for writing responses to the experience of isolation and COVID-19, meaning there are more opportunities for writers than usual. I wrote a piece that explored the pressure to be productive at the moment, such as learning new skills or taking up new hobbies or online classes. My angle was that doing 'nothing' can be productive in its own way, depending how you define it. For me, my ' doing nothing' is reading and writing for pleasure, walking and reflecting, consuming good tv shows and films - all things that help me write. So my 'nothing' actually feeds my creative practice, and in that way is productive for me.
Tom did his first zoom audition for a casting agency the other day. We spent an hour or so moving things around our lounge room to create a minimal and professional background, and played around with the lighting and framing of the shot beforehand. He was more nervous to perform in our own home than if he was in a studio, so I (Mia) went for a walk to give him the space to warm up and perform without the self-conscious feeling of someone listening from the other room. For income, Tom has been doing landscaping work and appreciating having an outdoor job so that when he comes home, he feels like creating. Whereas for me, at the end of a day of working from home, it's hard to then shift my mental focus towards doing something creative in the same space I've been working in all day. So our levels of output have been different. I'm consuming more, while Tom is creating more.
How are you really feeling?
From the beginning we have tried to see this time out as a gift to consume and create all the things we never have the time or energy for. Some days this feels really true, and we harness the opportunity, other days it can feel oppressive to have so much free time and nothing else to focus on or be inspired by. Everyday is up and down!
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
We spend most days working separately - either at home or if Tom is gardening. At the end of the work day, we close our laptops and go for a long, long walk around the park, and take in the smell of the autumn leaves and dewy air, and we talk a lot about our ideas and plans. Then we cook dinner, drink wine, and watch or read something. We've learnt not to take for granted seeing our friends, either to collaborate on a fun project or just to hang out and laugh. We have learnt that we chose the right career paths - that we could have chosen a 'safe' or 'stable' career instead of our creative passions, and still be in the same position, or potentially a worse position. We have learnt not to ever delay what you want to do for the right time, because you can never predict what might happen.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Go to the pub! Have a dinner party!
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Reflective
Jessica Sherman
Singing, acting and public speaking teacher
@singactspeak
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
Yes! I am no longer doing face to face lessons and I have moved all my lessons online via Zoom and Skype.
How are you really feeling?
Looking forward to things going back to how they were!
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
It has been quite incredible transitioning to online lessons. In the past I had done a few online lessons and so it wasnât completely foreign but I have never done it with this many students before. I am incredibly grateful that I have been able to continue online. I have learnt even more that singing brings so much joy to people and that during this time it is more important then ever to continue doing the things we enjoy. I have a student who occasionally needs to spend time in hospital and ends up missing out on her singing lessons. Last week, because I was doing online lessons, she was still able to do her singing lesson in hospital. This made me realise that after Covid 19 when face to face lessons are back in action, I can continue to teach students online when required and no one needs to miss out.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Go out for dinner and drinks with my gals!
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Chaotic
Hayley MacFarlane
Film & TV Director
@hayleymacfarlane
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
Unfortunately the film and tv industries have been halted to a stand still. The TV shows I had coming up where all cancelled and TVC were also put on hold as business were forced to close.
How are you really feeling?
Not great! It has surprised me to be honest. I normally pride myself on being able to get up and get things done however being mostly house bound has really taken away my motivation and drive. I then feel guilty for not being motivated and not getting anything done. Its been a drag!
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
I started out strong getting lots of renovations done around my house but once that motivation dropped off I have to be completely honest and say I haven't done a whole lot. I am lucky that I have a feature film and a TV drama both in development so we have been able to continue on with those. Doing script development meetings, casting sessions and read throughs all over zoom. I have also just picked up cross stitch to help feed my need to be always creating.
The biggest thing that I have learnt is the sobering problem of domestic violence both within our local communities and around the world. It's not something I have ever thought much about before now but to see the stats going through the roof has certainly forced me to open my eyes. We recently had a father kill his wife and 3 children around the corner from our house and let me tell you that really hits too close to home. It's taught me the importance to check in on my friends regularly and to open my eyes and ears and not be oblivious to the lives of those around me. You really never know what someone is going through.
I've also learnt that like great whites we are not designed to be held in captivity. It genuinely is not good for us to be bound to a small geographical area and this has made me have more sympathy and understanding for people in prisons or who are sick in hospital for an extended time and the mental strain that puts on them.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Go to the pub with all of my friends, sit really close to them, share drinks and eat a chicken parma.
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Unmotivating
Nathan Parry
Dairy Farmer
@_parrydise_
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
Not much has changed on the farm. If people or contractors visit the farm they have to follow the physical distancing rules.
How are you really feeling?
I had planned to come back to Aussie this month for a holiday, so Iâm a bit disappointed that thatâs not happening now.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
Milking has finished for the season. So just doing maintenance work around the farm and preparing for next season.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Maybe take a break and go somewhere.
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Busy
Lewis Mottram
Furniture Maker/Designer
@Toby_andco
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
Yes it has dropped off resulting in me utilising my carpentry background. Working on site a little more than desired but we have to adapt! Doing odd jobs for fam and friends is getting by too.
How are you really feeling?
Oh thanks for asking. Iâm feeling quite positive. Iâve been focusing on how lucky we are to be in Australia during this time. And also enjoying the extra time I rarely allow myself to have. Itâs great for getting the creative juices flowing too.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
Although Iâm fortunate enough to be working a few days a week Iâve been focusing on what makes me happy. Running/ meditating/ reading and learning/ connecting (virtually) with family and friends. Iâve learnt slowing down (for me) is essential for being happy and that in times like this being positive and resourceful really come in handy.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Iâm going to hike in the wild, see loved ones and really try to not take those for granted.
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Needed
Jesse & Sam
Campervan Conversions
@builtforadvanture
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
The first thing we did was change our meetings to over phone/video rather than in person. The clean of the vans on drop off also got way more hectic ð. Weâre lucky to still have potential clients engaging but there has definitely been a slow down of enquires.
How are you really feeling?
In one word, exhausted. But weâre also optimistic.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
Weâre fortunate to still be working at this point in time, the van weâre currently building will take us through to the end of May. Sam is working her other office job from home as well. We also have our kindergarten-aged son at home. So weâve definitely learnt more about how well and how poorly, we juggle.
Whatâs the first thing youâll do once the restrictions have lifted?
A drive down our beautiful coast.
One word to summarise your lockdown-life.
Rollercoaster
Beth and Lee
Glamping & Event Rentals
@twilightglamping
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
Weâre in the events industry so our business has been hugely affected by the gathering restrictions currently in place. The only service we can currently offer is backyard glamping packages with contactless delivery.
How are you really feeling?
At first it all seemed so surreal, there was definitely feelings of fear and worry in the beginning with all of the uncertainty and drastic action being taken by the Government. But now that weâve had some time to adjust and adapt to the new norm weâre in a pretty good head space. Weâre staying positive and using the time to do much needed work âonâ the business that we normally donât get chance to do!
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
Mostly working on the business, planning future projects and working with our customers to plan for their 2021 weddings and events. Itâs going to be such a hectic season next year! Our Date Night Backyard packages have been quite popular too so thatâs provided us with bits of work here and there. Weâve also been spending so much time together as a family, which weâve been so grateful for! Iâll be honest though, itâs not easy keeping an 18 month old entertained all day! So weâve been on lots of hikes and bike rides to get out of the house. I feel like weâve learned a lot from this experience... That friends and family are everything... That life as we know it can change at the drop of a hat and that a lot of what we think is a permanent way of life is not, such as policies, economies and our freedom to move about and travel. Weâve learned how to live more frugally and run our business much more leanly. Weâve learned how to be happy with just the small, simple things in life. Weâve learned so much more than we thought about our local area with all the hikes and bike rides weâve been on! And weâve learned how to restore our dining table thanks to you guys! ð
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Have a big party and hug our friends! And a trip back to UK will definitely be on the cards to see our families.
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Humbling
David SonciN
Actor
@davidsoncin
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
Itâs a bit of a tricky one because my business is basically âme.â I was super lucky to have been making money from performances over the course of 8 months, as well a casual day job, right up to the start of March when my last season finished. So essentially I got much less of a sting as I was already âunemployedâ from acting, whereas others in the entertainment industry had either been offered gigs, were in rehearsal for a gig, or literally about to open a show or go to set. So I really feel for those who have felt a bit more a sense of loss from all this. My casual job (promotions) stopped only once the lockdown was announced. Considering the âunemploymentâ aspect of being an actor is considered part of the job, all that itâs affect for me at this point is being able to audition for anything. But being ready is also part of the job so Iâm finding this time to simply read, stay fit, work on my craft. I will say, while personally Iâm doing ok in the meantime, the arts as a whole has really suffered insanely. And while I canât speak for all the businesses who have received no support, itâll certainly have a ripple effect for artists even after this lockdown has lifted. Iâll be curious to see how our industry can recover and adapt.\
How are you really feeling?
Boy itâs a roller coaster. The first couple weeks of lockdown, I felt perfectly calm. Iâm a workaholic so this was the only way to force my ass to slow down and recover. Sticking to meditation and yoga to try and keep myself in routine and centred has help. But as time has gone on, it has also kind of detoxed me emotionally. I do go stir crazy every few days, as much as Iâd hate to admit. I love being around people, being outdoors, and being in a small apartment in Sydney can only comfort you for so long. Iâll also go through self loathing, confusion, sense of no direction. The days fly by very quickly. But I try not to fight any of those feelings, continue my routine, and I find itâs helping me grow, as wanky as it sounds. (Like I mentioned working on my âcraftâ - Iâm lucky that this is all part of that.) Having any reason to walk to the shops feels as good as a kid being told theyâre going to Disneyland.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
Quite honestly, this experience exposes all the things we think are important and force us to let go. Itâs allowed life to slow down to a natural pace which has really helped my mental health. The stir crazy experience to me is sort of like going cold turkey. On the other side is a much clearer mind. But the biggest thing I think this whole experience tells me is if we as people take care of ourselves as individuals first, the world will heal itself in any situation. The arrogance of trying to âsave the planetâ before we even heal ourselves now looks silly given the circumstance. Stay at home, stay healthy and hygienic, half the job is done. THEN you group together and make change. Sounding a bit yogi at this stage but itâs how I feel. Nama-fucken-ste! In the meantime Iâve been learning about negotiation skills, working on a script of mine, working on scenes, journaling, watching movies that inspire me, and working out.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
I keep thinking gym? Or go to the movies? Cafe? God I miss sitting in cafeâs, thatâs my simple pleasure. But EVERYONE will probably be there too. But maybe itâs to meet up with some of my fellow actors. Reconnect. Plus Iâve been meaning to have a table read of this script Iâm working on and I really rather do it face-to-face.
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Reset
Viv Kruckow
Writer / Empowerment Coach / Podcaster
@rust_creative
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
Yes and no. I'm really lucky that I've built my entire business to serve women across Australia and New Zealand online, so I haven't had to make any structural changes because of COVID. I had planned a bunch of launches and in-person events that are postponed indefinitely, but as nothing was set in stone I was able to adapt quite quickly and change my focus to more accessible offerings.
How are you really feeling?
I'm actually enjoying isolation, and that comes with an immense privilege. I am lucky that we recently moved from Cairns to Melbourne, and had expected to wait a few months to see our family and friends back home anyway (and also hadn't made a huge amount of friends/plans here to miss yet). Of course I have flat days, but I find that overall being at home is really making me appreciate what we have and has made space for my creativity to thrive.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
A big project of mine for the first half of 2020 was to complete a novel I've been working on, so isolation has kind of come at a perfect time in terms of that. I've also been exploring ceramics with an at home kit from Ceramiques Elsternwick, reading lots of books, recording a new season of my podcast, Rhythm & Words, and taking the time to be present and make delicious meals.
I've learnt that I need to prioritise the slow days more â and see where they take me without cramming them full of tasks and activities. I get into a flow when there's no structure, and I only recently discovered that, so I'm excited to take that knowledge with me into my personal and professional pursuits and hopefully continue this slower pace once my social life resumes.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Drive down to Ocean Grove and throw myself in the ocean. Even though it will beyond freezing, I can't wait to dive into the water then retreat back to my favourite cafe to watch the surf and nurse a hot chai with a good book.
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Slow
Jessica and Adam
Grocer & Cafe
@kilgourstgrocer
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
Weâve always been a pretty standard cafe, but the lockdown period has forced us to consider why we do what we do really closely, and move toward an old-school âcorner storeâ, âmixed businessâ model. So, instead of eggs on toast, weâre providing a wide range of groceries, a delivery service, an online ordering system, a small sandwich menu and special pre-orders, like meat packs from farmers in the Otways whoâve lost their restaurant accounts. Weâve been guided by the ethos that weâre here to provide our community with what they need: both the essentials, and a sense of normalcy in their day!
How are you really feeling?
Both exhausted and excited. The past six weeks have been the busiest of maybe our entire working lives! Throw a 1-year-old into the mix and times have been seriously testing! But we are luckier than many in the industry who have had to shut indefinitely and lay off staff, and we are sure that our future will be a bright one. Weâre having really lovely connections with our customers too, which makes our job such a pleasure.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
I (Jessica) am glued to my phone because everyone is and the social media space has been a lifeline for us: itâs the fastest way to reach people and our community has been incredible with their online support. Twice daily walks with baby and dog are also getting us through, and a lot of baking when I can get my hands on ingredients. Iâve learnt that I actually love being at home, and that we donât really need as much as we think we do, but good food and coffee is essential indeed!
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
A movie at the cinema, hopefully our local The Pivotonian! Netflix just canât touch the big screen.
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Hectic!
Ewan Cutler
Video Producer
@hudson.films
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
Pretty much our whole business has come to a standstill. Most of of our wedding bookings for the year have been postponed, a variety of commercial shoots have been indefinitely postponed as well with both international and domestic travel being restricted. It really sucks. We've been working pretty closely with all our clients to either find new shoot dates or come up with plans of how we can start projects back up again once this all blows over. It's really hard for them as well so I'm very grateful to be doing work for some really great people.
How are you really feeling?
Really flat, tired and unmotivated to be honest. After a stressful period of business drying up it's pretty hard to pick myself and get on with work and life. It's made me realise how much of my identity I put into my work and having that suddenly be taken away really hurts.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
When I'm not emailing and looking after our 2 year old I've been doing a lot of things I never got around to: Reading lots, finishing old video games and trying to fix my bike. I think once work picks back up again it's just going to be really busy so I'm trying to get as much r&r in and be full of energy when that time comes.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Sit in a cafe with my wife and share a coffee! I miss our little dates like that. But I'm also looking forward to going to the cinema and seeing some bands again.
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Tired
Lauren Green
Paint, paint pots, murals
@lozzgreen
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
Not really, I paint a lot at home alone. Some mural projects have been postponed or cancelled due to lockdown which has been a bit of a blow. There is a half finished wall at a local primary school which Iâm itching to get back to!!
How are you really feeling?
Iâm honestly feeling really grateful that I have projects at home that have kept me busy and entertained. We are also in the middle of a reno so thereâs always been something to do. Also so grateful for the dogs. How good are dogs.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
Been working on my pot shop - Iâve been wanting to do it for the last couple of years but it always gets pushed back. So now Iâm am focused and hopefully will have an online store in the next month which is so exciting. Iâve learned to slooooooooowwwwwww down. Itâs been nice.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Heaps of beers with mates for sure. Then hopefully turn the online pot shop into a pot shop out of my garage. And some painting pot workshops too!
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Productive
Ella Saurus
Eco Fashion Designer
@psyklz_clubsport
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
My business has definitely taken a hit financially however the customer base i do have are incredibly loyal and have maintained their support over the past few months which has been really beautiful to experience. It really shows the power of community, especially when the brand loyalty aligns with a lifestyle that was prepared for this type of global collapse (eco/socially oriented markets). The way in which the fundamental aspects of my business functions have not changed and this global shift has really allowed the space for me to reimagine my label and its offering in the future. Pushing more collaborative endeavours with other independent labels or artist to really bring the community together again.
How are you really feeling?
Excited. Scared. Happy. Fearful. Hopeful. I'm not sure if I'm floating or sinking most of the time but both are natural reactions to massive change. At the end of the day all we can control is our immediate realities so make that reality blissful, prosperous and loving.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
Well, I skipped the boarder and drove myself and my studio to northern NSW to sit out Isolation and to create with a beautiful circle of friends that also each have their own businesses. One thing i've learnt is to always follow what your heart is telling you - get out of your head and into your body, that's where all the potency is.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Work out how i can travel the world safely again.
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Trust
Jessica & Ben
Podcasters
@surfcoastcreatives
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
We both lost our jobs so we decided to start a podcast.
How are you really feeling?
Excited to have something to work on and don't feel useless anymore.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
We have been surfing and walking a lot. Exercise most days and drinking a bit more to be honest. We have learnt that we can support each other and build each other up, even when we both feel completely overwhelmed.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Go out for dinner!!
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Rollercoaster
Madison Finn
Hairdresser
@madisonfinn22
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
I was just starting to work freelance when all this happened, it has put a massive halt to that.. my friend asked me to make her a fringe tutorial, and It got such an amazing response! I just kept filming funny videos to keep everyone inspired to test some new things out on their hair at home! I feel lucky that this is has brought so many people waiting in line for hair when itâs safe to open again!
How are you really feeling?
This time has made me get creative and really active! Itâs shown me to stop and do a silly drawing each day, or write a poem, do a hair tutorial, getting in the garden.. and going for long walks. Before I felt like I always had to go out and see people.. but with out that expectation, Iâve thoroughly enjoyed the space I live in a lot more. And Iâm sooo inspired to keep doing these things after this!
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
That Iâm way more capable than I thought! Having a small baby can sometimes make you feel stuck, never finding time to do those things you want to do! But some how this time has shown me that I can DO IT ALL.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Do peoples hair!!!! Other then that I might keep going with the things Iâve started in iso.
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Growth
Louise Jones
Artist / Designer
@louise.jones_
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
Thankfully my work hasn't been affected too much. Since I have a product based business, I've been able to get on with normal work and also take on some new client work. I'm fortunate to have a seperate studio pod to our home so there isn't too many distractions, apart from our new feathered friends roaming the yard :)
How are you really feeling?
I have mostly good days, with a few rollercoaster days in the mix. Overall, I feel incredibly fortunate to have my health and to live in a green area with a great backyard to escape. I feel for others who are less fortunate, live in small apartments, who are high risk health/age wise and all the health workers who are sacrificing so much for the well-being of others.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
We've been very productive outdoors, which has been fantastic! We've built a veggie garden, renovated the chook pen and adopted 6 chooks, planted a truck load of natives. We even recently went on our first mushroom foraging adventure and found slippery jacks which made a very yummy dinner! I think this experience has highlighted even more for me that we live a very privileged life, and the important role that family and friends have in our lives.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Drive to my Mum's house and give her hug.
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Connecting
Imogen & Al Roberts
Designer / Furniture maker
@al_and_imo_handmade
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
So far we are ok - I feel very lucky that weâve always been quite frugal in our business and kept our overheads as low as possible - during this time weâre thinking more and more about this for the future of our business. We spend a lot of time travelling and setting up shoots at different locations, which costs money and time. During the pandemic of course we havenât been able to do this, so with a. bit of engineering and design weâve come up with a way of turning our dining room into a photo studioâĶ itâs amazing to discover that all we needed was right in-front of us!
Our deliveries look a little different too with spray and wipes, gloves and masks. We really miss the long conversations and handshakes or hugs during our deliveries!
How are you really feeling?
Up and then down and then back up again. Some days I (Imo) feel really motivated and then the next itâs Netflix in bed with a sausage roll. Iâm trying to ride the rollercoaster and make the most of the good days and then just learning to be kind to myself on the difficult daysâĶ itâs ok to not be ok. Al on the other hand has had a pretty cruisy time, heâs a self-proclaimed loner and doesnât mind his own company - lots of making and surfing.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
I opened my diary this morning and read this quote by Jimmy Dean which really struck a cord with us - âI canât change the direction of the wind, but I can always adjust my sails to always reach my destinationâ. Weâve learnt a lot about being open to change, looking for opportunity and finding strength in making big decisions. It can be really rewarding as a business owner but also really difficult when faced with challenges. Weâve been spending a lot of time working on projects around the house, weâre on a mission to have all those things on the list ticked off for when we can have people over again!
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
A big dinner party with friends! Lots of food, drinks, laughing dancing and NOISE!! I miss âatmosphereâ the most!
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
diy
Olivia & Karina
We run a workspace for photoshoots, events, workshops and classes.
@_the_ko_
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
Sadly like most of the other creative businesses we know, we have been very affected! Since coronavirus hit we've seen most of our bookings cancelled or postponed for the foreseeable future. We are still able to operate in a small capacity, ensuring that we adhere to social distancing requirements, so when people feel comfortable enough we hope to host some small bookings.
How are you really feeling?
We've experienced the full range of feelings over the past few weeks! First of all it was shock, developing into a bit of sadness and frustration. We are only 10 months into our new little business so this was a very un-anticipated set back! Once we'd had time to absorb everything and feel a bit calmer we made the decision to be positive and focus on the things that we could actually control. Some days are good, some days are not so good! But for the most part we are feeling ok now and we are confident that we can get through.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
While the space has been empty we've taken the time to give everything a good tidy and take care of some general maintenance. We've also launched a weekly video / email series to make sure that we are keeping in touch with our community and delivering some fun or helpful content that makes a nice distraction from the news. Before we were shut down we had received a couple of enquires about hosting weddings in the space so we've been exploring this idea a little more...watch this space! Personally we have both been enjoying a bit of down time and trying not to put too much pressure on ourselves to be busily trying to "pivot" the business or "fix" things. We've been reading, cooking, gardening and watching movies, all the good things! I think like many others, this time has helped illustrate to us what is really important in life.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Throw a huge party! We'd love to invite all of our friends and clients to join us at THE KO for a celebration in our courtyard, with plenty of champagne and hugs for all! But seriously...big hugs for our families will definitely be in order.
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Oscillating
Molly
Travel Photographer and Writer
@momentsinbetween__
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
It hasn't been affected too much to be honest. The timing of all of this was perfect because I'd taken a step back from all things Moments Inbetween before I went on an overseas adventure in January. I think taking a step back to reevaluate is so necessary and those three months overseas were exactly that for my creative pursuits. Thanks to quarantine, I've been gifted a little bit (lot) of an extension. I've taken a break from my social media presence, my website is currently down and I haven't even opened my Adobe suite of programs since the end of March. It feels strange but yet so right. When we feel stagnant in our business and our art, sometimes space is the best thing for us!
How are you really feeling?
Depends when you ask. Like with anything in life, the feelings come in waves. One hour - motivated, aligned, staying connected, squeezing so much life out of the day and the next....walking around in circles, writing and re-writing the same sentence, getting lost in the magnitude of ideas and potential.
For the most part, I've been in the best mental space ever. I spent the start of 2020 in the south of India, travelling around and completing my yoga teacher training. It was such a worthwhile experience at the time, but I'm even more grateful now because the practice has completely grounded me. I've had to really hone into the name 'Moments Inbetween' and anchor into the present moment, show up for the small and unremarkable details and not search for highlight reels. I think I (and us as a collective of creatives) will look back on this time with gratitude for the *forced* pause.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
I've made a conscious decision to step back from my normal 'do, do, do' and not set any goals, not put any pressure on myself to tick boxes and do whatever I feel pulled to do in each moment. I've definitely not taken my creativity hat off, but I've been channelling it into all the things I've told myself I 'didn't have time' to do before: pulling out old cookbooks and trying new recipes, getting my acrylic paints out after being taped up in a storage box for 4 years, doing DIY projects like a 3.5m frame wall and a driftwood earring stand.
Quarantine has really made me reevaluate why I pursue the things I do, what value they bring to myself and others. What is a creative hobby for enjoyment VS should I be adding a dash of entrepreneur to this project and monetising it? It's a constant dance between the yin and the yang for me and I think this time has made me feel it even more. As creatives (often with side-hustles), there are the hurdles of time, money, ability and self-belief that stand between us and pursuing our creative dreams. I think in this time, where we have the ability to 'bunker-down' and get things done and follow all of these deeply engrained 'shoulds', it's SO important to stop and call in some joy and freedom in our creativity and create for the sake of creating. My biggest takeaway is to take the pressure off and embrace my inner child.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
After hugging people for way longer than necessary, you can bet your bottom dollar that there will be some travel booked. I was planning on being back in India by the end of the year but I think International travel will be off the cards for a while, so I might start ticking things off my Australian Travel bucket list. First stop? Great Ocean Road.
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Play
Caroline
Environmentally and socially responsible products
@oskiandlottie
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
We are a small start up and launched only two weeks before covid. It was disappointing when the retail market came to a crashing halt; during this small window we had three businesses registering their interest in stocking our products. We now know this time has been a blessing in disguise....we have been able to focus on building brand awareness, develop stronger relationships with our Australian business partnerships and channel our resources into helping the vulnerable.
How are you really feeling?
The combination of working (as a teacher), running a small business and home schooling my children is exhausting; however, I feel really positive about the future of sustainable and ethical Australian businesses....it is keeping me going!!
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
We have enjoyed SO much family time. My husband is my best friend and we adore the time we spend with each other. Lottie has learnt to ride a bike, Oski enjoys his mummy cuddles (all day!) and Lachie is home for dinner! What have I learnt: the magic in the simple life.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Hug everyone!!! Iâm a hugger âĪïļ...and drop the children at my parents for date night with Lachie!!
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Wine!!!!
Adam Gorfine
Art Watercolour Create Make
@AdamIntuishom
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
Iâm creating / shifting into art as my business, connecting with a lot more people and personal stories (shares) than ever before in this time.
How are you really feeling?
Unsure about the future. Hopeful. Determined
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
Keeping myself as occupied as I can. Teaching myself art, developmental work. Iâve learnt more about myself and the kind of future I want, and that I want to help encourage others and give everyone a chance to feel confident and to pursue their higher callings and not be afraid to express themselves.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Visit friends and take an adventure out into nature.
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Slow
Leslie Carvitto
Photographer for female owned businesses and conscious creatives
@lcarvitto or @_lunarising
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
Yes, my business has been affected in that I can't get together with my clients for photoshoots so most of my bookings have been postponed. I am trying to serve them and future clients in other ways by creating helpful content and how-to's like 'how to capture your own brand photos' while in isolation and 'things to do when work is slow' (as most of my clients are entrepreneurs and freelancers.)
How are you really feeling?
It depends on the day. Some mornings I wake up fully motivated with new ideas and ways to evolve and pivot my business. Other days I think, wake me up when this is over! Right now, I'm feeling optimistic.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
I've been surfing and taking a LOT of walks. I'm also going through on online business course so it's actually been a good time to settle in and focus on that. My camera has still been with me a lot but instead of photographing people, I'm snapping photos of the surf coast's beautiful landscape and flora. This experience has been a lesson in surrendering. I'm not gonna lie, I like being in control and this pandemic is a reminder that the control and security I look for is really an illusion.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Funny enough, I purchased a 1990 Landcruiser right before restrictions hit. So when the lockdown has lifted, my partner and I want to take her on a journey down the coast and camp along the way. I've lived in cities and without a car for the last 7 years so I'm looking forward to the freedom of jumping behind the wheel and going on a road trip!
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Can I do two?
Groundhog Day
Hannah + Mikey
Meditation Teachers & Mentors
@kingsmeditationandmentoring
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
Our business has been affected and it caused us to make some changes that we actually couldnât be more stoked about! We have an upcoming meditation teacher training and since so many people have taken a financial hit we found that people were way less likely to invest a big chunk of their money in something that could be considered a âluxuryâ right now. So, we took a deep breath and decided to cut the cost in half, aim for a bigger group and find ways to add more value... so we can help produce even more epic meditation teachers which really seems necessary in a time like this.
How are you really feeling?
Hmmm, so many layers! In some ways we are loving the slow pace of iso life. In other ways we are going stir crazy. Weâre feeling a little sad that our 5 month old baby is missing out on seeing his friends and family, as heâs proving to be a real social character and loves human interaction. In terms of business we feel really aligned and inspired, we know this massive worldly change has actually brought awesome new ideas and ways of doing things for our business so weâre stoked on that! We are definitely looking forward to taking the grom out and hanging with other humans when all this is over!
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
Weâve really learnt how important it is as parents to slow down and just BE with our baby. Weâve been doing a lot of chilling at home, just playing games that end in all of us giggling. I think weâve really learnt that just being with each other can actually be really fun and rewarding. Weâve also been going on some walks in nature, which we probably wouldnât be doing without this whole situation, so we definitely want to keep up some of the stuff weâve been doing when isolation ends.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Book Nalu in for swimming lessons! Haha. I donât know why but this has been a big thing for us. We are so looking forward to getting him into a pool! But for us, weâll probably just enjoy our usual weekly ritual of going out for breakfast on the weekend, weâve definitely missed that!
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Memorable
Liam
Furniture Maker
@fortkingsley
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
Business has slowed down for me.. luckily I had a couple of decent orders that have kept me going. I havenât really changed much.. local people have still been able to pop in for a chat.. the restrictions donât seem as strict in QLD.
How are you really feeling?
The future seems uncertain so thatâs a worry.. really felt like I was getting the business on its feet! Chin up I guessð
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
Iâm carrying on as usual, still in the workshop every day. When thereâs a quiet day I take the opportunity to make something for home or sketch some new ideas. Itâs nice to do the things that started this journey in the first place! When youâre busy you sometimes forget.
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Go on a road trip south for a couple of days... been a while!
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
unsure?
Mark Clatworthy
Owner and head roaster at Ocean Grind
@oceangrind
Has your business been affected and have you made any changes to the way you serve your customers?
Yes, we had to shift to takeaway only at our cafe and a swap system with our cups (still avoiding single-use cups), and also ramped up a local delivery service of coffee bags to keep our baristas working.
How are you really feeling?
Feeling more settled now as things are more predictable, but it was a stressful time when the shutdowns began late March and felt sad to pack down our venue to a bare bones setup.
What have you been up to and what have you learnt from this experience?
I've been trying to see a positive side to all this - finding new opportunities and ways to make the business run more efficiently. It has also been nice spending more time with the family (homeschooling can be challenging at times though!), taking the kids surfing, playing games, bit of gardening, etc. So I've learnt that we need to slow down more - not be rushing the kids around from one thing to the next. It's actually reminded me more of my own childhood (growing up in the 80's)!
What's the first thing you will do once the lockdown has lifted?
Go camping. We had actually just bought a new caravan when the lockdowns began, so have only had a sleepover in it on our nature strip!
One word to summarise your lockdown-life?
Bittersweet
(a bit like coffee . . .)
