Four fifths of the ‘famous five’ creatives who share studio space at Goldie & Co. L-R: Tara Pearce, Joel Pringle, Erin Neale, Stephanie Duboudin. A pic of Olivia Zan, the fifth co-sharer, features later in the story. Photo/Production – Danielle White/The Countryphiles.
It takes a leap of faith & a good dose of courage-of-conviction to decide that your personal creativity, passion & skills warrant not only a dedicated studio space but High-Street exposure. Lots of us dream about it, but few of us make it happen. Fellow Countryphiles often tell me they move to the country in search of a better work-life balance (which they also tell me can be tricky to achieve without having to commute to the city they intended to leave behind!) Country towns often have fewer job opportunities, less-than-speedy or reliable internet services, poor or random mobile reception and a lack of flexible or available childcare. Phew! That’s quite a hefty list! So, what can be done to make the work-life balance DREAM come true? Enter Goldie & Co. a shared AND inspiring studio workspace that’s popped its light-filled, gilt-edged inspiring creativity right into the heart of Kyneton.
The Countryphiles ADORES Goldie & Co. for many reasons but perhaps most of all because it leads the way & SHINES a light on how to find that elusive BALANCE. The brainchild of co-founder photographer Tara Pearce (her work is published in many of today’s most sought-after imprints & online mags), Goldie & Co.’s large, glass-paned, double shop front has been transformed into a hub shared among five ‘creative and like-minded folks’.
Goldie & Co.’s current creatives include photographers Tara Pearce & Erin Neale of erin + tara & Tara Pearce, graphic/web designer Joel Pringle of Design Macedon Ranges, copywriter Olivia Zan of Olivia Zan and marketing consultant Stephanie Duboudin of Food & Wine Insights. Their combined skills really do make Goldie & Co. a one-stop-studio!
Goldie & Co. exudes a lightness of being that lets creativity germinate, grow & blossom. Add to that some very exciting news – the studio is set to host Sarah Cooper & her innovative roaming inspiration The Brainery Store during its Spring+Summer term of pop-up lectures. Kyneton couldn’t be a luckier town to be blessed with so many inspiring & creative & collaborative folk! The Countryphiles LOVES everything about this space & the opportunities & inspirations it holds for fellow-Countryphiles who seek the work-life balance we all dream of! Enjoy! x
Olivia Zan. Photo by Tara Pearce.
Tell us a little bit about your various background/s – what paths led you to where you are now?
Joel: I’ve worked in a few advertising agencies and businesses as in-house designer, working for myself came about as a result of moving to the Macedon Ranges – where there aren’t very many ad agencies…
Olivia: I’m a freelance copywriter, and I write, edit and proofread business material for clients in all industries. A sales background, marketing degree and love of writing converged a year or so ago in a light bulb moment and I decided to pursue copywriting. I’ve found my niche and I’m loving it. I have a big blended family, so working for myself is the best way to juggle the school hours.
Tell us about ‘Goldie + Co’. How did the idea to create a shared studio space come about?
Tara: I was looking for a similar concept locally but ended up sharing a space in Melbourne, which I never went to due to the daily travel. Again, I was stuck back in my home office, which was driving me crazy…so, I opened my own local co-shared workspace in the heart of Kyneton for creative people looking to work alongside like-minded folks.
Tell us the story behind the name ‘Goldie+Co.’?
Tara: The space offers beautiful light at most times of the day; due to the shopfront being almost entirely glass. ‘Goldie’ refers to this light and ‘co’, well that’s us as a collective.
For others thinking of making a tree change – is it hard to stay connected, be self-employed, work from a studio? Can you offer any insight/advice?
Joel: It’s a challenge, but to a person who is looking for a (tree) change, a new set of challenges is probably something that they would welcome. If you want to work from home, just make sure your new home has a decent internet connection!
Olivia: I worked from home for eight months, and whilst I was set up well, I started making excuses to drive into town to see people. I talk to people all day via email and skype, but I love working in town. There are so many entrepreneurial people in the country who run their own businesses, and if you make the effort to make connections, word of mouth will provide endless opportunities.
Is there such a thing as shared studio-space-etiquette? What ensures a shared space works well?
Joel: Common sense and a thoughtful attitude. ‘Give more than you take in order to get more than you gave’.
Olivia: Music is a big thing! I was the last one in and I could tell the others were worried about whether I would like their music or not. Luckily they have very good taste, but they’re also very considerate.
What does a typical day in the life of team ‘Goldie+Co.’ look like; from when you enter the studio to lights-out at the end of the day?
Joel: I usually arrive first, so it’s straight to the heater to get things warmed up. After that, I’ll get a few hours of really solid work done, I usually achieve 70% of my daily tasks in the first 35% of the day. Goldie & Co is a lovely place to work, being around other people who are experts in their craft makes you lift your own game.
Olivia: It was fairly quiet when we started but now there’s a fair bit of chatter! Lot’s of sharing ideas and second opinions which is fun as I’ve learnt a lot. Occasional coffee trips for a caffeine fix. And the occasional drop in from a curious local asking what we’re up to.
Do you consider yourselves to be ‘Countryphiles’? That is, do you love country life? If so, why?
Joel: Absolutely. I live about ten minutes from Goldie & Co in the neighbouring town of Lauriston with my wife Casey (and baby-on-the-way Henry). We also take care of a horde of pets and livestock, one of the things we used to dream about when we lived in inner city Melbourne.
Olivia: I’m a country girl from the start. I left home and did the city thing but when I had kids I was dying to raise them in the way I grew up. My husband and I live on 15 acres just 5 minutes drive from the studio, which is like having the best of both worlds. And we have a blended family of five kids so the space is a blessing.
Do you prefer tea or coffee? Do you have a favourite country café and why?
Joel: I’m in a bit of healthier living transition at the moment so I guess I’d say Im cutting back on the coffee. Let’s just say it’s gotten to the stage now where coffees are exciting treats again, rather than an ongoing medication! Country Cob Bakery for me as the service is charming and they save me loaves of bread for our pigs. Haha!
Olivia: Coffee!! We’re lucky to have some awesome café’s in Kyneton, but Monsieur Pierre’s is up there in the ‘best coffee’ stakes. And I can always guarantee I’ll bump into someone I know, so if I need a chat that’s where I go.
What and where was the last great meal you enjoyed/shared in the country?
Joel: When I think of great country meals, I think of bluestone buildings, white table clothes and slow cooked feasts. However, the last great meal I really enjoyed, due to the taste and the company, was Nola Poorboy’s Philly Steak Sandwich. For those who don’t know yet, Nola Poorboy is a mobile truck which appears on Piper St, Kyneton on Friday nights. It was the first meal I shared with Goldie & Co colleagues, so I guess that also made it great.
Olivia: I’m a big fan of Annie Smithers Bistrot, but that’s a rare treat. For lunch Monsieur Pierre’s chicken baguettes are to die for, and Piper St Food Co’s duck pies are seriously delish. Parma and fat chips at the Shamrock Pub is pretty good too!
What can we expect NEXT from you/Goldie & Co in the future?
Joel: More of the same! – art based logos and beautiful business branding. Clean and functional Websites.
Olivia: I’m really excited about our future. I can see us taking on a few projects as a team as our skills are complimentary (good work Tara!).
What are you each looking FORWARD to and why?
Joel: Looking forward to continued growth as an designer and meeting more local businesses.
Olivia: My business has exploded since I launched a few months ago. I’m actually looking forward to putting more systems in place so I can feel a little more organised. And I’m looking forward to working with more local businesses as my clients are all over Australia.
What would be your DREAM project?
Joel: I’m already got some of them. The website for ethic in Woodend is a project Im directing currently. Simply put, creating logos, branding and websites for local businesses are my dream projects.
Can you list for us 5 specific things you turn to/do when you need of a ‘dose’ of city life?
Joel: 1. Go to the city 2. Shop online 3. … This is getting hard, you can tell why I moved away from the city!
Olivia: 1. dinner in Carlton 2. movie at Nova 3. South Melbourne market 4. an hour (or more) browsing Readings bookshop 5. visit friends
Goldie&Co
80/82 Mollison Street KYNETON
Fantastic write-up Countryphiles! It really illustrates how unique and exciting the Macedon Ranges is! Makes me feel proud to live here!
Fabulous to have a little gem of a creative hub in Kyneton – and I wish I could join them in their shared studio space! Lucy
Well done Countryphiles what a great read and gorgeous photos! Congratulations Team Goldie & Co, what an inspiring place to be!!
Thanks Sindy – Kyneton is bursting with talented folk! Your project at http://www.rivekyneton.com.au inspires too!