We are privileged to know many wonderful people in this business and Catherine Blackford, director of Bindle (an online eco business) is one. We caught up with her and had a little chat about perfect days, Bindles and first crushes.
How long have you been running Bindle for? Bindle was launched a little over a year ago. Time flies when you’re having fun!
What made you want to start Bindle? I faced an ever-recurring small nightmare of trying to find an inspired gift for friends and family for milestone occasions. After seeing the world becoming so much smaller due to globalisation, and local produce becoming less and less a feature in gift purchases, Bindle was born. Engaging local artisans to produce Australian, handmade, tailored gift packages, Bindle is fabulously unique in its field.
Where did you start? The building of Bindle involved extensive research of local produce, food, wine and design. I poured over the internet searching for products that had presence and sustainability, with a story to tell. I targeted potential suppliers with whom I shared my vision. Without exception I was rewarded a thousandfold with the enthusiasm and support I received, and the knowledge that I was bringing on board such inspirational artisans. Each Bindle is a compilation of several inspirationally-talented individuals who bring his or her own personality and creativity.
How do you come up with the different types of Bindle? The different Bindle gifts hinge on the idea of a theme or an occasion. The contents inside a Bindle complement each other in presentation and usefulness, marrying to present the perfect gift. To exemplify one of the many themed Bindles, “Short Black and Sides” celebrates the joy and ceremony of drinking coffee.
What would your ultimate Bindle be? The ultimate Bindle would start with a gift and prompt an adventure. A trip to a local food region to taste the food and wine that make Victoria unique would be a gift of love to a special friend, and perhaps, they would let me join them on the journey.
What do you love about your work? I love the warm, creative and inspirational people I meet along the way. Without exception they all have a unique story to tell which I am privileged to share.
Do you do bespoke Bindles? It is important that we have the flexibility to offer bespoke Bindles, however given Bindle is in its fledgling stage, for logistical reasons they remain the domain of corporate and requests.
Now a bit about you. How do you unwind on the weekend? I look forward to long walks, lazy breakfasts at cafe’s, reading the newspaper and observing the richness of Melbourne unfold before me.
The perfect day? The Perfect day for me starts with a Macchiato and ends with a glass of Pinot.
What qualities do you admire most in other people? Honesty and the confidence to speak one’s mind.
First crush? A blond blue-eyed boy called Charlie. We were about four and staged at least three weddings.
What do you value most in a relationship? I value honesty in a relationship. It’s also important to be challenged and loved unconditionally. Curiously, I’ve recently added curiosity, as without that it’s easy for complacency to creep in.
Thanks Catherine! Look out for Bindle in the next issue of White and for our upcoming Facebook competition for a chance to win a free Breakfast in Bed Bindle!
