Gabi Sidhu and Pawel Gaca are partners in business and life, with very different career backgrounds which have proved invaluable in the planning and launch of their impressive online store, Resident GP earlier this year.
Pawel is an engineer by trade, and is responsible for all the practical and technical aspects of the business, whilst Gabi has a background in architecture and design, and focuses on sourcing products, customer service and generally drives the creative side of the business. ‘Our personalities and skill sets really work perfectly together and starting our own business just seemed like a natural next step – so far so good!’ says Gabi!
Gabi and Pawel spent a year planning, researching and sourcing product before launching Resident GP in March this year – and it shows! Their extensive product range covers homewares, lighting, accessories and jewellery, and includes number of unique collaborations and Australian exclusives. ‘We really didn’t want to be just another online homewares store, so we invested a lot of time in uncovering new items that people haven’t seen before’ says Gabi. The pair relish the opportunity to collaborate with local makers on limited edition products, such as their series of prints with Brisbane based typographer Jasmine Dowling.
Gabi and Pawel source their products from all over the globe. ‘We spend a huge amount of time searching for the next undiscovered gem because we, like our customers, love knowing we’ve found something before everyone else has’ says Gabi.
Though they share a heartfelt passion for great design, both Gabi and Pawel believe that design is about much more than aesthetics. ’Behind every design there is a story to tell, and it is in uncovering these stories that the true value of each product is realised’ explains Gabi.
Having recently relaunched their website and branding with the help of local design team A Friend of Mine, stylist Marsha Golemac and photographer Brooke Holm, Gabi and Pawel are excited about what’s ahead. ‘ Running your own business is hard work, and we are learning as we go…it’s only been six months… but it is so rewarding’ Gabi says. ‘We feel really lucky to be able to combine our passions and skills in this way, and look forward to sharing more gorgeous product with our lovely customers over the coming months’
