Whether you’re a little over the Byron buzz, or in awe of the eco-conscious entrepreneurship that’s taking off there, there’s no doubting that local business is booming in beachside Northern NSW!
St. Agni first came on our radar a few years ago, and I later had a chance to stop by their showroom when I was in the area – with a list of Team TDF orders! A little kid-in-a-candy-store-like, I’ll admit, at the time I didn’t even notice there was an office above the boutique.
The handcrafted footwear, fashion, and accessories label started out as a side-project in 2014, and has diversified it’s offering over time. Early on, they opted for a conjoined HQ office and flagship outlet model. It’s a smart move in a time where e-commerce considerably outweighs foot traffic, but you still want that space to form community around your brand.
Co-founders Lara and Matthew Fells headed up their office build themselves, wanting to work within the original bones of the building. Keeping the original exposed concrete as a backdrop, they built simple ply and steel desks, going for a minimal, pared-back vibe.
Lara and Matthew set out to create a space that was streamlined and calming. ‘It’s very open, and allows the team to converse freely, keeping it intimate,’ tells Lara. Ensuring ample storage to reduce clutter was especially important for workflow.
Just recently, the brand launched its New Woven collection of hand-woven and vegetable-dyed footwear, plus a new Australian-made denim collection is currently in the works. ‘This space has altered with us, and we have tailored it to be flexible as we grow,’ reflect Lara and Matthew. Their first five years in business had taught the duo a lot – lessons that will serve them well as they look to further expansion in the future, and as we’re hinted isn’t too far away!
Type of Space
The open-plan office is located in the Byron Bay Industrial Estate, positioned above the St Agni boutique.
Size of space
65m2
Number of employees
15 total (7 in the office)
An office should be…
… light and open, a communal space that stimulates creativity and productive workflow.
