Explore the heart and soul of Illawarra through our local business spotlight, where we dive into the stories, passions, and community spirit of the region's most inspiring enterprises.
Now more than ever, businesses need our support!
Here, you can check out some great local traders to get behind.
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SEVENMARKS Gallery
7 Marks Street Kiama
How did you establish your business?
SEVENMARKS Gallery was founded by four driven individuals who share a profound connection with art. We live locally and found ourselves travelling and working in major cities to connect with the arts and wanted to bring the same calibre of art and exhibition opportunities to regional NSW, particularly the NSW South Coast.
What does your business pride itself on?
SEVENMARKS Gallery was established to foster the experimentation and growth of contemporary artists. Consisting of two gallery spaces with a combined floor space of over 150sqm. SEVENMARKS GALLERY accommodates a diverse range of art forms including traditional wall works, indoor and outdoor sculpture, light and sound projects. With diverse and progressive programming, the gallery landscape enables artists to be expressive, authentic and vulnerable. Situated in Kiama on the South Coast of NSW, SEVENMARKS Gallery is a not-for-profit entity.
Tell us about your biggest successes/ challenges?
Our biggest success is working with artists we respect and having an engaging and full exhibition program throughout 2024 and beyond. Being a self-funded gallery is a challenge.
What do you enjoy most about running your business in the Illawarra?
Providing a space that encourages people to slow down and appreciate the arts for all it encompasses. Supporting, including and working with local businesses in the celebration and creation of unique art openings and related events.
Renayssance
Renay Latta
renayssancestudio.com.au
@renayssance.studio
0411 104 364
How did you establish your business?
I worked for 25 years as a freelance hairdresser, make-up artist, stylist, working on TV shows, film, advertising, publicity, events and weddings. I thoroughly enjoyed working in the industry – collaborating with actors, celebrities, directors – but a sea change was my yearning thus Renayssance studio was created for hairdressing, make-up and beauty.
What does your business pride itself on?
It’s a complete private studio. Unlike traditional hairdressing salons, my clients appreciate the solace as my service is one on one, appointments are timesaving, not to mention a great space to chat with a wide range of services. While your hair colour is doing is magic, you can have a brow lamination, mini skin facial or just enjoy your own down time!
Tell us about your biggest successes and challenges…
It was making the decision to leave the hustle and bustle of my high stakes career in Sydney. I hoped that my new community would be as excited as I am to launch my new venture – and the support I’ve received is amazing. It’s just the beginning and very exciting!
What do you enjoy most about running your business in the Illawarra?
Location! Location! Location! The Illawarra is a beauty, a gem! From bush walks to the enticing ocean, great cafes, fresh produce. The locals are genuinely supportive, willing to support, help and encourage. I’ve lived in this wonderful part of the world for a short time, but I’ve finally found my community and better yet my home.
Sun Studio Pilates
Jen Williams & Yolanda Forsyth
110 Wentworth Street Port Kembla
How did you establish your business?
We were good friends first and foremost and both shared the same love of people, sport and Pilates. We got to a point where we knew we wanted something different for our lives – to design our own jobs and lifestyle – so we took a leap of faith in navigating the small business world together and ended up with Sun Studio Pilates!
What does your business pride itself on?
Having a fun and inclusive atmosphere, where everyone feels relaxed and no one takes themselves too seriously. So many people have told us that it’s the first time they’ve felt confident working out in a group class setting and going at their own pace – and that gives us the biggest buzz!
Tell us about your biggest successes and challenges?
Our biggest success has easily been the awesome bunch of people we’ve attracted. Our clients from all walks of life find they have a lot more in common than a love of Pilates, and share chats and laughs during class. The biggest challenge has definitely been juggling teaching classes, running a small business and still working our other jobs.
What do you enjoy most about running your business in the Illawarra?
It adds a whole new dimension to living here – we’ve built so many new connections with studio members and other businesses.
If you would love to have your business featured in our next edition, reach out to sales@coalcoastmagazine.com, to secure your spot.
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