Solution Solution.

Tell us about your line of laundry products, Solution Solution, and how it all began?

Solution Solution is a laundry brand for the modern world: where everybody has laundry but nobody has a spare moment. We realize that doing the washing is not something you necessarily look forward to so we have tried to create products to make the laundry more enjoyable. Our washes smell beautiful and are very gentle so you don't need to worry about damaging your clothes. That's really how Solution Solution was born. Katie and I both love clothes but noticed that there was a massive knowledge gap when it came to taking care of them. Our website and blog is filled with information on how to properly care for your clothes which complements our washes.

What are the goals for Solution Solution in the coming year?

We see ourselves as the new science, and the lost art of laundry. Hopefully we can revitalise the garment care industry! We want to teach people how to love their clothes longer and encourage them to learn about their clothing too. At Hustle&Scout where you have the opportunity to speak with designers that process is simpler.

You developed the formula for your products in partnership with the CSIRO, what did you enjoy about that experience?

Katie has degrees in Chemistry and Pharmacy. She developed all of our products herself and then approached The CSIRO to use technology in order to make our innovative products as effective as possible. It has been a great process which we have thoroughly enjoyed. Utilising science in such a surprising and unexpected way has been so much fun. As a non scientist I have learnt a lot.

When you're not working, what do you like to do for fun?

I actually do enjoy doing the washing now! So that's nice, because it has to be done. I am currently completing my honours and Katie is completing her Doctorate in Jurisprudence. I am also in a musical currently and Katie has two beautiful children. That takes up all of our time and some!

What is it about Hustle&Scout that made you want to be involved?

Katie and I have both attended Hustle & Scout in the past. We love the high quality goods that we see at hustle and scout and we obviously love fashion. Supporting local businesses is also really important to us. Art is at the core of our brand and it a big part of Hustle & Scout. So the fact that Hustle & Scout was a fusion of these things made it something we were really keen to be a part of.

MY FAVE THINGS

What you wanted to be when you grew up: Katie: Everything! So being an entrepreneur lets me do that by working in art, science and laundry. Jo: I wanted to pick up rubbish from the side of the road with a stick. As you can see I have always wanted things to be as clean as possible.

Your role model/s: Katie: SCOTUS Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, she is tough, intelligent and classy. Jo: Dr Catherine Hamlin - her complete commitment to the improvement of the lives of women is awe inspiring.

Meal to have cooked for you: Katie: Anything, and I will eat it all! I love food but I would much rather do laundry than cook. Jo: Butter Chicken - naturally I love food that is incredibly likely to stain your clothing.

Country you have visited: Katie: Africa, it is just so different, it influences your perspective on life. Jo: Oman. I don't even feel like I need to explain why - it is so beautiful.

Song on your ultimate mix tape: Dirty Laundry by Kelly Rowland and Cleaning out my closet by Eminem - as you can see we like themed R&B.

Runaway Apparel.

Tell us about your brand, Runaway Apparel, and how it all began?

Runaway Apparel started with a desire to provide affordable fitness apparel to ladies that is fashionable and of high quality.

What are your creative goals for the coming year?

Our main creative goal is to add more designs to our collection. We are also looking into increasing our colour options. We have worked closely with various local businesses to establish our brand and look forward to collaborating with more local designers in the future.

Describe the Runaway Apparel design aesthetic...

We would describe Runaway’s designs as simple, unique and slightly urban. We really dig geometrical lines and mesh detailing. We want to design and supply items that can compliment and work with a wide range of fashion styles.

When you're not working, what do you like to do for fun?

When we aren’t working, we absolutely love training at various places around Canberra like F45, Original Bootcamp, Crossfit SFS, Anytime Fitness and Elite Physique. We also love creating amazing foods, brunch being our favourite meal.

What is it about Hustle&Scout that made you want to be a stallholder?

Having attended the markets last year and seeing what a great opportunity it is for local businesses to show case their products, we just couldn’t resist. The atmosphere is so unique and intriguing it really sets it apart from other markets. We are so excited to contribute to the day and explore other people’s creative work!

MY FAVE THINGS

Fave place to unwind: Outside with fresh air and sunshine, we LOVE the beach and having picnics. We are able to clear our minds, relax and brainstorm.

Your role model/s: We are inspired daily by our friends and family who have continuously shown us their support. As part of our Runaway family, we have two amazing local girls who are strong and motivational women that represent our brand.

Item in your studio: Currently, our favourite item in our studio is the newest member to our team: Dolly, our mannequin. We are so excited to have our clothing on display and be able to offer customers the opportunity to see and try on our clothing.

Guilty pleasure: Nutella.. on strawberries.. on top of pancakes with choc chips.. The list could go on.

Fashion item you have made: We love our mesh panel leggings. The feedback we have received on the comfort, style and affordability has been so amazing and humbling. We hope to have new stock available over the coming months.

Red Corner Boxing.

Boxing gear at a fashion market? You bet.
 

Hustle&Scout punches above its weight once more with Red Corner popping up for the first time at the September twilight market.
 

But, seriously. Boxing gear?
 

It’s a perfect fit. Red Corner is no ordinary Canberra company and they certainly don’t design ordinary boxing gear. Director Michelle Walton says Red Corner’s range, never seen before in the marketplace—at least not until the company launched its new collection on the catwalk at Fashfest 2015—is hot.
 

Its innovative boxing gloves and focus pads, for women and men, are fashion-forward, combining fabulous graphic designs and digital prints with bold, bright colours that truly pop. Fuschia, electric blue, ruby red, royal purple, lime green and sun yellow are some of the colours used and the designs are just as vibrant—mosaic, checkers, loopy and feathers, for example.
 

‘We’re breaking the mould,’ says Michelle Walton, Director, Red Corner. ‘This is serious gear that fits like a glove, designed for those who want to get fit, look great and feel empowered while training, whether amateur or pro. And it’s not just black and red.’

At Hustle&Scout, Red Corner will have on hand a limited run of about 60 units. ‘Once these are gone, they’re gone,’ says Michelle. ‘Work is well underway on our next line of designs.’
 

Red Corner’s gear doesn’t just look amazing, it feels amazing.
 

‘After extensive product research and development and over 25 years in the fitness industry, we came up with quality products, with visible value, made with tested materials,’ says Michelle. ‘Most importantly, we’ve designed products to be “gender-fit”, recognising that women want quality, functional boxing gear customised to their needs. They’re tired of wearing men’s gloves that don’t fit as well as they should.’
 

The functionality of the gear is superb, so much so that it’s being worn by Adriana Smith, a Canberra competitive amateur boxer with a national ranking and now Red Corner’s Ambassador. Adriana is seen punching and throwing upper cuts on the company’s posters. Her boxing ambition is to represent Australia at the 2016 Olympic Games.
 

‘The first time I used Red Corner boxing gloves I immediately noticed how comfortable, firm and secure fitting the gloves were and I was really impressed with the creative designs and colours,’ says Adriana. ‘I choose Red Corner when teaching my women’s boxing classes and Red Corner delivers on both fit and fashion.’

Canberra athlete and fitness model, Jenna Douros, says her introduction to Red Corner was ‘love at first sight’. ‘I was first introduced to Red Corner at Fashfest red carpet event,’ she says. ‘The comfort of the glove was nothing less than flawless, complementing the chic and sexy design that every female would love.’
 

The timing is perfect for the introduction of Red Corner’s gear with a growing number of Australians keen on fitness boxing as a great way to get a total body workout, an exhilarating way to improve cardio, strength and balance—especially women.
 

‘We looked at what Nike has done with fitness gear and thought “Why not boxing gear too?”’ says Michelle.
 

FASHFEST accepted Red Corner because it truly does combine fashion and fitness, says Andrea Hutchinson, co-founder of the red-carpet fashion event: ‘Guests were amazed at what they saw on the catwalk and totally intrigued.’
 

And now it’s time for guests of Hustle&Scout to be intrigued, and even inspired to throw a punch or two to get fit with looking fab.

By Marie-Nicole.

Tell us about By Marie-Nicole, and how it all began?

It all started with a humble blanket hanging up in the corner of an op shop, with all it’s holes and ware marks, yet still oozing so much character, along with stories within that will remain untold... this blanket was just waiting for someone like me to recognise its potential, rescue it from it’s unfortunate fate and give it a new purpose with many new stories to be made, in it’s new form as a guitar case... and then have it’s remnants used to make another guitar case and a few little tote bags. This then led to my quest of spreading some repurposed blanket love around our state, our nation and then the globe, bringing smiles to the faces of many, the nostalgia, the recycling, the beautiful quality of the weave brought back in to the lime light, there are so many reason’s people love this range... and what it has evolved into, rescuing kangaroo leather & cow hide offcuts and well as duck and chicken feathers... giving each resource a second chance at being appreciated, valued, utilised and treasured!

What do you love about working with second hand and pre-loved items?

Aside from the hidden stories that lie within them... the quality of how they were crafted. I have fond memories as a child growing up in Melbourne of going to work with my mum who was a seamstress at the time and worked in a clothing factory with many other migrants skilled in garment production. It was a melting pot of cultural backgrounds and the aroma in the lunch room was mix of the various cuisines of all the countries represented in this one factory... along with this came the sounds created by the varied accents all chirping away like birds in a tree, sharing stories of their experiences both past and present. These memories make me appreciate the people behind the creation of the goods.

I am finding it increasingly frustrating these days that there is so much cheap mass produced rubbish in op shops and recycle centres, it represents a sad change in our society... one which I’d like to help reverse. The more we focus on quality over quantity the better for us, our environment and the global community.

Describe a typical day in the life of Marie-Nicole...

Aside from the hidden stories that lie within them... the quality of how they were crafted. I have fond memories as a child growing up in Melbourne of going to work with my mum who was a seamstress at the time and worked in a clothing factory with many other migrants skilled in garment production. It was a melting pot of cultural backgrounds and the aroma in the lunch room was mix of the various cuisines of all the countries represented in this one factory... along with this came the sounds created by the varied accents all chirping away like birds in a tree, sharing stories of their experiences both past and present. These memories make me appreciate the people behind the creation of the goods.

I am finding it increasingly frustrating these days that there is so much cheap mass produced rubbish in op shops and recycle centres, it represents a sad change in our society... one which I’d like to help reverse. The more we focus on quality over quantity the better for us, our environment and the global community.

What item in your studio could you not live without and why?

Sir Stitch, my 1960’s industrial sewing machine... and his new companion Madame Pfaff, I have only recently acquired her she is a little fancier in her step as she can zigzag, but he is a little more considered in his, he has been fitted with a pulley system that slows him down which is great for leather work. As most micro business owners do, I started this business with a domestic machine, but the difference industrial machines make to the quality & efficiency of my work is phenomenal.

What can mark-folk expect to find at the September 12 event?

Lots of rescued & repurposed goodness. Old Woollen Blankets transformed into: Guitar Cases, Totes & Satchels. Leather and Feather items: cuffs, belts, key tags, earrings and necklaces. There are a wide variety of items within my collections as I endeavour to use every last piece of the precious natural resources I work with, to minimise waste and maximise the appreciation of these beautiful materials.

MY FAVE THINGS

Your role model/s: Anyone who is authentic in their beliefs, lives and breaths their passion. ~ Kim Nelson (an extremely talented artist) for his passion and dedication to our community and the arts, ~ The Dalai Lama for his compassionate, inclusiveness and common sense teachings, ~ The Birdsall Family who have owned and run the tannery since the late 1800‘s, I purchase my leather from them, ~ Wendy & Anthony from Vetro E Metallo, fellow market stall holders who travel to three different markets each week to sell their beautiful recycled metal jewellery, ~ Rohan Anderson, the hunter, gatherer, grower of food and author of Whole Larder Love & Practiculture.

Meal to have cooked for you: Anything Moroccan, especially when made by my husband... we travel through our food and Moroccan meals always take me on the greatest culinary adventures. I can’t wait to visit Morocco some day, smell the spices in the air and lose myself all the beautiful colours and patterns that adorn it’s streets.

Fave item you have found: My one and only striped suitcase for the story behind it’s discovery. We were looking at buying a very old and very large pub in a nearby village. It was in desperate need of renovations and a clean up, the rooms were filled to the brim with stuff, both trash and treasure, in the very far corner of the last dimly lit room we viewed I spotted this suitcase and asked the owner how much he wanted for it? To which he replied; “You’d be doing me a favour if you just took it.”

Song on your ultimate mix tape: My Silver Lining by First Aid Kit...My journey through life has not been easy, but it’s certainly taught me more than I think I would’ve learnt if it were a smooth ride.

Country you have visited: I have not visited my favourite country yet, it would be one steeped in tradition & culture, with food & artisan crafting central to there existence. But out of the country’s I have visited I’d have to say the USA has been my favourite... I never actually thought I’d hear myself say that, since America wasn’t on my bucket list, but circumstances took us there and it turned out to be a turning point in our lives. With only two weeks up our sleeves we decided to spend more time in less places, We had to go to Chicago for a wedding so the other city we chose to visit was New York City. Both cities were inspirational for very different reasons. NYC challenged & inspired me in ways I did not expect it to. I came back with a renewed appreciation for the natural beauty and space that surrounds us here in Australia in close proximity to our cities, which is more like a big town compared to NYC. Our trip also left me with a great appreciation for what America has to offer, we’d like to return one day and see more of the country and it’s natural wonders.

*All images by Marie-Nicole.

Urban Charms.

Tell us about your label, Urban Charms, and what inspires your designs?

I have been a longtime lover of tiny things. My love affair with miniatures began when I was a small girl ogling my aunt's tiny silver tea set in the cabinet. I'm also a lover of food and creating, so I've combined these passions into Urban Charms! I once wore a tiny teacup ring I'd made to work and was inundated with requests, and the rest is history...

What brings you the most joy from your creative practice?

I love watching something begin as a lump of polymer clay and then transform into a wearable piece of art. The exhilaration I feel once I've created a piece I'm happy with is overwhelming. I've been known to do a happy dance around my kitchen when a particularly good batch of miniatures has been baked.

Describe a typical day in the life of Lisa...

I'm also a mum and educator, and I run another new business in Canberra, so I'm generally a very busy person. A typical day when I'm not teaching revolves around my son's school hours, so I make the very most of those hours that I can. I try to be very scheduled and planned with my time, otherwise I'm a pretty good procrastinator!

How did you get into jewellery design?

I've been creating in one form or another since childhood, so at one stage beading was a natural progression for me. I packed the beads away in my early 20's and moved on to other crafts, but in recent years felt a yearning for jewellery design again, but this time I wanted to do something entirely different. My passion for miniatures propelled me into the miniature food jewellery market and here I am!

What can mark-folk expect to find at the September 12 event?

I make an array of gorgeous miniature food jewellery and accessories, including my very popular range of earrings. You'll find necklaces, brooches, rings, earrings all inspired by food and made from polymer clay. I also have a range of wish globe pendants that have been very popular.

MY FAVE THINGS

Country you have visited: I absolutely adored France! I know it's very cliche, but France has a certain romantic quality to it! I love the language, the architecture and the history. I'd go back there in a heartbeat.

Piece of jewellery you have made: I still have a crush on the very first piece of food inspired jewellery I ever made. It's a ring with a ceramic plate, teacup with two biscuits on the side. It reminds me of comfort food and sitting down with a cuppa after a long day!

Meal to have cooked for you: Anything to do with someone else cooking for me and I'm in! I will love it for the pure fact that I'm not cooking! And pasta. Anything pasta and I'll love you forever.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: I wanted to be a Park Range when I was growing up. I love animals and thought I'd be able to handle being in the great outdoors all day.

Fujinella.

Tell us about your label, Fujinella, and what the name means?

Fujinella is a combination of names, I was originally going to call the label “Nella” after a resident dog that lived in a hotel in Mexico I had stayed at on holiday and when I first thought about putting a label together and “Fuji” comes from when I actually put pen to paper and started sketching the collection in a restaurant in Tokyu call Fuji – mammas....Hence... Fujinella.

What inspires you creatively and keeps you motivated?

Honestly everything, feedback from my loyal customers, things that lack in my wardbrobe, a women in a fabulous out, art, movies, travel...

Describe your workspace...

I am fortunate enough to work from home, I have a sewing room/studio under the stairs....very Harry potter...

You're a Melbourne based designer - what do you enjoy most about being part of the creative scene down there?

Being able to drop everything and head out for a coffee if I need a creative break, we are fortunate to live around the corner from Heide.

What is it about Hustle&Scout that made you want to be a stallholder?

I love the energy, vision and thought that goes into this market.

MY FAVE THINGS

What you wanted to be when you grew up: I’ve always wanted to be and experience everything, fashion designer, naturopath, actor, dancer, Olympic athlete you name it I wanted to be it at one one point!

Fave place to unwind: The bath.

Australian fashion designer: I don’t really have a favourite, I’m a bit of a minimalist, less is more. It’s more about the garment and look for me.

Song on your ultimate mix tape: Beautiful People, masters at work.

Fashion piece you have made: The Grace wrap and the Diane dress, these styles never get old, I have customers that order them every year.

Dint Designs.

Tell us about your label, Dint Designs, and what inspires your designs?

Dint designs is hand crafted contemporary jewellery made by me in Canberra. I love making jewellery, starting with a piece of metal and creating something that someone will choose to wear and hopefully love as much as I do. Textures influence me - I love the way different textures look, feel and reflect light.

What do you hope to achieve over the coming year for your label?

To have more time to experiment with different pieces.

What did your love of jewellery evolve?

I have loved jewellery for as long as I can remember. I used to love trying on my mum’s jewellery when I was growing up. My parents gave me a gold bangle when I was a young girl and it ended up having to be cut-off my wrist as it wouldn’t come off anymore. I still have the two pieces of cut bangle and they hang above my jewellers workbench.

Tell us about your workspace...

My workshop is setup in my house in Canberra and has relaxed feel. My workbench is under a window that has great light.

What can market-folk expect to find at the September 12 event?

Lots of earrings, rings, necklaces and bangles made from sterling silver, copper and brass.

MY FAVE THINGS

Meal to have cooked for you: Absolutely anything cooked by my amazing mum.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: A superhero would have been fun!! But as that wasn’t an option… I had absolutely no idea and loved changing my mind weekly. I would always dream of different things. Now at the age of 36 I have found that thing and I love it!

Australian jewellery designer: No one specific, I’ve always loved unique handmade pieces that have character. I have mostly bought jewellery from markets.

Song on your ultimate mix tape: I love most music but don’t have an ultimate song as there are just too many to choose from.

Piece of jewellery you have made: I love my twin spinner ring with a copper and silver spinner. I wear it everyday and play with it a lot.