Coogee business leaning into Sydney lockdowns

By DANIEL LO SURDO

A Coogee-based business has used the Sydney COVID-19 lockdowns as an opportunity to further their trading.

Coogee Creations Co, a locally-owned and produced handmade and natural artisan soy wax candles and bath product business, has launched a new collection last month after coming to life last year during Sydney’s first lockdown.

Founder and owner of Coogee Creations Co Aimee Smith says the business was born from COVID-19.

“I [was] not able to do much and was trying to keep myself busy,” Smith tells City Hub.

Smith, 24, has been a Coogee resident since January 2020 after spending most of her life in Camden. Smith balances her business with her full-time work in childcare and a Bachelor’s of Education at Charles Sturt University. She chuckles when asked how she juggles each of her commitments.

“With a lot of time management,” Smith says. “It keeps me busy, which is what I like to do.”

While carrying out her essential work from Monday-Friday, Smith sneaks in her studies and business in the mornings or on the weekends. Last month, she announced a new collection of wax candles on her website, despite many other small businesses either suspending or ceasing trade during the lockdown period.

While her business has remained active over the past months, Smith has had to navigate multiple COVID-19 related obstacles.

“It’s been hard for advertising mainly, I had a few campaigns booked in with some locals where they would do product shoots for me so obviously we had to cancel that,” Smith says.

“All the influx of orders [in lockdown] has meant that my orders don’t get shipped out as quickly being a small business, so really just getting my business out there, competing with the bigger brands has been hard.”

Right at Home 

Since establishing Coogee Creations Co last year, Smith has created strong relationships with the Eastern Suburbs community. Whilst only moving to the area in 2020, Smith has networked with several businesses and to create a strong product in her local area.

“My connection to the Eastern Suburbs community is still fairly new, particularly due to the lockdowns, it’s been hard to connect with others,” Smith says. “Also working in childcare within the Eastern Suburbs has allowed me to connect with families.”

Smith has quickly taken to her new home.

“My favourite aspect is the beach … as well as the various restaurants and cafes that are on offer, it really does provide some unique options,” Smith says.

“I feel as though the community here is very relaxed, which is a great change of scenery – [it] feels like a holiday everyday.”