This is the first company in our Eco Innovators feature. Here we find out where the idea for CackleberryKids came from and how the initial vision became a reality.
What is your product / service and why did you create it?
Cackleberry Kids is a clothing company that has designed a range specifically for little boys aged 3 months to 6 years of age. Our garments are designed and made in Australia using Australian made fabrics as often as possible, with the use of 100% cotton, wools and natural fibres at all times. Our manufacturing is carried out in an accredited “No Sweat Shop Label” production facility. Our newly released KIAMBU Collection incorporates a range of Certified Organic cotton tees and our nursery linen incorporates the use of bamboo for the wadding for our comforters.
We started our label to cater for a huge gap in the market, boy’s clothing. We found that there was a huge lack of choice in the market place here in Australia and also internationally.
What challenges have you faced?
We have found it extremely hard to keep everything here in Australia and know that if we were to move our operations overseas, then our cost would be significantly reduced. However our philosophy is to stay true to our core, which is to have a successful, high quality clothing label for little boys here in Australia. Sourcing fabrics has also been a challenge and we have waited ever so patiently for our Australian Fabric suppliers to grow their organic range so that we could move in that direction. We are hoping to increase our organic range as we grow our business. It’s interesting in terms of people’s perceptions; some think that ‘organic’ is some weird hippy thing whilst others assume it means that you are extremely expensive. At times though some praise you for being Australian made however baulk at the pricing as they still expect you to be in the “China” pricing brackets.
Also because of the demise in our Australian textile industry, sourcing companies here in Australia that are able to produce in the volumes that we sometimes require is difficult. We have sourced some fabulous organic fabrics, however because they don’t have the structures in place to support them and allow them to grow, they are not able to produce their materials as quickly as they would like – it can be frustrating for all.
What advice could you give others starting out?
Do your research and find out as much as you can about the companies that you are working with. Stay true to your vision and don’t allow yourself to be swayed by others. Keep learning about different processes, materials and new ideas coming onto the market. Ask lots of questions!
Where, if anywhere, did you find support?
Our support came from those we work with. For example, our printer is an accredited Green printer, our photos are taken by an award winning photographer who is Green and has an environmental focus. Many of our clients support us because they too want to leave our planet in a far better way for our children than what we have to date.
Do you feel the government is doing enough to support the industry?
No, unfortunately not really. There is much talk about “Going Green” however the back end doesn’t necessarily support the working model. I know that there are a few grants on offer, however, they are extremely hard to win and then are mainly focused on those that use Technology that is ‘Green’ rather than supporting Design in general to take on a Green approach.
