MEET THE MAKER
LOVE OUR COMMUNITY
Claire Archer – Shibora
Forget France, Claire Archer has started an all- Australian perfume revolution from her farm in Cots Harbour on the north coast of NSW. Claire’s range of Shibora fragrances, oils and candles haven’t just caught the eye and nose of her fellow Aussies though, they’re being snapped up by customers right around the world. Now, this quintessential country businesswoman wants other brands to know the benefits of manufacturing locally are nothing to sniff at.
How did you start your home grown business?
For years and years in my teens and twenties I’d been experimenting making my own perfumes and beauty products because I’ve always really cared about what I use on my skin. I’ve also always had a real passion for plants, herbs and flowers and their beneficial properties. It was about 10 years ago that I decided to stop mucking around in my kitchen, and making products for friends and family, and actually turn my hobby into a business. Almost instantly Shibora took off, and I have been busy ever since. Whether it’s a perfume, a candle or one of our oils, I still pinch myself when a new customer finds one of our products for the first time and tells us they love using it.
What inspires you?
I am in total awe of nature, especially flowers. They are just magical and I have always been drawn to them. I grow a lot of native varieties on my farm in Coffs Harbour but, I think, my all-time favourites would have to be chamomile & lavender. I consider them the ‘queens of the flower world’ with their calming and sedative properties. They are truly so special and every time I see them growing in the garden or smell them in a vase at home, I am inspired to create.
What are the benefits of manufacturing locally?
You can’t get more local than manufacturing on your own farm. I’m incredibly lucky to have such a special place to produce and bottle our products, just metres from my bed! The farm is solar-run, so everything we produce leaves very minimal impact on the environment and manufacturing at home also cuts out a lot of costs for us as a business. I can then pass those savings onto our customers. I seriously couldn’t be more hands-on with our manufacturing process and I think you can actually feel that love and care when you use one of our products.
What makes the Australian consumer unique?
I think the most unique thing about Australian consumers is the support they offer small, home-grown brands and businesses, like ours. I absolutely love all of our customers and many of them have become good friends over the years. I hear similar things, all the time, from other small business owners too. Aussies, in general, appreciate the time and effort that goes into the production process and so many people tell me they love supporting local. From a personal perspective, it’s customers like that that keep me going every day and make the tough days in a business a bit brighter.
What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?
“You can never fail if you never give up. It’s impossible!” The words might be simple but I believe them to be true. This quote always lingers in the front of my mind whenever I need a little bit of motivation.
