Armed with a biochemistry degree and a real understanding on the realities of the Aussie sun on our bodies,

Tina Madsen-Walcott, with a cap in hand of course, was on her way. Like all clever Aussie business owners, she saw a gap in the market for an affordable headwear range that didn’t compromise on quality, was sophisticated, sustainable and of course had a UPF 50+ rating for the Aussie sun. The headwear company she runs with her husband is 25 years old and the Tina M Copenhagen range is sold in boutiques, David Jones and in stores in Europe and South Africa.

It’s absolutely a case of ‘hats of to Tina!’

What inspires you as a small business owner?

What inspires me the most is two-fold – being able to use my creative flair to create beautiful headwear while actively promoting the importance of being sun-safe in Australia with adequate protection.

I love the opportunity I have to come up with an idea and then see it come to life. I love to walk the aisles of my warehouse and see my little project hats fly of the shelves. There are many way people can make a living for themselves. Creativity is not a subject you can study at university. However, creativity is what is needed in the world to look outside the box and develop something new, different and meaningful. I’m inspired by the fact I can use my strength – my creativity – to make a living while passionately promoting a very important sun-safe message.

What are the benefits of manufacturing at home in Australia?

We are incredibly proud of our Australian made designs. The COVID era really highlighted the power of using Australian manufacturing facilities as it provided a level of control. It’s also a wonderful business move, not only for our economy, but also not having all eggs in one basket by relying on one manufacturer. Having our own manufacturing facility not only provides control, it is something we are so proud of. To be able to offer Australian made products was a big tick and we are very proud that we have achieved the official accreditation by the Australian Government and can use the recognised kangaroo tags on our Australian made hats. In addition, we have been able to employ around 10 additional staff to look after our production facilities. Logistically speaking it is better for the environment too. Not only are there employment, economic, community and sustainability benefits to manufacturing in Australia, but it also benefits sales too, as there is a wonderful demographic in Australian who appreciate and support Australian made products.

What are the biggest changes you have noticed in your business since you started it?

The biggest change has been to see our sales grow and watch on with delight that the Australian population are embracing wearing sun-safe hats and their growing understanding of the difference in a regular hat vs. a sun-safe hat. When we started Rigon Headwear, we had one brand that sold nation-wide and we then become a bit more adventurous and decided to create different brands for different demographics. This is how Tina M Copenhagen came about. We analysed the market and found there was a gap in the marketplace for sophisticated headwear at an affordable price point, suitable for boutiques. It was easy to find a cheaper price point, but this came with cheaper materials for a hat that wouldn’t last long and didn’t have great sun-protection. Then on the other end of the scale, there were hats around $200 and above. This price point would limit some customers being able to afford a sun-safe hat. We launched Tina M Copenhagen to bridge this gap in the market by offering stylish and sophisticated solution that is made using premium materials for hats that will last a long time and also including UPF50+ rated designs.

How do you maintain a sense of balance when there are good days and bad days, like all small businesses?

Overall, I think I am a very positive person, Of course, everyone has good and bad days, but the challenge is to use the bad days to re-direct and re-think what you are doing. Negative experiences and bad days can be turned into ammunition to keep you going. Sometimes the speed bumps we encounter as business owners allow us to open up to new pathways and end up being a blessing in disguise. The key is to try to receive negativity in the best way possible, be open to change and feedback while remaining true to your values and vision.

What are you most looking forward to in the next stage of growth for your business?

One of my current goals to is to get Tina M Copenhagen firmly positioned within the Australian market. I’m looking forward to further engaging a younger demographic in regards to consistently wearing hats from a younger age. As I learnt as during my biochemistry degree, skin has a memory and sun damage happens at a young age and then shows up later in life with skin concerns and issues like hyperpigmentation, sunspots and skin cancer. The sun is also a huge contributor to premature ageing.

What’s the best piece of business advice you have ever received?

Courage and patience. You need to have the courage to trust in yourself, with passion and energy – and the patience and understanding that it takes time for your business to grow and become profitable.