August & Artisan hope their pop-up is permanent

Danielle Calf and Laura Doolin share the same birthday and, with the launch of their boutique pop-up August & Artisan, they also share a shop.

The pair worked together at SunRice in Leeton before reconnecting a few years ago over their shared interest in making and selling at markets around the Riverina.

“So we’re 11 years apart but we share a birthday in August and we are both makers, so that’s where the name for the shop came from,” Laura explained.

“I’d been doing markets for a while and then Danielle started doing them again too and so we caught up again and did some pop-ups together and then we transitioned to this!”

August & Artisan officially opened on Thursday, showcasing a unique range of handmade items from local makers in a cozy pink shop near the Baylis Street entrance to the Sturt Mall.

“We are a little bit tired, there hasn’t been much sleep in the last few days, but we’re really excited,” said Danielle with a weary laugh.

Laura has her own range of colourful polymer clay earrings, while Danielle creates candles, diffusers, scrunchies, heat packs and bracelets.

“Everything in the shop is handmade and we’re big on supporting small businesses,” Danielle said.

“It’s exciting not to have any mass-produced products,” added Laura.

“I think that people like to buy a gift that’s not something that you buy off the shelf at Kmart or whatever.

“It’s something unique that someone has taken time and thought to create.”

The range is broad and eclectic, from baby rugs, cheese platters and jewellery to dried flowers, hand lotion and the market favourite Big Boys Sauce.

“We did an application process and put out some things on social media and through word of mouth,” Laura said.

“After doing the markets and being part of a few groups on Facebook you form a nice little community of makers and we reached out to some people we knew.”

As if on cue, a woman arrived at the store and approached the pair to ask how she might get involved and showcase her own range of handmade items.

“We’ve had a lot of people apply,” Laura said with a laugh after taking down the woman’s details.

“And as you can see, they are still applying!”

Ultimately the pair hopes the store will find its feet and allow them to expand and create a growing platform for local makers and creatives.

“Of course, it’s our dream,” said Laura.

“But then for the makers that have gone in here, it feels like it’s their dream too and everyone’s really excited about it!”

You can find out more about August & Artisan here.