FORMER Canberran Jenny Coleman and her business partner Kelly Edington are making their mark with their label Seven Dandelions – creating funky lampshades, cushions and wall art.
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The modern homewares label started in Noosa almost four years ago when Kelly was shopping for a new lampshade.
“We became friends through our first children, and although we had casually discussed the idea of having our own business, we didn’t have any concrete ideas,” says Jenny.
“It wasn’t until some time later when Kelly was looking for a cool lamp shade for her lounge room, and we couldn’t find any in the shops, that the concept for Seven Dandelions was born.
“We spent several months researching and teaching ourselves how to make lampshades, sourcing materials and fabrics before we actually started selling at local markets.”
The pair spent some time selling at the Sunshine Coast’s famous Eumundi markets, and are now selling primarily through their website.
They aim to provide a diverse range of fabrics, including contemporary, retro, children’s and typographic prints, with an emphasis on designs that are different.
The focus is on lampshades with co-ordinating cushions and wall art with several fabric designs which are exclusive to Seven Dandelions including Air Mail and the popular Word Bird.
“We are proud of the fact that all of our products are locally made, and we support other Australian businesses by using a number of Australian-designed and hand screen-printed fabrics from designers like Ink and Spindle and Cloth Fabric, whose fabrics are also eco-friendly,” says Jenny.
“Our cushion inserts are also Australian-made and eco-friendly, made from recycled PET bottles. We design our timber lamp bases and have them locally crafted here on the Sunshine Coast.”
Jenny grew up in Canberra, in Weston Creek, and moved away to study writing in Wollongong, before moving to Noosa about nine years ago.
“My dad and grandmother still live in Canberra, so I try and get down to see them when I can,” she says.
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