Meet Gillian Southwell, the small business owner of “Tasmanian Occasion Hampers” a gift hamper business based in Hobart, Tasmania.
Meet Gillian Southwell, who began her journey with Tasmanian gift hampers 18 years ago, creating beautifully curated packages for corporate clients. Though she stepped away, her passion for crafting thoughtful gifts never went away completely. Now, after retirement, she has re-launched her hamper business with a renewed focus on local, eco-friendly, and sustainable practices.
As a proud Tasmanian, Gillian takes inspiration from the island’s pristine environment and talented product makers. She ensures that each of her hamper showcases the finest gourmet treats and artisanal crafts, celebrating the best of Tasmania.
“Alex my business coach from Many Rivers has been a great mentor, offering support and encouragement during our weekly meetings. He has given me valuable business ideas and helped me with the financial side of things.” – Gillian Southwell.
Read more about Gillian’s business journey so far:
Gillian’s Business
I started my business, Tasmanian Occasion Hampers, in October last year. I create hampers filled with high-quality Tasmanian products, focusing on eco-friendly and sustainable packaging. My goal is to bring a taste of Tasmania to people through beautifully crafted gifts for all occasions.
What were you doing before you made contact with Many Rivers? Why did you want to go into business?
I actually started a hamper business 18 years ago called Indulge Gourmet Hampers, but I had a full-time job in aged care for 25 years in Hobart. After retiring two years ago, I wanted to do something creative again, so I restarted my hamper business.
Working with Many Rivers
I attended a “Connect and Learn” morning tea in Hobart about digital solutions, where I met my business coach, Alex.
Why did you want to go into business?
I’ve always loved making hampers, and I first started this business 18 years ago. At the time, I had to pause it because of my full-time job in aged care. After retiring, I wanted to do something for myself again, so I brought the business back to life under the name Tasmanian Occasion Hampers.
What services did you receive from Many Rivers? How did it help?
Alex has been a great mentor, offering support and encouragement during our weekly meetings. He has given me valuable business ideas and helped me with the financial side of things.
What did you find the most useful about the assistance from Many Rivers?
The business mentorship was the most useful.
Did you get a loan from MR? How did you use the loan?
No, I did not get a loan from Many Rivers.
Do you have any current employees? If so, how many employees? Are they full-time or part-time?
It’s just me, but my friends and daughter help me with Instagram.
Biggest Challenge
The technical side of things like managing the website, social media, and finances—has been the hardest.
Biggest Success
Finalizing the look of my hampers and building a network of connections has been really rewarding. I’ve refined my packaging, including the colours, fonts, and ribbons, and launched my website.
Biggest Change
I have been able to get out and meet more people, and I love having a sense of purpose. Working from home also gives me a better work-life balance.
Future Goals
In the long-run, I would love to get more corporate clients and expand into wedding hampers. My main goal is to build a base of regular customers and to create gifts that not only delight but also reflect the beauty, quality, and sustainability of Tasmania.
Thank you Gillian for sharing your business journey with us. We wish you the best of luck with future endeavours and business success.
If you would like to stay updated with Gillian’s small business, follow “Tasmanian Occasion Hampers ” through the following links:
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