We're all a little crazy for the coco! So we were excited when Cat Wyman swung us an application to join the TVM lineup with her brand Bowl de Coco. We chatted to Cat about her journey from hairstylist to the stars (hello Kate Moss!) in the big smoke of London-town, to coconut bowl entrepreneur on the sunny shores of the Gold Coast.
Tell us about your background, what field did you work in prior to starting your business?
I was a hairstylist living a busy life in London travelling every week doing hair for people such as Kate Moss and doing Campaigns for brands such as Calvin Klein. It was a crazy busy life.
What made your pursue your creative passion?
I didn't want to do school anymore so at age 15 I had the choice of an apprenticeship or staying in school so I chose an apprenticeship in hairdressing.
When did you take the plunge and start your own business?
I decided I didn't want a crazy busy London life anymore last September, so at the end of December I moved back to Australia and set up the business at the beginning of the year. I didn't anticipate it doing well, it was more of a project I suppose... and it ended up being a hit.
What does your brand consist of?
My brand is currently just Coconut Bowls however we are currently in the process of expanding to be more of an 'Eco-Friendly store' Soon you will be able to get spoons and also even more Eco-friendly bits that everyone should have in their Eco-friendly kitchen.
Where is the label designed and made?
I work closely with a beautiful woman named Mai and we work together picking what the store should have and engraving my logo onto each piece, she is based in Thailand and I am here in Brisbane.
What inspires you?
The beauty of the world inspires me to try and influence others to keep the earth and oceans as plastic free as possible.
What are your plans for the brand and where do you hope it takes you?
The sky is the limit with the brand, I hope we evolve into being a really big Eco-Friendly store and supply to all the cafes and retail stores around the world. We have just launched world wide shipping and already we are flooded with orders so I think there is no limit to where this business will end up.. I am just hoping to make a change and influence people to be more waste conscious and have more Eco-friendly and sustainable items in their lives.
What were the biggest challenges when launching your brand?
The biggest challenge is trying to create change in the communities, to try and stop cafes using plastic bowls and have coconut bowls instead, however most people are becoming more aware of the waste we create and are wanting to make a change.
What is the best thing about having your own business?
I can work anywhere...I get to go to the beach almost when ever I want. That was a huge highlight of the summer after living 4 years in London all I wanted to do was be at the beach.
One piece of advice for someone hoping to start their own small business that you wish you’d been told?
'Whether you think you can or you think you cant you're right' - Henry Ford
Find Cat and Bowl de Coco at TVM on Sunday 3 June and connect online via Instagram and the online store.
