After having her second son and becoming extremely sensitive to synthetic fragrance. Shae Turnor decided to ditch the chemicals and reduce her families plastic waste, by making her own natural products for the home.
This quickly expanded into creating products for family and friends and incidentally, the contract she was filling in for at work was coming to end.
Shae decided to take a leap of faith and hope that others out there would share her vision and love her products too.
Meet Shae Turnor, founder of Crawford & Co Handmade.
Did you have any previous experience in the industry, or business itself?
Creatively, my background is photography and professionally, it was a Travel Agent.
Is this business your sole income or is it a side project?
This is my sole income.
Tell us about your brand name, how did this come about?
Crawford and Co Handmade came from wanting to incorporate my family into my business name. They are my main driver for doing this. To give us the freedom and flexibility to work from anywhere. My partner and our sons surname is Crawford. I am the " and Co" as we are not married yet. It’s a little tongue in cheek.
What products or services are included within your range?
We make a range of Aromatherapy Candles. Pure essential oils set in a natural soy wax. However, our main product range consists of Natural Soap bars, these are all plant based, with no nasties. We have Soap Bars and the extra large Kitchen Block; the eco alternative to commercial dish washing liquid.
We are also about to release a new range of both soaps and candles called Little Travellers. Designed for keeping in your campervan or taking on weekends away.
What inspires you creatively?
Nature, the elements, the smells, sounds and colours of being by the beach or in the bush and music also helps to amplify that.
Do you work from home, an office or creative workspace?
I work from home.
Do you implement any sustainable practices within your company, if so tell us about this?
Yes absolutely. We pride ourselves on our sustainability and commitment to the environment. Our soap bars are completely zero waste. Our candles all come in reusable jars and tins. We strongly encourage our clients to re use their jars.
As they come with an air tight seal, we use ours for food storage ( once cleaned out properly). All of our packaging is recycled or home compostable. Our labels are the only things that are not, and we are aiming to have home compostable labels by the end of the year.
Do you collaborate with any other local GC/Brisbane businesses?
Not at this stage, but I would love to.
Why did you choose TVM as a platform for your business?
TVM has a great reputation, everyone knows and loves it. I felt like it was a great fit for my products.
Where’s your favourite local coffee haunt?
Stable Coffee & Kitchen (at Cornerstone Stores).
Favourite book?
Shantaram
Favourite podcasts?
I’m yet to jump on this bandwagon!
Favourite way to unwind?
Walking on the beach.
Websites or profiles you’re loving for business inspiration right now?
Lisa Messenger & The Collective Hub
What’s your favourite TVM stall, if you have one?
Really needing to get myself a piece of Laikiki Jewellery.
Connect with Crawford & Co. Handmade online, here and find Shae at TVM this Sunday!
