ENTERPRISING JOURNEYS
From dream homes to dream business
Kim Burbridge & Claire Burke
Burbridge and Burke
Burbridge and Burke
The Founders
Kim Burbridge and Claire Burke
The home of carefully curated Australian design. Burbridge and Burke believe in buying less, but buying well + following your own instincts rather than trends.
A continued focus on their creative processes, producing their own products, and exploring opportunities like wholesaling their brand, all while enjoying increased flexibility and more family time after working seven days a week!
From dream homes to dream business
“12 months ago the thought of closing the store would have made me cry. But so much has changed since then. So much so that when we made the decision to make a big change this year it just felt easy.”
The story of Burbridge and Burke is a tale spun from the threads of creativity, dreams, and a touch of entrepreneurial spirit. Co-founded by Claire and Kim, this dynamic duo ventured beyond the realms of traditional careers, chasing their passion for design and creating a business that embraces uniqueness and craftsmanship.
Their journey started with a shared love for renovating and decorating, crafting three stunning homes together. Filled with treasures from local artists, holiday finds, and unique gems sourced from garage sales, their homes became a testament to their creativity. However, the duo observed a troubling trend in the homewares industry, where disposability and trend-driven marketing overshadowed timeless design.
Enter Burbridge and Burke
Driven by a desire for change, Claire and Kim took the leap, fueled by the realisation that life is too short not to pursue one’s passions. In 2018, they sold their dream house, relocated to the sunny seaside town of Nelson Bay, and birthed Burbridge and Burke into existence. With a degree in Industrial Design and a penchant for minimalist design, Claire, along with Kim, who embraced color, pattern, and individual quirks, formed the creative backbone of the venture.
Initially starting with a creative side hustle making jewelry and accessories, the duo quickly adapted their plans. They set up a studio, engaged local makers, and opened a store in April 2019. Unveiling a “colorful coastal” aesthetic in a town known for its Hamptons/boho coastal vibe, their unique offering found immediate support from locals, encouraging the duo to expand.
The evolutions
As a regional town heavily reliant on tourism, Burbridge and Burke knew the importance of adapting. When COVID-19 struck, their online presence became a lifeline, showcasing the success of their well-prepared approach. However, amidst the successes, they also faced challenges, realising the need to prioritise their own creative work and eventually opting to close their physical store.
With the birth of their second child, the couple reevaluated their business model. The closure of the physical store marked a shift towards focusing on their creative processes, producing their products, and exploring wholesaling. A move to a spacious warehouse with a dedicated creative studio signals a new chapter for Burbridge and Burke, offering more family time and a platform for hosting workshops.
The rewards and sacrifices
Starting a business in a small town brought unexpected joy through collaboration and community support. However, the journey was not without sacrifices. Family weekends were a rare luxury, and personal sacrifices were inevitable. Yet, the most rewarding aspect lay in the growth, both personally and as entrepreneurs, as they transformed from hesitant introverts to confident business owners.
‘If i can do it, anyone can’: words of wisdom
Find a reliable accountant early on: Kim advises new business owners to prioritize finding an accountant at the outset. This early financial guidance can prove invaluable in navigating the complexities of business finances.
Seek guidance from a business coach: The duo highlights the importance of seeking mentorship from a business coach. This guidance can provide valuable insights, strategies, and support in the early stages of entrepreneurship.
Invest in advertising for tangible results: Emphasising the significance of advertising, Kim and team stress the need to invest time, effort, and money into effective promotional strategies. This commitment can yield tangible results for the business.
Embrace challenges and push boundaries: Kim encourages fellow entrepreneurs to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Pushing boundaries and stepping out of comfort zones are crucial aspects of the self-development journey that comes with entrepreneurship.
Passion for creativity and enduring design: Despite their journey's twists and turns, Burbridge and Burke maintains a clear passion for creativity and a commitment to thoughtful, unique, and enduring design. This dedication will continue to guide their path toward greater success.
“I will never forget the incredible experience or curating our beautiful physical store and seeing the joy it bought our visitors.”
Some more enterprising journeys:
