With so many incredible local businesses on the Gold Coast, one begins to wonder: how did they all come to be? In our series, ‘The story behind…’, we chat with local founders and owners about how their business came to be, their biggest learnings and their tips for other self-starters.
This time, we caught up with Noa Herlihy, founder of the 100 percent flax linen company, SOL Linen.
When did the idea for your business first come about? And how?
I’ve always loved interior design – even as a little girl, I would always be decorating and redesigning my dollhouse. I’d make bedding and curtains for it from offcuts of material, or I’d sit and draw floor plans for houses.
I did my first interior design course when I was 17 but after that, I fell into photography and stayed in that industry for 18 years. Then, four years ago, I decided to go for it.
Our son had started to throw around some big dreams of his own and we were always telling him he has to work towards them and make them happen. The frustration at my own lack of doing the same grew inside of me.
So, I went back and studied interior design again. At the same time, I was struggling to find good quality bedding that I loved – I decided to create my own and start from there.
What were some of the challenges you faced in the beginning? How did you overcome them?
I’ve been so lucky in that I’ve not had too many challenges. Probably the trickiest part of the process was getting the frayed edging right on our frayed bedding. We tried a few different ways of achieving the look I wanted and decided on a hand frayed finish, which I love. These pieces are really special and well worth the months of work to get them right.
Our makers are amazing and communicating my designs to them is pretty much seamless. I speak with them often and we’ve built a great relationship, which makes all the difference.
What has been your biggest learning since starting the business?
How quickly everything can change – you’re never done learning. I’ve also learnt you have to be adaptable and resilient.
What’s your biggest ‘I’ve made it’ moment?
When Kyal and Kara (from The Block) bought our linen for a project they’re working on. I’ve always loved what they create, so that was a pinch me moment.
What does a working day in your life look like?
The first thing I do is check my emails and process and pack orders. For the last few weeks I’ve been working on some collaborations, so I’ll liaise with other brands, organising photoshoots and getting the linen ready.
I’ve also been working on a new product for winter, so I’ve been finalising the designs. It’s been a tight timeframe and has taken up a lot of my time, but I really wanted to make it happen.
Then I’ll do some work on social media. I’m not amazing at this, so finding the time when it’s just me has been a struggle.
What do you love about the Gold Coast community?
I love how tight the Gold Coast community is; we’ve felt very welcomed. The community loves to support local and so many people have reached out with messages of encouragement. It really does lift you up.
Where to next? What’s in the pipeline for your business?
I have a head full of new products, so I’ll slowly bring those to life. I probably do need to find someone to help me with the socials and marketing side of things.
WIN // A SOL Linen bedding set
We’ve teamed up with SOL Linen to give you, our scout readers, the chance to win one of their luxurious bedding sets. Click here to enter the Instagram giveaway and go into the draw to win a queen (RRP $370) or king (RRP $410) Sea Mist Duvet Cover and Pillowcases.
Entries close midnight Thursday May 23 (Qld time).