Shop.Eat.Know.Find.Enjoy Local.
Gold Coast made
How Did Savoy Truffle Come About?
Moving from the UK to live in Australia and working in the corporate sector as a Law Firm Marketing Manager, I longed to go back to my design and creativity roots from the UK. After having my second child and working freelance as a copywriter and marketing specialist, I decided to take the plunge with my own design business, Savoy Truffle.
What is your inspiration behind Savoy Truffle?
I love furniture and gorgeous, interesting décor. I had the idea of what I wanted to do and I put in a lot of planning. The inspiration behind Savoy Truffle was to create unique, handmade pieces of furniture at reasonable prices. With so many shops selling the same type of imported furniture these days, I felt that people were missing out on the opportunity to buy a piece that could be handcrafted just for them at a price that they could really afford.
In a country with a growing population and abundance of new homes being built I also felt that character and individuality were missing from people’s homes. I want to give my customers the option to have unique handcrafted furniture built to create a big Wow impression.
Tell Us About Your Product Range
Savoy Truffle currently has six standard product ranges and more in the pipeline.
The furniture ranges all have a rustic feel to them but some are more industrial looking, like the Rustic Range, and some are more colourful and aesthetic looking, like the Tiramisu range. My newest design, The Beauvoir (French for beautiful to see) has a base colour of an old, heritage, dark blue grey but with a chrome drawer knob to add a contemporary twist to its design.
A benefit of Savoy Truffle is the ability to customise sizes and also produce one off items for customers.
There’s definitely something for everyone’s taste and I have so much repeat business and referrals from customers that I know Savoy Truffle is doing the right thing.
What is the best part about working on Savoy Truffle?
Being able to indulge in my passion for creativity and design and know that my items are so treasured in their new homes.
And the hardest?
The balancing act behind owning a growing business and having a young family to look after at the same time.
Where do you make your products? Tell us about your space?
The designing is at the drawing board, the staining and finishing take place in the workshop, and the marketing in the office: all at Savoy Truffle HQ.
The construction and build of the items are offsite by my team of highly talented carpenters.
What is your work/life background?
Born in the UK, degree in media and psychology from Uni in London. Worked in design and marketing management roles before moving to Australia in 2006. I’m now a very happy mum/business woman/wife./goddess (said tongue in cheek). Besides those, and when I’m just me being I, I love music (Goldfrapp, Groove Armada, add in some Blur, you can see the pattern) and cooking: Indian curries, Stir Fry’s, Old fashioned farmhouse pies, sauces.
Savoy Truffle
UK expat, Joanna Beckton, once considered a life as a High Street fashion designer or perhaps as the lead actress in a comedy movie, however life took her down a different path, eventually leading her back to her creative roots, designing beautiful handmade furniture, which can be found taking pride of place in homes across Australia.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I kept changing my mind. At one stage I was going to become a fashion designer (I’d passed all the relevant exams at school) but then I was ‘woken up’ by a kind interviewer at a final interview for a junior designer job with one of the UK’s major High Street Women’s fashion stores, who asked me seriously, “Have you watched Absolutely Fabulous? You will be working with a lot of ‘demanding personalities’ who will expect a lot of running around from you without using any manners!” I did get offered the job but I turned it down knowing how I would react to working in that kind of environment! other thought was that I would own a restaurant. But there are two issues with that. One is early starts and long hours, and the other issue is that the poor chef would have to be told what I wanted him to cook on the menu as I’m a bit of a strict machine in the kitchen department.
My other idea was to become an actress, but I would only be able to star in comedies as I am hopeless at keeping a straight face and I am too synical.
So, three creative career ideas!
Who do you look up to? Who inspires you?
Friends and work colleagues from the past. My Polish Great Grandmother. All are women and all are strong people that I admire. All dedicated and didn’t give up during tough times.
A Typical Day For You Involves?
6 am start. Children. Breakfast. Lunches. Clothes. School. Kindy.
9 am till 2.45 pm. Answer emails, write quotes, place orders, speak to or have visits from customers, paint, banking, purchase supplies.
3.30 pm Kids. Homework. Food. Bedtime.
8 pm Sauvignon Blanc. Décor magazines. Chat with husband. Sleep!
What Advice Do You Have For Others Who Are Dreaming About Starting Their Own Handmade Business?
Research the market. Know your customers. Know your competitors. What makes your business stand out? What is your philosophy? What are your weak points?
How Can People Get Their Hands On Your Products?
I have a very successful website shop and Facebook page and I advertise nationally elsewhere as well. Customers can collect their furniture directly from Savoy Truffle, it can be delivered locally and I also freight across the country.
How Can People Connect With You?
Through my Facebook page, through Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.
Savoy Truffle
Website: www.savoytruffle.com.au
Email: savoytrufflefurniture@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/savoytrufflefurniture
Twitter: @mysavoytruffle
Instagram: Savoytrufflefurniture
Pinterest: Savoy Truffle
About You
When You Are Not Working on Savoy Truffle, Where Would We Find You?
Most likely cooking somewhere. I LOVE cooking.
Favourite Place on the Gold Coast
Anywhere with a view, tapas and a glass of wine.
Favourite Place to Eat on the Gold Coast
I love Bazaar and Stingray at QT, The Skypoint Observation Deck at Q1 at night, Tonic on Chirn, Chiang Mai Thai in Surfers and Randhawa’s Indian Cuisine in Hope Island.
Favourite Coffee/Juice Shop
Daily Squeeze in Chirn Park. Amazing fresh food. Lovely décor.
What are you Favourite Gold Coast Made Business?
“Ember and Jayne Soy Candles” for a start. These are amazing candles with the most beautiful fragrances. I won’t buy any other candles. “Foxy M Creations” – these ladies make stunning handmade cards. A lot of love goes in to making these and they are the best I’ve seen.
Favourite Quote You Live By?
“If you are not happy with yourself, don’t count on being happy with anyone else.”
