FK chats to Sara about the beginnings of her label and now her very own store Dubbleyou, located in Newcastle. Not only that, Sarah is about to launch a publication called Little New.. the insider’s guide to Newcastle.
Tell us a bit about Dubbleyou, the history and the product that you stock.
I designed my first product for Dubbleyou in 2009, since then it has been an online store and now also a physical store. I stock my own work and the designs of other makers and creators from Australia and around the world. Dubbleyou is about a philosophy in design that takes into consideration the need to create interesting things whilst being considerate and meaningful. I choose the products I make and stock with this idea in mind. The things I design and create tend to use one material and one technique. For example; cotton and screen printing, wood and laser cutting, fabric and sewing.
When did you open the doors and what was the motivation?
The doors opened on the 29th of March officially, unofficially they had been open for a few days before that because of the seal we put on the concrete, that stuff was stinky. I was given a space from Renew Newcastle along side Sue Dawes the co-ordinator of the spaces gallery Süko Gallery. Renew lets artists and designers re-energise spaces that have previously been empty.
How do you select which products you would like to stock?
I love looking for people doing something a little bit different. Whether it is an interesting material, colour way or technique and if it makes me laugh I am sold.
What do you love about your shop and what keeps you inspired?
It’s a beautiful big space. It makes me want to fill it. It has nice lighting and after all the work my Dad did on it when we were in the renovation phase, it looks polished but relaxed. I love working in here.
When you are not in your shop, what are you usually doing in Newcastle?
Since I have only been open a few months, I am rarely not in the shop. But in those moments I am usually on the hunt for something. I spent a day last week checking out a recycled building materials graveyard to find the perfect piece of wood for a table I am making for my boyfriend for his birthday. I adore the ocean baths, they are so beautiful, I send everyone who comes by the shop down there if they haven’t been. I am also working my way through every coffee shop. So far my favourite is Welsh Blacks just off Darby St.
What challenges have you faced running and setting up your own business?
Our main challenge at the moment is letting people know where we are. We are kinda tucked up out of the way. But I am fixing this – I am launching Little New – a small publication that shows people in Newcastle where to go and check out. It’s a little map and has about 20 businesses in it. I’m very excited for it to come back from the printer.
What exciting things are you looking forward to this year?
I am in the midst of designing a small home furnishing range (mirror, hat stand, basket, side table, clothes rack and chopping board) – it is starting to take shape and will be making samples in the next few weeks. It is something I have wanted to do for forever so its nice to have the time and space to do it.
All the other specific details:
Dubbeyou
Shop 18/19 Market Square
113-143 Hunter St Mall
Newcastle 2300 NSW
Winter trading hours:
Wed- Sat 10-3pm
