Hello friends,

As a Melbourne business we’ve been in the groundhog blur of lockdown for more than 14 weeks. At Ivory HQ, we’ve not shared our studio space as a collective since March, which is almost unfathomable. We are crossing our fingers for the people of Melbourne, that it’s not too much longer, and we can balance safety and sanity for all of us.

The big news headlines may be grim, but it’s the local stories, the small wins and the community spirit that will keep us inspired. We are so genuinely proud of our clients and friends who have pulled up their sleeves, got their hands dirty and pivoted like a boss.

Our Melb-based mates are doing it the toughest, and we want to celebrate and recognise their hustle and ingenuity. Today we share some of our clients’ success stories and ask you to support them where you can. These small fish are not only working their guts out week after week, they have genuinely great businesses and the best part, they deliver!

Let’s support our local businesses and industries that are facing the biggest hurdles the right now.

The Gifting Guild

This beautifully curated gifting company was launched online in March 2020. A week later, COVID restrictions hit Melbourne and the city ground to a halt. Any new business launch is a tough gig, building an audience from scratch surrounded by the news of a global pandemic is bloody scary. Hats off to Susan for believing in her brand and hitting the ground running, and then expanding her products and offering way earlier than planned…all while juggling the serious business of home learning!

Make life easy by selecting a ready made gift box, or use the custom feature to build your own. Susan has sourced a unique range of products, from well known brands like Koko Black, The Base Collective, Hey Tiger, Rifle Paper Co, Edible Beauty, Men’s Society, and soooo many more. The Gifting Guild is the perfect solution to connect remotely with your nearest and dearest. Gift giving has never looked so fancy.

Shop for something special here

 

 

The Golden Fleece Hotel & Provedore

When you buy a city pub, you don’t expect to close your venue in your first few months of trade. That’s exactly what happened to Sam Austen, one of our oldest clients and publican of The Fleece. He’s a true success story – determined, embracing change and pivoting like a champion.

To support the suppliers who’ve always supported him, Sam converted into a bottle-o in lockdown 1.0. Supplying nothing but the best in regional beer and wine at prices cheaper than Dan Murphy’s, and no limits on order size – the community loved it.

The Golden Fleece Provdedore was born in the second lockdown, transforming the bistro to a pop-up shop stocking restaurant-grade meat, seafood, liquor and even take-home meals from Sam’s best suppliers, including Clamms Seafood, Flinders+Co, CODA, Cape Grim Beef and more.

The Fleece not only offers the best prices going around, they will also deliver to your door, from Port Melbourne to Portsea for no extra charge! Order via email and you’ll be enjoying Melbourne’s best and supporting some amazing hospo suppliers in no time.

Check out The Fleece’s specials menus now!

 

 

Basta – Italian Osteria

Like all small hospitality businesses, 2020 has been hard going for our mates at Basta in Fitzroy. Simple, honest, generous cooking; comforting authentic Italian fare (you want to try their signature tagliatelle al ragu and ricotta porcini ravioli), Basta is the type of restaurant we can never have enough of.

With their close proximity to St Vincent’s Hospital, they’ve been on the front line – feeding healthcare workers, supplying lunch to the COVID testing site, working crazy hours and doing deliveries on a shoestring.

Owners Carrie and Fabio have been humbled by their local community and inspired by their dedication. Carrie says, “Working in the hospo world is tougher than ever right now. We’re so grateful to our loyal regulars who’ve continued to support us. We can’t wait to get back to doing what we love.”

Delivering deliciousness locally – see the menu