Modern-bohemian fashion brand Spell and The Gypsy Collective has been named the 2016 Telstra NSW Business of the Year.
At the Telstra NSW Business Awards – held at Doltone House in Pyrmont on Thursday, 28 July – the fashion label, created by sisters Elizabeth Abegg and Isabella Pennefather, also took home the 2016 Telstra NSW Small Business Award.
Founded six years ago, Spell and The Gypsy Collective has amassed more than 800,000 followers on social media, including Brazilian model Alessandra Ambrosio and American singer Katy Perry, and currently ships to 130 countries. The business employs 50 women at its warehouse, office and flagship boutique in Byron Bay.
Co-founder Abegg said she and her sister came from a creative family and started the brand as an artistic outlet for their everyday lives.
“We’re demonstrating to the fashion industry how a female-centric small business can grow and flourish in regional Australia,” she said.
Telstra Business Awards Ambassador Andy Ellis said Spell and the Gypsy Collective is a big vision company that has managed its growth well by investing in experienced staff, and upgrading its premises and systems accordingly.
“In addition, the business is continuously diversifying its offering and improving the way it interacts with customers in order to become a true lifestyle brand,” he said.
Other businesses recognised at the 2016 Telstra New South Wales Business Awards last night were:
- Sendle, a parcel delivery service for small businesses is the winner of the 2016 Telstra NSW New Business Award
- Rufus & Coco Pty Ltd, a petcare brand that caters for all animals, is the winner of the 2016 Telstra NSW Micro Business Award
- Jewel Fine Foods, a producer of world food ready-meals, is the winner of the 2016 Telstra NSW Medium Business Award
- Butterfly Foundation, the national charity that seeks to raise awareness of the neuro-psychiatric disorders known as eating disorders, is the winner of the 2016 Telstra NSW Charity Award.
Ellis said the winners had demonstrated innovation, competitiveness and strong financial performance.
“They are brilliant businesses who innovate, push boundaries and inspire others,” he said.
“They are celebrated for being bold and disruptive. They are often at the forefront of technology, and are always looking for new ideas and ways of doing things.
Further information
Now in its 24th year, the Telstra NSW Business Awards showcase and celebrate the achievements and entrepreneurial spirit of the state’s most brilliant small businesses across five Award categories: New Business, Micro Business, Small Business, Medium Business and new in 2016, Charity, which is designed to recognise the significant contribution of not-for-profit organisations to not only Australian communities but the economy as well.
Winners of the 2016 Telstra NSW Business Awards will join other state and territory category winners at the 2016 Telstra Australian Business Awards in Sydney on Friday, 26 August, 2016.
Nominations are open year-round. For more information, visit https://www.telstrabusinessawards.com.
