Greenwood Designs: From Country Hall Market Stall to Thriving Rural Brand
A Spark at a Country Hall
“You know what they say about country halls. These simple buildings are the hub of the community,” says Kate Greenwood, reflecting on how her eponymous label first came to life at the historic Nashdale Hall near Orange, NSW.
It was at a local Christmas market there that Kate decided to test her vibrant, handmade earrings... a moment that would change her life!
"“I made 100 pairs of earrings, and I thought it would be enough for the Christmas stall,” Kate recalls. “I sold 70 pairs in just three hours. Incredible. That was a big moment. It was an absolute fluke, I’ll just have to say. But it was so exciting.”"
Kate Greenwood
Buoyed by the enthusiastic response, Kate poured her energy into building Greenwood Designs, often working around the clock while juggling other responsibilities.
“I was literally working around the clock, and it was a big gamble,” she admits.
“I wasn’t making enough to fund our next step, but it was all new to me, and I had so much support from my family and the local community.”
A Community-Focused Journey
Settling in Molong, NSW, Kate found a nurturing environment that allowed her creativity to flourish. She credits local collaborations and community support as essential in propelling Greenwood Designs beyond her rural roots.
“Buy From the Bush was particularly pivotal for me,” Kate explains. “Grace Brennan and the team at Buy From The Bush, did an amazing job showcasing regional businesses and putting us on a platform we never had before.”
With this expanded visibility, Kate’s designs reached new audiences, paving the way for partnerships with stockists across Australia. Greenwood Designs now appears in over 70 stockists across Austrlia, including a dedicated space at Lime & Stone in Molong, further solidifying its reputation for fun and stylish accessories.
Embracing Technology to Grow
In an interview with Optus, Kate shared how vital reliable connectivity has been to expanding Greenwood Designs from a rural base:
“We rely on strong coverage for everything from online orders to shipping updates,” she says. “Social media plays a huge role in our business. People love seeing the behind-the-scenes process and the story behind each piece.”
By harnessing the power of technology, Greenwood Designs has been able to reach customers nationwide, manage its online store, and maintain smooth communication with stockists and collaborators.
“There’s no limit to how far you can go, even from a small country town, if you have the right tools,” Kate adds.
A Decade (and More) of Success
This year marks 11 years of Greenwood Designs, a milestone that reflects Kate’s passion, resilience, and collaborative spirit.
“We’ve bounced ideas off one another,” she says of her community-focused approach. "Like Kat and Sally at Lime & Stone, and Robbie at Mooii Designs, whose store also has a dedicated space for us. I’d never have done it alone. It’s all about community and that sense of collaboration.”
At the heart of Greenwood Designs lies Kate’s guiding mantra of “progress over perfection.”
“That’s what I’ve always believed,” she says. “You can try to do everything perfectly, but sometimes you just need to do it. Start small, do your best, and keep learning.”
It’s a philosophy that resonates with us, rural communities, small business owners, and fashion enthusiasts alike, proving that with determination, local support, and a spark of creativity, even the simplest beginnings can lead to extraordinary success.
