When fashion and advanced manufacturing collide
In the corner of Stomping Elephants' headquarters sits a wooden plant stand crafted by director Abby Walsh during her high school days—an early display of her skill in manual arts.
Abby's passion for woodworking laid the foundation for her journey into bespoke manufacturing. From humble beginnings of making earrings as a thank-you gift, Stomping Elephants has blossomed into a team of 13 with thousands of earrings sold across Australia made right here in Mackay.
Abby's love for crafting has transformed into a thriving business, making her mark on our region’s growing advanced manufacturing industry.
"It is a good story and I do love telling it," Abby reflects with a smile, reminiscing on the unexpected beginnings of her venture.
A decade ago, while preparing for a friend's elephant-themed baby shower, Abby found herself immersed in a creative flow.
"I made little button earrings as a thank you gift from leftover elephant fabric," she explains. The earrings were an instant hit, igniting a spark within Abby that would eventually grow into a thriving business.
Originally a stay-at-home mum with a passion for crafting, Abby's entrepreneurial journey began organically, without a grand business plan.
"I really just wanted to earn a little extra for the family while enjoying time with my children," she recalls. However, as demand for her unique creations grew, Abby realised she had stumbled upon something special. "I had to adjust my mindset," she admits. "I think this could actually be something."
Stomping Elephants director Abby Walsh with one of the thousands of bespoke earrings made by the growing team in the past 10 years.
Stomping Elephants has evolved from crafting button earrings to a full-fledged manufacturing operation, employing 13 dedicated individuals and empowering local mums with flexible work arrangements.
“When you're buying from a small business, you're supporting your local community as well. And we need jobs. We want to keep people in jobs. We want to be still employing and creating flexible working hours,” she said.
Abby admits that it was hard for her to adjust to the fact she is a manufacturer, taking her a few years to realise with the help of the Mackay Manufacturing Hub.
“I learned that I am a manufacturer- that was a big adjustment for me.”
Abby said manufacturing in a regional setting presents unique obstacles, from limited local services to the need for self-education on specialised machinery.
Part of that process of self-education for Abby has been many hours on YouTube learning about new machines so she can continue to be at the forefront of the latest trends.
“We have invested in the latest technology flatbed printers, laser engravers and cutters which are able to use camera vision to ensure the highest precision and quality.”
Flatbed digital printing is a large format inkjet printing, this technology allows for many materials from plastic, ceramic tile, acrylic, fabric and wood to be printed on.
The other investment Abby has made is with laser engraving, where the laser bean acts as a chisel, that leaves marks by removing layers of the surface materials.
“ This has helped a lot in increasing the efficiency of our production cycle, and in being able to bring new styles and products to market very quickly.
“We are however only at the start of our advanced manufacturing journey and are constantly looking for innovative technologies to further support our business goals.”
For Abby, entrepreneurship is a journey of resilience, like climbing a mountain. You reach the top, then face setbacks. The key is to keep climbing.
“You are at the top of the mountain, and you are doing great.
“And then something will happen and it's not so great. We've had some not-so-great things happen in our ten-year journey, and we have crashed back down to the bottom of the mountain.
“I think, it is more about being able to put the pack back on and go back up the mountain and doing it all over again.”
As Abby continues to ascend new heights with Stomping Elephants, her story serves as an inspiring example of the greater possibilities of manufacturing in the Greater Whitsunday region.
"I just followed the path laid out for me," Abby reflects.
"And I'm still going."
Discover more at: https://stompingelephants.com.au/
“I learned that I am a manufacturer- that was a big adjustment for me.”
Stomping Elephants: Key Highlights
Director: Abby Walsh
Location: Mackay
Impact: From crafting earrings as a hobby to growing into a thriving manufacturing business, Stomping Elephants employs 13 individuals and boasts over 100 stockists nationwide.