April 05, 2012
designer courtenay graham
The first time I spotted the Frida Plumm range - at Pentimento just before Christmas - I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the products were designed in Melbourne. There are not many independent designers creating wares out of Fine Bone China. It's a big move but one that its founder can do with confidence. Courtenay Graham got her career start as an art director for (inside) magazine and went on to product design for another Melbourne company Mor Cosmetics. She's put lessons learnt at both jobs to good use with her new brand Frida Plumm.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? After graduating at RMIT Bachelor of Design, I worked in a few small boutique design agencies. From there I got a lucky break and became art director of (inside) interior design review and Architectural Review at Niche Media. After travelling the world I began at Mor Cosmetics. Here I learnt the product development process which was hands on from conception through to production, which I found rewarding. It was this time at Mor that gave me the motivation to start designing my own products, and try my hand at business and Frida Plumm was born.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Take opportunities as they come, enjoy the process and the unexpected.
What’s your proudest career achievement? Bringing Frida Plumm to life. I’m delighted seeing my work produced and in store, and gaining acceptance in a relatively short amount of time.
What’s been your best decision? To take the time to travel.
Who inspires you? My friends, designers from all over the world and my father Steve with his lust for life, motivation and insight, and sheer entertainment value.
What are you passionate about? Adventures, creativity, and cooking.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? I’d like to see my grandparents again.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? To see our dream house be built in Warrandyte and start a family. I’d also like to take Frida Plumm to an international level and see it on the shelves of the likes of Liberty and Joyce.
What are you reading? I burn through books, I’m reading lots of stuff on my Kindle.
images courtesy of frida plumm