How Bridget Lang turned her dream into a thriving hub for local artisans
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more passionate advocate for creative small business owners than Bridget Lang.
A small business creator herself she understands all too well the challenges of carving a niche in the world as an artisan or maker.
With a passion for helping others, Bridget dreamed of creating a space where local artisans could showcase and sell their unique wares. In 2022, she turned that dream into a reality, and with the support of her family and the determination to make a difference, she founded Harbor Collective on the Fleurieu Peninsula. It’s no surprise that earlier this year her passion for promoting the arts, sustainability, and her love for the Fleurieu, landed her with a nomination as an ” SA Women to Watch.”
“I wanted to offer a safe and inclusive space that was also affordable for artisans,” Bridget explains. “Our focus is on reuse, repurpose, recycle, eco-friendly practices, and sustainability in small handcrafted businesses local to the Fleurieu Peninsula.”
Located in the heart of the Victor Harbor shopping precinct, this delightful little store is brimming with one-of-a-kind items and gifts and is a thriving creative hub. Home to 34 talented artists, there is a huge range of handcrafted products from Bridget’s own range of natural bath products to stunning seaglass jewellery by Amongst Pebbles and repurposed china accessories by Treasured Again.
Other creators found in store include Sweet Tulip Creations who offer adorable repurposed clothing, while Crafted for ALL by Deb make handcrafted toys, including an impressive range of Bluey characters. For a cheeky twist, Steph from Fun Cakes and Crafts creates naughty-and-nice treats which are perfect for a laugh, like her popular “eat a bag of dicks” biscuits, which fly off the shelves!
And for the home, Mark from Born Again Barrels, (who’s taken up residency in the back room), transforms discarded wine barrels into stunning furniture and home decor. Who knew a wine barrel could be so versatile?
But Harbor Collective is more than just a store, it’s a community. “We’re like one big family, really,” Bridget says. “And I want to show as many small business owners that if they dream it, they can achieve it. I love creating an environment of like minded people who can come together and collaborate with each other to help raise each other up. After all it’s one of the easiest things we can do and may make a world of difference to someone who is struggling.”
The collective also provides opportunities for young artists to sell their work, nurturing the next generation of creative minds with a focus on sustainability and handmade crafts. While the current economic challenges and this year’s drought have led to a slight downturn in sales, now more than ever it’s crucial to support local small business owners and put money back into the communities where it matters most.
To find out more about Harbor Collective on the Fleurieu, click here.
Big companies won’t notice your purchases this Christmas, but small regional businesses, their families
and communities will.
