Julie Bible Nick Phillips at Nicholas Design A Colourful Collaboration Step into the Watt Road warehouse space owned by Nicholas Design and be immediately captivated by the bright array of beautiful fabrics and comfortable, well designed furniture that fills the place.
A large group of light shades, each one in a different fabric, hangs from one corner of the room, while the opposite wall is draped with luxurious rugs, each one more gorgeous and colourful than the last.
Sitting comfortably in the middle of this Aladdin s cave is Julie Bible, who with husband Nick Phillips runs Nicholas Design, creating beautifully crafted, customised furniture and furnishings for your home.
There are several things that are unique about Nick Julie s business the fact that each piece of furniture they make is a one-off and can be made to suit any size or space, the fact that everything is designed and made in their warehouse in Mornington and the unique range of custom designed rugs that are available only through their warehouse.
But I think that the true USP of this business is the dynamic between Nick and Julie together, they create the magic that makes this business so successful at a time when the furniture industry is struggling due to the economic downturn.
Certainly, the large number of loyal clients is an indication that they are definitely doing something right.
I sat down with Julie to see what I could discover about this interesting couple and how they make things work Where and when did you meet We met 8 years ago and have been married for 7.
We met at the Social it was called Barumba back then .
Did you both have a background in furniture No, I was a social worker managing a Salvation Army Crisis Centre in Frankston, as well as doing projects for local and state government so it was quite a different background to Nick.
He s been making furniture his whole life he just loves it.
You live and work together how do you make it work It is challenging.
We used to take work home with us and talk about work at home we don t do that anymore.
The only thing we fight about is work but we have managed to separate the two home life and work life which helps, as we get on really well otherwise laughs .
What do you do to relax We both play golf.
We actually play together and we both love it and we don t discuss work when we re on the golf course.
We have four kids between us who are all older now, so it gives us time out.
Do you work together on all aspects of the business, or have separate roles Nick runs the manufacturing side of the business, while I manage the retail side of things.
We do both work together on the design though Nick is very creative.
I also source all the fabrics from all over the world that s the fun part of what I do.
And are you enjoying the new premises they recently moved from Main St to Watt Road Yes, it s working really well.
Nick actually started out at 100 Watt St and was working there when I met him, so we see it as a return to our roots.
We decided it was a good move to come back here after being on Main St for 5 years and the location is a convenient one for us, being so close to the manufacturing space 42 Watt Road .
Born and bred on the Peninsula, Nick and Julie believe in being part of the community and enjoy the social aspect of what they do.
Their team of 8 talented and reliable staff have all been working for the business for many years and are a key part of all that they have accomplished together.
This sense of pride in what they do is evident during our conversation and, despite all the awards, exhibitions and international sales, when I asked Julie what she was most proud of in the business she replied That we re still in it and growing in these current times.
-Helen Jones Nicholas Design is located at 30 Watt Road, Mornington Tel 5976 2220 Email info nicholasdesign.com.au Web www.nicholasdesign.com.au The Team at Goodlife look forward to Seeing You Enjoy the GoodLife lunch with old friends and meet and make some new ones....
men are very welcome.
when where includes bookings cost proceeds THE GOODLIFE FASHION LUNCH Mornington Race Course Come and Join in the Fun for the 18th GOODLIFE FASHION CHARITY LUNCH on WEDNESDAY 6TH APRIL PLEASE BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT Complimentary canapes, a glass of wine on arrival and a 2 course lunch.
Extra Beverages may be purchased from the bar.
Fashion parade presented by local boutiques.
Entertainment Raffles, Auctions More All proceeds to charity Wednesday 6th of April from 12 noon Race Course Road Mornington 39 per person Phone Mary Parsons 9787 9633 www.gdlife.com.au 13