VANESSA ELDRIDGE
Geelong mum, Vanessa Eldridge, and Managing Director of b.sirius, is a butterfly in the design world. In 2017 she left her corporate job to follow her passion for creativity.
After completing her degree in Occupational Therapy and moving to Melbourne, Vanessa and her husband, Justin, felt Geelong was the perfect place to raise their children where she practiced rehabilitation and management. She found her work “extremely rewarding, as I helped people achieve their personal goals.” But after becoming restless in her everyday job, and seeking something more flexible so she could give more to being a mum, Vanessa felt that it was time for a new venture, “I’d always loved craft, fashion and design but never thought of it as more than a hobby.” From a very early age she has been described as a butterfly, being able to “move from one project to another, never satisfied, forever growing and changing, grasping at opportunities with both hands.” As such, her next new venture b.sirius was born.
Vanessa has always felt the need to help people who need it most. Part of her business model was to align to those who need her help, including partnering with a not-for-profit organisation that employs people with disabilities to provide meaningful work and an opportunity to enter the work-force. ”They store, pack and dispatch all of my orders. I’m committed to helping people to foster their confidence by providing them with employment opportunities. So this way, I’m using my Occupational Therapy skills, my passion for creativity and my business skills”.
Vanessa finds inspiration in nature that surrounds her and aims to create collections of original bags and accessories that are both fashionable and long-lasting for the modern-day woman who loves functional fashion – rather than fast-fashioned pieces. “My latest new item, the Big Bag, can be a nappy bag or an overnight bag – because I like things that have multiple purposes and that are affordable”. When designing each new collection , she always remembers that “I’m the kind of woman who invests in trusted brands and products that serve me well and make me feel good… things I know that will last me for a while!”
Vanessa believes that her path to b.sirius has been a way to reinvent herself, “growing from the chrysalis to the butterfly,” she says. While many people fear the idea of change, it’s what inspires Vanessa to continue chasing her dreams.
One of her strengths lies in her ability to keep a work-life balance, ensuring that she can spend time with her husband and daughters, Millie (12) and Lucy (9), sometimes bringing them into the design process. “When I was younger, my mum and I bonded over our love for craft and design. I love that I can teach my own daughters these same skills.” Their latest project? Making mosaic artworks for their garden at home. Vanessa inherited her love for design and art from her mother and felt it was time to turn that passion into a full-time career with b.sirius now available in over 150 stockists in Australia and New Zealand and continuing to expand globally.
Natural earthy colours, durable materials and affordability are all signature traits of b.sirius products. Vanessa aims to maintain the highest quality in all her designs, while also only using ethical materials and ethical manufacturing processes. “I’ve always loved nature. Each of my designs is inspired by what surrounds me, and I pride myself on using only vegan materials.”
Vanessa’s two tips for launching a business: embrace your individuality and persevere, “Trust in yourself and stay true to your values. There will definitely be days when you just want to give up, but if you push through, you will flourish.”
And, what does 2019 hold for b.sirius? Vanessa has big plans, including the recent launch of the Autumn/Winter 19 Collection and a brand new website, “I want b.sirius and myself to keep evolving”, all while staying true to her signature style.
bsirius.com