Interview #13 is with Holly Banfield of HB Archive, Holly's masterfully considered, masterfully sustainable garment practice. Everything about the way Holly approaches clothing is beautiful, and her pattern making and sewing skills are remarkable - I would know haha (for those that don't know, pattern making and sewing education in the tertiary space is my day job).  Holly is also a fellow porridge lover, a really kind, gentle and welcoming soul, and I hope you enjoy reading her responses below as much as I did. Thanks for joining us Holly!

Interview #12 is with Cameron Matte of Cams Bread who has been making and delivering bread from his lovely family home in Eltham of late. An exceptional bread maker and a lot of fun, Cam is also a keen skater and a Dad to baby Cosmo. I'm super happy to have Cam on board for this months interview. If you haven’t tried Cams Bread, I highly recommend it, some of the best in the biz. Also, his sourdough crackers are chefs kiss!

Interview #11 is with the incredibly talented, incredibly stylish Laura Stortenbeker. Laura is a writer and has such a knack for telling stories, both written and visual. Laura has exceptional style, is an avid (and very skilled and generous) baker and all-round great gal. Read on to see what she's been up to and how she's feeling about it all.

Interview #10 is with my gorgeous friend Annie Portelli. Annie is one of those people who is an incredible all-round creative. Whilst being a trained (and practising) Graphic Designer, Annie is also the Art Director at The Design Files! I have known Annie for some time now, we first met when I was working at Monk House Design and Annie came in to take over the website and graphic design bits and bobs while Elise was away. I remember that Annie had recently been to japan and had been making a little "Japan Guide Book" which was, as you'd expect, perfectly put together. 

Interview #9 is with the lovely Emily Weaving. Emily and I met a couple of months back at an impromptu 'stuff around' photoshoot and I can honestly say Emily is one of the loveliest, most talented people I've met. A truly great photographer, Emily has worked on lots of great projects, one you'll probably all be familiar with is the Beatrix Bakes cookbook!

A Lot on My Plate #8 is with one of my nearest and dearest, Jessie Webb. Jessie is a legend. She has the warmest and most welcoming energy and is super special to me. She's also really bloody great at what she does, she knows SO MUCH about fashion and about retail and marketing and buying and trends and she always has good advice for everyone, but she also takes photos for lots of small businesses, and also just in her life in general, it doesn't matter where she's going, her little point and shoot comes along and she will record it! I love how Jessie documents special and regular moments in her life and the life of her friends. 

Interview #7 is with the lovely Claudia Chew. Claudia is a local Illustrator and Graphic Designer currently finishing of her Design degree. Claudia lives in Naarm (Melbourne) with her partner and their two cats. I have always admired Claudia's work and have really enjoyed reading her responses to these questions, I hope you do too.

Interview #6 is with the lovely Shauna Sieger. Shauna is a Freelance Designer and wine advocate, who filters their anxieties and curiosities of the world through design. Recently moved to Tasmania with their partner, you will normally find them exploring new landscapes during the day and a glass in hand at night.

For interview #5, I've been lucky enough to have interviewed Layla Cluer of Soft Edge Studio for this months "A Lot on my Plate" interview, which is exciting for me because I have long admired her work, and based off the amount of messages I get when I post a dish on one of her beautiful plates or bowls, you all do too. Layla is a superstar, she's great at what she does and she's a truly generous, lovely person too.

For interview #4 I caught up with Lucy Roleff. Lucy is an artist but is also a musician! Can you even believe it? Her still life paintings are as jaw-droppingly beautiful as her music is. Alongside playing the harp (!), Lucy has one of the most beautiful voices. Lucy has a lot of nice insights to share about her experiences this year. I hope you enjoy.

Interview #3 see's me catching up with Sally Tabart. Sally is a writer and producer and general multitasker. With a background in film, Sally brings a whole gamet of skills and experience to her current role as Managing Editor of The Design Files, where she has been cooridnating all of the content, contributors, writing and photography (plus lots of other things) for the past 3 years.

For interview #2, I'm checking in with flower extraordinaire, Gina Lasker of Melbourne floral studio, Georgie Boy. Gina is known for her incredible floral masterpieces, mostly servicing events around Victoria, so when events essentially ceased in 2020, she flipped her business into a flower delivery service. Buy a Bunch, the weekly delivery service, has been a huge hit.

First cab off the rank, Gemma Leslie. Gemma is a close friend of mine and an amazing multi-disciplinary Designer. Gemma has worked for many amazing local companies, including Lucy Folk, Hamish Munro, Modern Times (the list is exhaustive and incredible). She also runs local bed linen label Scottie Store with her partner Mike, as well as her new not-for-profit culinary poster shop Food For Everyone, with 100% of proceeds going to FareShare Australia. It's fair to say Gemma has her hands full, here’s what she has to say.