Anika Cook is participating in the Maribyrnong Makers Market Christmas Bonanza on Saturday. 73520 Picture: Damjan Janevski
By Charlene Gatt
IT’S the business that started out as a hobby.
The Gently Unfurling Sneak is the work of Yarraville designer Anika Cook, who started the label as Sneak Design in 2006 to make extra cash while studying.
Today, it is an online business and wholesaler, with more than 27 stockists across Australia.
“I wanted to teach myself screen printing, so I bought myself a whole load of equipment and to start paying back for the cost of the equipment I was selling T-shirts at local markets,” Ms Cook said.
“I never really thought I was building it up into a full-time business – if I’d known how long and how hard it would be, I don’t think I would have even started in the first place. It’s an amazing job to have, very rewarding. I do love it.”
Inspired by old-time imagery and Victorian illustrations, The Gently Unfurling Sneak is an eclectic mix of clothes, accessories and art work.
Ms Cook also exhibits her wares at various markets across Melbourne, and will be one of more than 80 stallholders who will exhibit their made-in-Melbourne creations at the Maribyrnong Makers Market’s Christmas Bonanza this Saturday.
“I love doing markets because it’s really good to be able to speak to your customers face to face and also to spy on them and see what they pick up first and what comments they make to their friends and things,” she said.
“Also, a lot of stockists come to the markets and see if you do wholesale.”
The market will run out of Seddon’s Uniting Church Hall from 9.30am to 3.30pm, go to www.maribyrnongmakersmarket.com.au for more information.
