Love-Connection is the Australian retail hub championing local designers
IMAGE VIA @LOVEC0NNECTION/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
“It’s a product of my values. Community, art, kindness, confidence and Mother Nature.”
Combining high-energy design with a laidback coastal attitude, Jellugral/Burleigh-based retail store Love-Connection offers a thoughtful selection of Australian-made swimwear, fashion and accessories. Before founding Love-Connection just six months ago, creative Kesha Butterfly had “always wanted to create [her] own space”.
And after cutting her teeth working for Australian brands like Sass & Bide and Lack of Color, Kesha landed her own store in a dream spot – alongside sandwich shop MC’s and her collaborative art and event location, Time & Space.
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Stocking labels like Pigsuit, Highrack and Karlaidlaw, Love-Connection is quickly establishing itself as a retail hub for emerging Australian designers. Below, Kesha tells the story of how the store got started.
Tell us about you. What’s your creative background?
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Hi, love hearts! My name is Kesha, I am 31 years old and live in Jellurgal (Burleigh). I am originally from Western Australia, where I studied fashion and textiles, and began my career in the industry. I’ve worked with some incredible Australian brands – [some] highlights being Sass & Bide, Lack Of Color, and my dear friend, Natalie Rolt.
In the last couple of years, I felt ready to pursue my own career in the industry. With this, Love-Connection was born – and we are already six months old! I am just so happy to be here, and entirely grateful for my supportive, loving, friends and family.
How did the store get started? Talk us through the process and the challenges.
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Thankfully I have opened retail stores in the past, so I was familiar with the process. I find that larger-scale brands need more credentials in order to stock with you (e.g. over six to 12 months in business).
That is one of the challenges that I have faced as a small business, however as time passes and the store grows, I feel confident that these fashion houses would be inclined to re-evaluate. If anyone reading this would like to open their own store but is unsure where to start, they’re more than welcome to get in touch with me.
What were you trying to achieve from the project at the time? How has this evolved and what are you trying to communicate now?
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I have always wanted to create my own space. I value art – things that make you feel a way. Whether it’s clothing, objects, artwork, or scents… it cultivates joy. And to top it off, I have MC’s Sandwich House next door! This is run by a good friend of mine, Josh, and my beautiful partner, Ben.
We also have an adjoining art/event space together called Time & Space. A core value of mine is community, and we endeavour to use our space for everyone to feel welcome, inspired and happy. I hope anyone who comes by leaves with a smile on their face and some inspiration in their hearts.
How would you describe your store to someone who’s never seen it before?
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I love this question! It’s a product of me. And if you don’t know me, it’s a product of my values. Community, art, kindness, confidence and Mother Nature. The store has been designed to promote these feelings and each piece in my store has been carefully curated to match.
What are you most proud of in your work on your store?
I just launched my very own bikini label, Butterfly Kisses! They’re all made in Australia on Yumgabeh Land (Gold Coast) and they’ve been thoughtfully created for all. Each pair sold, we donate $1 to Butterfly Foundation which teaches and promotes healthy body image. My wish is that everyone feels beautiful in their body.
What do you wish you knew when you started?
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I have most definitely learnt patience. (I am still learning this, lol.)
Who do you think is most exciting in Australian/NZ fashion right now?
Ooo, too many to list! I adore Daisy Ltd, [the brand] has just released a bridal range. I am in awe of Natalie Rolt – every collection they produce is outstanding, and it’s all made lovingly in Western Australia. Dion Lee is another personal favourite – their marketing really stands out for me. Huge fan.
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I also love Clothing The Gaps, which is an Aboriginal-led brand that influences and unites people through fashion. They also have an Australian-made collection, and profits help fund the impactful work of their own foundation, [the] Clothing The Gaps Foundation. It always was and always will be Aboriginal land.
What about the Australian/NZ fashion industry needs to change?
I would absolutely LOVE to see Fashion Week pop off here as it does in Europe and the States. Australia has such an incredible fashion and art industry, and it deserves acknowledgement and recognition.
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What’s next for you?
I would like to advance our community involvement and start a charity. I would also love to create my own beverage range. Stay tuned!
Browse the Love-Connection collection here.
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