BOSS WOMAN 186 | F!NK & Co.

A LOCAL ROSE FROM MADAM, COLLECTOR OR NICK O’LEARY WITH GRETEL FROM FINK DESIGN

Tell us a little about yourself?

In 1995 I joined Robert Foster as a director of F!NK & Co, taking responsibility for the company’s innovative marketing, sales and distribution strategies.  My skills and expertise in the field of marketing, financial and business management complementing Robert’s design skills.

I’ve been instrumental in developing the design program at F!NK & Co, taking my understanding of the market and feeding this into the F!NK & Co product range along with managing significant commission projects such as the Ossalites lighting installation on the ground floor at ACTEWAgl.  I have over 30 years’ experience in the field of marketing, working in the commercial sector and federal government and have also worked in a consultancy capacity. 

Tell us about F!NK & Co and how it came to be?

F!NK & Co. was established by Robert Foster in 1993 with the aim of creating a design and manufacturing business that would support and generate opportunities for Australian designer-makers. F!NK & Co today is a much loved and respected Australian design company with an international reputation for producing world-class tableware, hollowware, jewellery and lighting. Be it the iconic F!NK Water Jug, the squashed Storage Vessels, the graceful Coolamon Platters, the Ned Kelly-esque Wine Chiller or the subtle curves of the Beaker, every F!NK product melds refined craftsmanship with shapes and colours largely inspired by the Australian landscape – tropical corals, fish and anemones, endless blue skies and vast ancient deserts.

F!NK is the promise of modern design excellence, uniting the utmost respect for the design ethic with that refined craftsmanship. This craftsmanship combines traditional artisanal practices alongside innovative contemporary manufacturing techniques joined with the wit and rigour of designer-founder Robert Foster. Tragically, Robert was killed in a car accident in July 2016. Today, F!NK & Co. is spearheaded by myself with the support of a dynamic team of practitioners. The company has continued to go from strength to strength as we build on Robert’s legacy. There may be a F!NK jug in every second house in Canberra but the company’s reach is international, with F!NK & Co products represented in galleries and museums around the world.

How can we support F!NK & Co?

By buying Fink products!

Any advice for those who are thinking about turning their dreams into a reality

Be passionate, persistent and confident in what you do and stay open to possibilities. Things will come to you!