A Sunshine Coast mum couldn't bear to carry around a wet duffel bag after a swim, so she took the idea of bags made from 'croc' material and created a six-figure business.
Shortly after the birth of her daughter Florence, now 3, 36-year-old Crystal Rand set out to create a waterproof, versatile, yet fashionable bag.
Shopping trips, swimming lessons, and days at the beach meant carrying a variety of bags.
After swimming school, I got my clothes wet and spilled a drink on it, and my bag got soaked with aso.
Rand researched and bought an EVA foam bag from the US, but the one she received in the mail was ugly and bulky, so she started talking to other mothers and pursuing the business idea she had in mind. I decided to.
She launched her brand Kove in October 2022, after spending 18 months designing and manufacturing her own bags made from “croco material,'' or EVA foam, which is waterproof, upright, and neutral-toned. and Co Tribe Bags has been launched.
Rand's products sold well on the day they were released, and his first year of business generated more than $250,000 in sales.
Crystal Rand and daughter Florence of Kove and Co Tribe Bags.Photo: Patrick Want
Kove and Co Tribe Bags has now generated $380,000 in revenue since its launch, with its best month reaching $50,000 in revenue.
“Featured in One Fine Baby’s Top 10 Beach Bags of 2024 and Highly Recommended in the Women’s Bags Category at the national SHE-com Awards. It was really encouraging to see that,” she said.
Rand started the job full-time in February.
She previously worked as a sales representative for L'Oreal and then held a part-time management position at the yogurt brand.
Rand says the business has grown since she started working full-time, with sales and income up 40 per cent compared to the same time last year, but running a business as a single mother has a lot to do. He said he felt like a beast. Her solo surgery.
Rand said she named her product Tribe Bag because she wanted it to be a conversation starter to foster friendships among mothers, and the brand grew through word of mouth.
Crystal Rand (left) designed the Cove and Coat Tribe bag with other moms in mind.Photo: Patrick Want
She described running a business as a roller coaster and said she never would have started if she knew she was onto something, even though she knew how hard it would be.
Rand said her day consists of working, cooking, cleaning and putting her toddler to bed, then packing orders until midnight.
She said her efforts paid off when she saw a stranger on the street using a bag she designed.
“I'm really looking forward to seeing the butterflies flying in,” Rand said.
Krystal Rand from Kove and Co Tribe Bags.Photo: Patrick Want
Her dream for the future is to run her own commercial warehouse with a small townhouse attached. She also wants to employ her other mothers, who are “great workers” who need flexible working hours.
“I want to build an empire of mothers,” she said.
Rand said that making the bags was very difficult but rewarding, and that even if the business fails, one should “just give it a try” and view the investment as “a really valuable lesson.” That's what I advised.
