VONNIE CLEANS UP OVERSEAS
VONNIE Meier and her small soap business have caught the eye of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, with her locally-sourced products heading for international events.
Because of her diverse range of soaps as well as the strong connection her business has to the local community, Von-Katz Soaps and Gift Baskets will be representing Australian produce in three major events overseas.
The opportunity has opened up the business to potential international export opportunities.
A TOOWOOMBA woman has been given the incredible opportunity to showcase her small business and its products on an international scale.
Vonnie Meier has been handmaking soaps for six years but launched Von-Katz Soaps and Gift Baskets in 2018, offering a range of personal products including soaps, lip and body balms, bath soaks and gift packs.
For the past two years she has been selling them at local markets, boutiques and tourist outlets round the region, as well as online.
But now, Ms Meier has the chance for people around the world to sample her products with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) approaching her to be one of 60 businesses to represent
Australian produce in major international events.
As part of its bushfire recovery efforts DFAT worked with the National Bushfire Recovery Agency to buy products from bushfire affected businesses to use as promotional material overseas.
DFAT purchased 500 soaps from Ms Meier which will feature at Australia now Malaysia 2020, Australia now France 2021, and the Australia-UK
Season of Culture 2021.
If people in attendance are impressed by the products, they can inquire about stocking them, which means VonKatz Soaps and Gift Baskets could be headed for international stores.
Ms Meier said Von-Katz was chosen for its range of 16 soaps, as well as her connection to the local community.
“It is an affirmation of the export quality of the Von-Katz soaps and the quality of vendors and the supply chain of our region,” she said.
“All of my products are handmade with predominantly organic and local ingredients.
“I’m excited about the possibility of expanding the business model so early in my career but I am also cautious because I realise I should not overcommit and under deliver.
“My production capacity as a sole trader is limited in the foreseeable future.”
A DFAT spokesman said they were delighted to support Von-Katz Soaps.
“Promoting these products benefits small businesses and highlights Australian resilience and creativity,” she said.
For more information on Von-Katz Soaps and Gift Baskets visit www.vonkatzsoaps.com.au or phone 0439 707 069.