The County Of Bourke
Q&A WITH SIMON KING – DESIGNER AND BRAND DIRECTOR
What inspired you to start your business? How did you go about it?
I was an actor and I had to earn some money somehow. I love bags and wanted to make one for my wife (hence our sister business All the King’s Men). I designed something and then worked with a maker to make it. I didn’t know what to do after that. But thankfully, somehow, we are still here.
Was there a turning point when you knew you were onto a good thing?
We had received a few samples of Duckfeet and I put mine on and went to the local for a beer. When I walked in the door, some guy stared long and hard at my boots and then looked at me and said “nice kicks”.
What do you find to be the most rewarding part of your business?
Our customers. I have found that when you make and sell quality products, you attract great people.
What sort of person buys your products?
Great people.
What makes your product different? Why do you think it has succeeded?
Our shoes are different because they haven’t changed their style in 40 years. It’s like that old saying: “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.
Have you identified any design and/or business trends you have had to address in the last year?
It’s not so much a trend, more of a movement that we are responding to with our latest range of bags made without animal products.
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