An entrepreneurial spirit is in the family for Amanda Cochran. “When I was growing up, my mum had a children’s clothing business that she designed all the garments for,” she says. “I think I absorbed a lot from that little enterprise.”
Now Amanda has a thriving business of her own, which began simply in 2016. “I loved scented candles, but the fragrances smelled very synthetic and would give me a headache,” she explains. She decided to make some herself, using pure essential oils. “I started saving all my Vegemite and jam jars.”
The Grampians Goods Co at a glance
Who: The Grampians Goods Co founder Amanda Cochran.
What she does: Creates blankets, apparel, homewares and bath and body products.
Where: Amanda lives in the Southern Grampians, near Dunkeld.
Why she does it: “It’s the little moments for me,” says Amanda. “When I hear from people how much they love the products, that’s what makes me want to keep going.”
Visit: The Grampians Goods Co.
Once she’d mastered the art of making candles, Amanda gave them as gifts. “People loved them and would say, ‘You should really sell these,’” she recalls. She set up at markets here and there, and they proved very popular. “At some point, I ran out of jam jars because we couldn’t eat it quickly enough!”
It snowballed and Amanda came up with her business name, The Grampians Goods Co, inspired by the area where she lives. She had labels made, took some photos and got a basic website up and running. The next thing she knew, people were approaching her with wholesale orders. “I thought, ‘Wow, okay.’” As time’s gone on, Amanda has added to the brand’s offering. “The thing I love the most is designing new products,” she says. Everything is inspired by her country lifestyle, living on a sheep farm with views of Mount Sturgeon and Mount Abrupt in the region traditionally known as Gariwerd.
“It’s a brand that has a real sense of place in the Grampians, and also celebrates a lifestyle that’s outdoors in nature.”
Amanda, founder
It’s a peaceful setting to raise her three children, Claudia, 15, Elodie, 12, and James, nine. “The kids have heaps of space to run, with gorgeous trees and expansive skies. It’s incredible.” Amanda also has a daughter, Gemma, who died of SIDS at eight weeks old and would have been 13 now.
As anyone living in a rural area knows, you can’t be too precious with things, and the products are designed for the rough and tumble of everyday life. There are tartan blankets made from recycled fibres that can be machine-washed, and paddock pillows with an oil skin base that you can toss in the back of the truck. Every winter, the popular ‘Fair Isle’ pure wool knits sell out.
The products can be bought in plenty of places, but there’s no flagship store. Instead there’s Salt Creek Cottage, a picturesque house in Dunkeld, which Amanda renovated and offers as accommodation. “It’s a really beautiful place where people can experience the brand.” All these years later, Amanda still gets a kick out of meeting people at markets who fall in love with her products. “They’re the moments that make it all worth it.”
Shop The Grampians Goods Co
Aromatherapy candle
$58.95, The Grampians Goods Co.
Best for: A touch of spa-like ambience
Inspired by the Australian bush and the majestic Grampians region, this aromatherapy candle embodies the spirit of the wild. Scents include fragrant Clove and Jasmine, Lemon and Basil, and Sweet Orange and Palmarosa. Better yet, the candles are eco-friendly and made of soy wax, coming in a beautiful reusable vessel.
Size: Large, 250g
Scents: Clove & Jasmin, Grapefruit & Geranium, Lemon & Basil, Roman Chamomile & Lavandin, Siberian Fir & Cedarwood, Sweet Orange & Palmarosa
Material: Soy wax
Key features:
- Approx. 60 hours burn time
- Hand poured
- Natural and eco-friendly
Tartan Paddock Pillow in Autumn (cover only)
$168.95, The Grampians Goods Co.
Best for: Relaxing in the great outdoors
The Paddock Pillow is the perfect outdoor companion, featuring a recycled tartan wool top and waterproof waxed cotton oilskin beneath to endure lounging in any weather. Each cover is lovingly handmade in Victoria, with colours including Maple Moss, Spring and Forest. For extra comfort, pair it with the Heritage Collection Recycled Wool Tartan Blanket.
Size: 75cm x 75cm
Colours: Camel, Classic, Forest, Gold, Grey, Hunter, Malt, Rebellion, Spring, Traditional, Smoke and Maple Moss
Materials: Recycled wool, waterproof oilskin and cotton webbing handle
Key features:
- Australian-made waxed cotton
- Ideal for camping
- Stylish and practical
Grampians Grown Luxe Lather
$33.95, The Grampians Goods Co.
Best for: A natural, deep clean
Looking for a natural soap alternative? The Luxe Lather is as luxurious as its name suggests, featuring a soothing blend of natural ingredients, including Certified Organic Extra Olive Oil and Victorian hemp seed oil. Use as a hydrating hand wash or an all-over body wash for a truly deluxe experience.
Sizes: 250ml and 500ml
Materials: Castile soap, bespoke essential oil blend
Key features:
- Locally sourced ingredients
- Also available in Grapefruit & Geranium essential oil blends
- Naturally hydrating
Recycled wool herringbone blanket in Treacle
$199.95, The Grampians Goods Co.
Best for: Cuddling up at night
The Grampians Goods Co. wool blankets are a fan favourite, and it’s easy to see why. Both incredibly warm and stylish, each blanket is crafted from sustainable wool offcuts into a classic herringbone pattern. Whether draped over your bed or taken along on your travels, this wool blanket is sure to keep you snug.
Size: 175cm x 157cm
Colour: Treacle
Materials: 75% recycled wool and 25% mixed fibres
Key features:
- Luxurious and soft
- Sustainable
- Ethically woven in India
Travel tin candle
$29.95, The Grampians Goods Co.
Best for: Aromatherapy on the go
Want to bring your favourite fragrance along on your journeys? This travel candle is designed for life on the go, featuring a stylish tin that’s both chic and practical. Scents include Clove and Jasmine, Grapefruit and Geranium, and many more. Simply light at the end of a long day to relax in the captivating aromas.
Scents: Clove & Jasmin, Grapefruit & Geranium, Lemon & Basil, Roman Chamomile & Lavandin, Sweet Orange & Palmarosa
Key features:
- Free gift wrap
- Perfect for travel
- Uplifting fragrance blends
Pet bed & blanket combo
$263.95, The Grampians Goods Co.
Best for: Keeping your furry friend warm
This pet bed and blanket combo ensures your pooch always feels pampered. The set includes a cosy recycled wool blanket in classic plaid colourways such as Navy, Winter, Autumn and Hunter. Best of all, the blanket is odour-resistant and machine washable to keep it fresh and clean. Pair it with your choice of Tartan Paddock Pillow to complete the snug ensemble.
Size: Blanket is 90cm x 150cm
Colours: Navy, Winter, Autumn and Hunter
Materials: 75% wool and 25% mixed fibre blend
Key features:
- Moisture-wicking
- Ethically made in India
- Naturally odour resistant
Hemp husk hand scrub
$31.95, The Grampians Goods Co.
Best for: Making your skin soft and supple
Indulge in a dual-action treat with this luxurious hand scrub bar, perfect to both cleanse and exfoliate. Finely milled hemp seeds offer gentle exfoliation, while natural scents like Lemongrass and Basil deliver a rejuvenating burst of fragrance. Use in the shower or beside the sink to softly refresh skin.
Size: 130g
Scents: Lemongrass & Basil, Clove & Jasmine
Key features:
- Handmade
- Solid soap bar
- Gentle body exfoliator
Herringbone Collection recycled wool blanket in Saffron
$189.00, The Grampians Goods Co.
Best for: Elegance and warmth
Infuse your home with ‘Australian luxe’ vibes with the Herringbone Collection, showcasing eco-friendly wool in a palette of rich, vibrant colours. Select from stunning colourways like Saffron, Storm and Bayleaf to bring a touch of elegance to your home and beyond.
Size: 175cm x 157cm
Colours: Bayleaf, Russet, Muscat, Storm and Saffron
Materials: 75% recycled wool and 25% mixed fibres
Key features:
- Nature-inspired colours
- Sustainable and eco-friendly wool
- Practical & versatile
Nude soap bundle
$67.95, The Grampians Goods Co.
Best for: A moment of self-care
Whether as a gift or a treat for yourself, this bundle of soap bars is the perfect way to indulge in self-care. The bars are crafted in small batches using traditional cold-process soap methods with local ingredients such as Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Best of all are the scents, including Grapefruit and Geranium, Clove and Jasmine, and Scotch Pine and Cedarwood.
Scents: Grapefruit & Geranium, Clove & Jasmine, Scotch Pine & Cedarwood
Key features:
- Handcrafted
- 3 pack of soap
- Locally-sourced ingredients
This article originally appeared on Home Beautiful and is republished here with permission.
