[loving local] tonesofeve
(Image: michaelklimentos)
As Western Sydney edges back to pre-pandemic normalcy and numbers of new cases start to dwindle, we must do all we can to ensure our community continues to heal.
This is a collaborative effort, and while straightforward in practice, supporting small business isn’t always an easy feat. It’s a tough time financially for many, and transactions are the last thing on our minds - at least, last on mine. Not gonna lie though, it has been pretty breezy eating local; I’ve ditched McDonalds for Oscar’s Kebabs in Doonside, and swapped KFC for Chicken King in Woodcroft [Side note, who gave their gravy the permission??? I just want to talk]. I browse Gumtree for used goods and shop for new-but-old threads at the large Salvos in Minchinbury, reserving whatever spare coin I have for good causes and community members.
For Doonside’s own Kristin Buenaventura, it’s been a crazy last few months. She started putting her business dreams on paper early this year. She did her research, took a good look within, and decided to take a leap that’s tricky for anyone - in and out of a global crisis.
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Kristin is nervous, but excited. tonesofeve is home to handmade earring creations and carefully curated designs. Kristin’s personal aesthetic has inspired all of her minimalist boho chic pieces, and this has been a passion project of hers for more than a year. Kristin had always wanted to explore her creative side since high school - but the looming reality of adulthood took control.
‘Starting this has been a huge learning curveball for me. I’m so grateful for the people around me who have walked me through this complex process. It was a lot harder getting this off the ground than I thought, but it’s been so rewarding.’ she expresses.
Migrating to Australia from the Phillipines in 2007 at age 11, Kristin was constantly wrapped in love and support from her family. Knowing the sacrifices her parents made in moving here, she does all she can to honour their decision. She wanted to prove both to herself and the world that she is more than capable to follow her dreams, and she yearned for something that was truly her own.
tonesofeve is the product of sleepless nights, back pain, and constant feedback. Juggling all this on top of a regular 9 to 5 job in North Sydney, lockdown has provided some solace. Working from home has given back three hours in her day, and she’s used every spare minute to experiment with prototypes and stocktake her supplies.
‘I would always turn to my sisters for inspiration. I would stare into space for ages, and nothing was making sense.’ she admits. ‘They’ve always known how to bring me back down to Earth.’
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‘I’ve put a lot of love and careful attention into tonesofeve. The support i’ve been getting is crazy - I’ve felt so much love and light from my network. My family, my boyfriend Jarvis, my closest confidantes, and my silent supporters have been my rock throughout this whole journey. I can’t wait to see where this takes me!’ Kristin tells The Western.
tonesofeve is now live and open for business. Check out Kristin’s incredible collection and Support Local today!