10 Quirky Aussie Businesses We Wish We'd Started

Guess it's time to plan yet another business with my BFF.

1. DOMUTS

CGU Insurance

DOMUTS is the brain child of Thea and her son Marcus — who, at 11 years old, dared to dream of a world where dogs and humans alike could enjoy the humble donut.

Originally launched in 2016, interest in the business quickly grew bigger than their family kitchen could cater for — which meant production had to be shelved (#JusticeForDoggos).

But in 2019, CGU Insurance stepped in to rescue the biz, and give Thea and Marcus the boost they needed to relaunch the brand with a bang. Now available in a tasty range of varieties, including Chewy Tennis Ball, Crunchy Stick, Golden Frisbee and Tasty Homework, your furry best friend will woof 'em down.

2. frank body

frank body

Founded in 2013 by Melbourne-based mates Jess Hatzis, Bree Johnson, Alex Boffa and Steve Rowley, frank body (the OG coffee scrub) still packs the best beans in the beauty aisle.

The idea for the product itself came from Steve Rowley — who owns several cafes in Melbourne. After one customer kept asking for the old coffee grinds from his machine to make her own DIY body scrub, Rowley realised there was a gap in the industry for coffee-based beauty products. And so the original frank body coffee scrub was launched — followed up by skincare products for the face, body, hair and lips.

With more than 5 million scrubs sold to date and with stockists in 156 countries globally, frank body has literally turned trash into treasure (and we desperately wish we'd been part of the founding team).

3. Das Juice

Das Juice

In Oz, over 5 million tonnes of food gets tossed yearly, which is a pretty sad reality — and it's what inspired the launch of Sydney-based cafe, Das Juice!

Opened in 2019, this juice bar and healthy cafe prides itself on making use of all those ugly, misshapen (read: beautiful on the inside) fruit and veg that would otherwise be considered 'unworthy' by larger commercial retailers.

The produce is just as delicious as the aesthetically pleasing stuff — and once it's juiced, or transformed into a delicious poke bowl, you'd never know the difference!

4. Designerex

Kirsten Kore, Tayla Ostrom / Via Instagram: @taylaostrom

Need a fresh ~lewk~ but don't have the coin to fund a last-minute shopping spree? Designerex has got your back.

Co-founded by Aussie Kirsten Kore, this clothes-sharing platform gives gals access to tens of thousands of designer dresses around the country — in a safe, secure online environment.

So if you're looking for a style glow-up for the night, or you just want to make bank off your own wardrobe, consider signing up for this designer goods swap (and then #TreatYoself with the savings).

5. Hangover Helpers

Hangover Helpers

In a stroke of entrepreneurial genius, Perth local James Hookway launched the emergency cleaning service Hangover Helpers in 2015 — offering much-needed assistance to hordes of hungover Aussies.

The biz is currently operating in Perth and Melbourne (RIP Sydneysiders) and will not only clean up the evidence of your rough night in, but they'll even help you rehydrate with a range of electrolyte-rich refreshments. Honestly, what a time to be alive.

6. En Gold

En Gold

If you're sick of filling your home with carbon-copies of all your friends' furniture, look no further than the upcycled glory that is En Gold!

Started by a Melbourne-based family in 2018, this sustainable furniture biz prides itself on sourcing and selling unique vintage furniture pieces from all around Oz.

As well as bi-weekly drops on their Insta page, En Gold also offers a range of carefully curated ceramics and artworks online, as well as limited stone and marble plinths — due to drop later this month.

7. Plants In A Box

Plants In A Box

In a move that will delight yard-deprived millennials everywhere, Plants In A Box now offers direct delivery for all the ferns, ficuses and succulents you can fill your apartment with!

Started by three self-confessed "plant-nerds", the platform offers Aussies access to over 600 varieties of plant babies online — so you're pretty much guaranteed to find a greenling to love.

You can also shop a range of accessories online, including planters, tools and even soil! So you can arm yourself with everything you need to turn your black thumb into a healthy shade of green this spring.

8. Collabosaurus

Jessica Ruhfus

Launched in 2015 by Sydneysider Jess Ruhfus, Collabosaurus sells itself as being a "matchmaker for businesses" — and it's made Ruhfus a flaming beacon of hope for other Aussie start-ups.

In just four short years, the platform has attracted more than 6,500 brands (that's a hell of a lot of potential love stories) and has members in Australia, New Zealand, America, Canada and the UK.

9. Karameleon

Born in Bondi and bred in Bali, Karameleon was founded by Kara Otter five years ago and remains a completely one-woman show!

The vintage-inspired swimwear and clothing range is all based on Otter's own paints and prints — bringing a uniquely personal touch to the fast fashion industry.

10. And finally, Goodness Gracious Sydney

Goodness Gracious

In 2018, Rachel Khouri was feeling restless, unmotivated and in need of a career that would ~ignite her soul~. Enter the humble cheese platter.

In just 18 months, Goodness Gracious Sydney has become a fully fledged catering business — servicing Sydney with a huge variety of high quality cheese and charcuterie platters, breakfast platters and decadent grazing tables for corporate and personal events.

Excuse me while I consume a wheel of brie for 'market research'.

Ignite your ambition today and apply for a CGU Insurance Ambition Grant here.

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