Corban & Blair have a hands-on approach to design, with a commitment to operating a business that focuses on economic and environmental sustainability.
Corban & Blair design and manufacture in Australia, New Zealand, and China, and are constantly searching for new ideas and concepts to add value and meaning to their products. Each year, they create two retail collections: special products for other brands and unique product solutions for the business sector.
Corban & Blair decided to go into business because they saw an opportunity to build a brand in designer stationery, which has now evolved into a product design and development business. They wanted to be creative and do their own thing.
“Our passion comes from imagination, possibility, the courage to try new things and learning. It makes life exciting and defines whom we are. And, after 25 years in business, we are still passionate about what we do, always seeking new product ideas and people to work with.”
Mentors and role models
Throughout Corban & Blair’s time in business, they have met many role models and mentors ranging from some of the first suppliers who were blokes, to smart digital natives who are savvy about the digital world which they are a part of now. They have also always been open to the support and guidance of family, friends, and other business colleagues.
Recognition of women
Corban & Blair think that women in the design industry or business in general, are not sufficiently recognised.
Design is usually not a category when you are asked to state your industry, which eliminates many female business owners. The duo feel privileged to have had the opportunity to build a business that is still evolving 25 years later in a creative design field.
“We tend to not seek recognition as we are busy growing businesses, managing families, our health and well-being. We tend to be getting on with the job – recognition takes time, a particular ego and can also be lacking in authenticity.”
“We get satisfaction from what have learned, created, people we have met, places we have been, doors that will open for us and the fact that we are challenged every day to be creative with a lot of interesting people we work for, or with.”
Gillian Corban and Amanda Blair have been inducted into the Businesswomen’s Hall of Fame in 2013. The Hall of Fame honours and celebrates Australian female business owners who demonstrate an inspiring and aspiring business journey.
To learn more, visit Gillian’s or Amanda’s Businesswomen’s Hall of Fame profile.
