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Jacinta Richmond from Coconut Pty Ltd
Jacinta is the single mother of four year old Leilani and the brain child behind the fabulous Coconut (hibiscus print) luggage. Coconut luggage is now available all over the world, but just a few short years ago it didn't even exist. The idea was conceived in 2003 and twelve months later, the first range was launched at the 2004 travel expo. Jacinta hasn't looked back since and has gone from strength to strength. Each range is limited edition with only 390 sets available worldwide, yet it is also extremely affordable - "because everyone, no matter what socio-economic status deserves to have something divine" says Jacinta.
The concept for the business was a simple one - "My daughter's name is Hawaiian in origin, which leads to the consequence of looking for everything in Hawaiian print. When heading to Fiji for my sister's wedding, I decided Leilani needed a Hawaiian print suitcase, but there weren't any. Now there is..."
Jacinta works for herself so that she is available to Leilani at all times. "They grow up so fast; I don't want to miss it. School in the blink of an eye, then she will have moved out of home into an apartment with her girlfriends and I'll only see her at Christmas (or when she needs money). I work from home, so the business fits in with Leilani and I tend to utilise the kitchen bench, my bedroom floor, the guest room (when we don't have guests) and the couch. Any available space."
Jacinta feels that there are both positives and negatives for basing her business in the home.
Positives include:
- being able to work in a tracksuit
- being with and available to your child at all times
- being able to pick up where you left off when the house is quiet of an evening
- setting your own hours
- getting the washing done while you work and not having to leave it sit in the machine all day until you get home.
Negatives include:
- clients who just 'drop in' while you are still in your dressing gown
- doing the housework instead of work because you can't stand the mess
- the blurring of lines between work and home life.
A typical day for Jacinta goes something like this: "I'm woken by the most amazing 4 year old in the world (no offence to other parents, but it's true), with a huge kiss. Breakfast, a 'discussion' over what she wants to wear and a rush out the door to childcare/swimming/play dates/business meetings (always with my daughter in tow). The afternoon is a little more slow paced. I work on the computer; take calls, whatever I can do from home. All the while, Leilani sits next to me with her computer and does 'work', or amuses herself with painting, play, or (if I'm working my fingers to the bone) every parents saviour, watches ABC Kids or a DVD. We cook dinner together, eat at 5pm, bath, relax, off to bed for her by seven, and back to work for me. While I am the designer and the wholesaler, I am also the sales rep, office manager, publicist, and everything else.
But the thing that always makes my day? My good morning kiss and seeing my luggage on airport carousels."
Coconut has a strong philosophy of 'giving back' and donates ten percent of profit from the range to the Clean Ocean Foundation.
Coconut luggage is available direct from the wholesaler at coconutptyltd@optusnet.com.au or 0409 143 041.
Special offer:
The Single Parent Bible readers can purchase Coconut luggage at wholesale prices (plus postage and handling). Prices start at a tiny $30.
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 Jacinta Richmond
Coconut Luggage 
Jacinta's tips for other parents considering starting a business.
- Make sure you are doing something that you love; otherwise you may as well be working for someone else.
- Most importantly, you need to remember that it's all about the children and their future. It can be hard enough bringing up children. It takes unending patience, unconditional love, time management and organisational skills and a true belief and passion in your child's potential. It is the same for your business and its product.
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