Number 8 has long been regarded as the luckiest number in Chinese culture. 8 sounds similar to the word ‘Fa’, which means to make a fortune. It suggests prosperity, success and high social status, thus favoured by those in business.

Number 8 in the Bible signifies resurrection and regeneration, so it seems appropriate that we acknowledge Bindle celebrating 8 years since conception, to the flourishing operation it is today. A friend misguidedly referred to it as a “company” which had us laughing like drains. It is worthy of mentioning how the story began.

First a downstairs cupboard in a rental served as storage, and the kitchen table was used for boxing and wrapping. Then Bindle was a solely run operation. A cage in a storage shed followed, as cold as the polar reaches in winter, with lights that needed to be manually turned on every ten minutes which meant fumbling in the dark to find the switch. Ghoulish figures were seen occasionally which made working there downright creepy.

A larger shed which was light on security and leaked like a sieve in winter came next, with a landlord who made General Macarthur look like a pushover.

It was time to call the shots and make a proper home for Bindle. An inner-city warehouse within cooee of home became available. It was slick enough to entertain clients, and roomy enough to provide office and storage space. Bindle had come of age.

It would be wonderful to stare into the future to see what another eight years brings, but for now it’s enough to marvel at the eight that have been the Bindle journey thus far. We have kicked incredible goals; smashed the glass ceiling of challenges; worked with inspirational people. It would be a downright lie to say we hadn’t made a few mistakes along the way – zigged instead of zagged – however we’ve learnt a lot and come up smiling if not a bit wind-swept.

Had I known what was ahead of me would I have embarked along this road – hmmmm, yes probably because I have a curious and tenacious nature. However, I couldn’t have brought the Bindle to where it is without my fabulous, talented team who have come on board in the last few years.

And it’s not so lonely!