It all began with a chance trip to the salvage yard: armed with boxes of wooden boards from the visit, inspiration struck when Sarah and Adine turned the boards into blank canvases, eventually developing a range of products to inspire organised living. They both share a passion for design and organisation — putting their hearts into designing products that enhance homes and help life run smoothly, making more time for the important things in life.

The two friends started the business as busy mums with young children; at that point Sarah had spent most of her career in production management in the design and print industry, while Adine was an accountant by day and a designer at heart. Many years on, and with more time to develop their business now that their children have grown, they have now created the largest range of magnetic planners in the country — with over 6000 sales in their Etsy store over the last couple of years! One of them now works full time in the business, with another two working part time.

"While running your own business is always full of challenges, it has allowed us to work in creative roles which we find nourishing and inspiring, while also be able to shape our hours to work with the responsibilities of parenthood."

Attention to detail in product development

"We design all our planners and physically make all the planners ourselves using premium whiteboard film, magnets, and the highest quality digital printing presses. We have also spent many years developing our unique removable wall panel system and magnetic disc overlays, allowing planners to placed anywhere."

They take great pride in the fact that every planner that leaves their studio is quality-checked and packaged by them in their Perth studio.

Working through challenges as a small business

Sarah and Adine contend that their biggest challenge is to continually have a flexible mind and be ready to adapt, as there are always unforeseen changes and challenges to adjust to.

“Initially it wasn't our intention to make all our planners ourselves, but we weren't able to obtain the consistent quality we were looking for from outsourcing the work to printers, so we developed equipment and processes to make them ourselves, which was a long road and a very different path to the one we had planned.”

Prior to COVID, a lot of Back to the Drawing Board’s orders were international; however, due to flight disruptions everywhere it wasn't possible to deliver reliably with their regular international service. After many weeks of work and research, they were able to set up a service with a new international courier who could deliver throughout the world within 5-10 days, even in COVID times.

"Running a small business means you have to be open to continual change, and while learning to be adaptable can be a challenge at times it takes us on interesting paths in work and life."

What’s next for Back to the Drawing Board?

Sarah and Adine have several ideas on their drawing board for new products — their main goals are to continue to design and develop beautiful products. They particularly love listening to feedback and ideas from clients, such as those they meet at markets like the Perth Makers Market, as it informs many of the directions they take.

“We love the Perth Makers Market ambience in its beautiful location on the river; we really value meeting and talking to our clients in person, especially all the positive feedback and conversations we have with them.”

With a range of weekly, monthly, and family week designs, as well as complimenting mini meal planners, shopping, and to-do lists, Back to the Drawing Board has so many options to ensure easy planning for busy people. Additionally, their unique removable wall panels make it possible to place their planners anywhere.

Visit the Back to the Drawing Board stall to check out their products in person at the upcoming Perth Makers Market on Sunday 20th February.

Back to the Drawing Board
https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/Drawingboardstore