Virginia Maywald

Virginia Maywald was born in Waikerie, South Australia. She attended the University of South Australia, studying design and obtaining a Bachelor of Design (Ceramics) in 1982.

After graduating Virginia taught at Underdale Campus of University of South Australia, was artist in residence at Magill Campus of University of South Australia, and was a member of a group of artists that toured country South Australia providing art workshops under a state government scheme.

Her love of the Arts brought her to Melbourne, where, as a studio potter, she based herself at the Meat Market Craft Centre in North Melbourne (now called “Arts House”), as well as teaching ceramics part time.

However, like most Artists her income was negligible, so to supplement this she began work doing another of her passions, cooking, at a Melbourne restaurant. The anti-social nature of working in the restaurant meant that along with friends and family her ceramics were being neglected. She realised that what she really desired was to combine her love of food, cooking and ceramics with a need to earn a living.

An opportunity arose in 1987, when food writer Penny Smith was given the task of showing people how to cook and prepare Atlantic salmon, which was being commercially farmed in Tasmania. Unable to find a platter that was large enough to hold the whole fish, she asked for Virginia’s help. Virginia rang the fish farm, found out the size of the fish, and made the appropriate platter. The demand for the platters grew to such an extent that she could no longer do the job on her own.

When her cousin Tim Dolan arrived on her door step looking for a new career several years after graduating from Roseworthy Agricultural College, she recognised the advantage of having a partner to expand her business. Tim’s business knowledge and ability to understand machinery complemented her design and organisational skills and they formed The Big Duck and Fish Company.

Their business grew remarkably, with demand often exceeding supply. They had found their niche custom designing and making high quality ceramic tableware specifically for the hospitality industry.

In 1994 they moved from their studio at Northcote Pottery to a larger factory in North Fitzroy. This coincided with a growing demand both nationally and overseas. Virginia and Tim were sought by international hotels and resorts in Asia, America, Europe and the Middle East. They built strong connections within the Australian hospitality industry, supplying Hilton Hotels, Ayers Rock Resort, the Melbourne & Alice Springs Casinos, both David Jones and Myer food halls, to name a few. Their national profile was heightened by establishing themselves as favourites with Gabriel Gate, Jill Dupleix and Stefano de Pieri. They were featured in major publications such as Vogue and Gourmet Traveller and would appear regularly in newspaper The Age (Melbourne). The list was long and the achievements great.

But the business was hit hard by the introduction of GST in 2000. Although the product range didn’t change in price, their main customers, restaurants, hotels and resorts were severely affected. Undeterred, they diversified, expanding their retail store into other hotel and homeware products, and opened a cafe on site with Lynne Lowe and Stefano de Pieri.

After ensuring the survival of their business, by the end of 2004 Virginia and Tim found they desired a sea change. Tim went off to build a house for his family, ultimately becoming a licensed builder. Virginia decided to do something she had not been able to do before, dedicate herself to her family.

After 12 months Virginia was ready for a new challenge and began to search for a way to use her experience, skills and knowledge in the arts, small business and marketing.
Her familiarity with small business meant Virginia appreciated the need for owners to cover all aspects of operations, often without the support of someone who can assist in the analysis of their ideas and reaffirmation their goals.

In 2005 she was asked to conduct seminars and workshops for artists, through The Arts Management Advisory Group (AMAG). In 2006 Virginia started teaching marketing at the Victorian College of the Arts to post graduate Students attending the Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development.

Now as a private Consultant, Virginia works with businesses, identifying marketing strategies and areas of growth. Recently she has partnered with Sophie Whitwell to expand these services. Working together the team offers their clients a fresh approach to marketing strategies with an insight into “real life” manageable changes.

Their services include;

Working with Local Councils, The Arts and Community Groups, Virginia and Sophie also run Seminars and Workshops covering the following Topics;

Most importantly they offer support and an understanding of the challenges of being in business. Sophie and Virginia come as an entire Department, filling the gaps for Small Business.

Contact her via email, or call on 0429 161 165.