Can you share details about any new product launches your brand will be showcasing at Life Instyle Sydney 2024? What makes these products unique or innovative?

We are delighted to present our Autumn/Winter collection of luxurious self-care, lifestyle, and travel accessories at Life Instyle Sydney. This season, we are unveiling 24 brand new products spanning across three of our most popular collections – Velvet, Herringbone, and Liberty. In an exciting first for Tonic, we are embracing a moodier and darker aesthetic, featuring striking shades of black and deep plum.

Moreover, we are proud to introduce a new addition to our product line-up – the Herringbone Carry All. This chic and functional storage solution represents one of our largest products yet, serving as the ultimate multi-functional travel accessory. With its tall and spacious design, it offers ample room for upright storage and easy access, complete with a shoulder strap for seamless mobility. We firmly believe that bigger truly is better! But the excitement doesn't end there. We are thrilled to reveal our latest Liberty of London print – Fairytale Forest. This enchanting and whimsical design has been carefully chosen to complement not only our new Herringbone and Velvet shades but also seamlessly integrate with previous collections, ensuring impeccable coordination and merchandising in-store.

Could you provide insights into the inspiration behind the development of your latest products? How do they align with your brand's overall vision and values?

Our journey into Autumn and Winter led us to embrace a moodier, deeper aesthetic inspired by the serene beauty of woodland retreats. Our inspiration soared when we discovered the Fairytale Forest print—an enchanting, whimsical design that captures the essence of ethereal cosiness. Naturally, coordinating with previous collections was paramount, ensuring seamless integration and continuity. From there, we delved into palettes and textures reminiscent of cosy autumn comforts, with rich black and plum hues calling out to us.

At the core of our brand lies a dedication to craftsmanship, practicality, and sophistication. We believe in the importance of self-care for nurturing the mind, body, and soul. Our products are meticulously crafted to provide moments of tranquillity and rejuvenation amidst the chaos of daily life. By integrating locally sourced materials and thoughtful design elements, we aim to exceed the expectations of our customers. Our commitment to quality and innovation shines through in every aspect of our latest collection, inviting everyone to embrace a lifestyle of luxury and serenity.

Tell us more about your brand's background and founders. What motivated them to start the brand, and how has the journey been so far?

Toni and Nikki, the dynamic duo behind Tonic, embarked on a journey over three decades ago driven by a shared passion for aesthetics and a vision for modern femininity. With Nikki's extensive background in retail and Toni's expertise in wholesale, they identified a gap in the market for well-designed, high-quality wellness and cosmetic bag products. Drawing upon their complementary strengths, they saw an opportunity to merge their talents and bring their collective vision to life.

Thus, Tonic was born—a clever fusion of their names and a testament to their creativity, distinctiveness, and dedication to cultivating a uniquely Australian brand. As they navigated the challenges of building a business, their shared values of quality, design, and customer satisfaction remained at the forefront of their endeavours.

Today, Toni and Nikki lead a passionate team spanning product development, design, marketing, and sales. With over 250 boutiques and majors globally stocking their products, their journey has been one of growth, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to their brand's ethos.

Their ability to leverage their diverse skill sets, combined with their shared vision for excellence, has been the driving force behind Tonic's success. As they continue to innovate and expand their offerings, Toni and Nikki remain steadfast in their mission to deliver beautifully designed products that resonate with consumers worldwide.

Can you highlight any specific challenges your brand has faced in the industry and how you've overcome them?

One of the significant challenges Tonic faced was learning to let go: realising the importance of delegating responsibility and trusting a larger team with diverse skill sets. Initially, it was just Toni and Nikki, but as the business expanded, they recognised the need to involve more people, especially those with expertise beyond their own. Tonic experienced rapid growth, reaching a point where managing the workload as a duo became unfeasible. Thus, they sought out talented and aligned individuals who could collaborate with the two founders effectively, which was a challenging process. They recognised early on that they required individuals with skills they lacked, and eventually, they were able to build a fantastic team. However, it wasn't without its hiccups along the way, but those experiences helped us refine our approach and build a stronger foundation for Tonic’s growth.

What strategies do you employ to stay ahead of industry trends and maintain a competitive edge in the market?

Firstly, we emphasise continuous research and development, constantly seeking inspiration from diverse sources globally. By engaging with customers, suppliers, our own analytics, and industry thought leaders, Tonic gains insights into evolving consumer preferences and emerging trends. This proactive approach allows us to anticipate market shifts and adapt our product offerings accordingly.

We also place a strong emphasis on innovation, regularly introducing new and exciting products that resonate our customers. The brand's commitment to quality and functionality ensures that its products not only meet market demands but also continuously exceed customer expectations.

Looking into the future, what are your brand's long-term goals and aspirations?

Looking into the future, Tonic's long-term goals and aspirations revolve around sustained growth, innovation, and customer satisfaction. We aim to further expand our presence in international markets such as the United States and Europe while solidifying our position in Australia. Our overarching goal is to become a globally recognised brand synonymous with quality, style, and functionality in the wellness and lifestyle sector. We aspire to continue nurturing strong relationships with our customers and suppliers, while also remaining committed to sustainability and ethical business practices. Ultimately, we envision Tonic as a brand that inspires and enriches the lives of people around the world through thoughtfully designed products and experiences.

Are there any upcoming plans or projects in the pipeline for your brand? Can you share insights into what the audience can expect from your brand in the coming years?

At Tonic, we're always on the move. As soon as one collection launches, we're already immersed in research and development for the next. There's never a dull moment—we're constantly seeking inspiration from around the globe, engaging with customers and suppliers, and keeping a close eye on industry trends and thought leaders. Our commitment extends to creating products that not only meet market needs but also resonate with our own standards of quality and functionality. We're thrilled about the momentum we're gaining in international markets, as well as solidifying our presence in Australia. Our customer relationships have never been stronger, and we're committed to nurturing them further. Stay tuned for what's next—we guarantee it'll be worth the wait!