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 Endorsed by Sarah Blasko, raved about by The Grates, and receiving increasing acclaim the nation over? TESS CURRAN chats to BIDDY BAGS’ creator SAMANTHA JOCKEL to find out just what the fuss is all about...
Nannas are wonderful creatures. Always there to share their perfumed hugs and their stories; to offer us the sweetest teacakes and slightly stale shortbreads. Although, as I’ve grown older, I couldn’t help but notice that there are three other things most nannas really excel at: gossiping, the competitive comparing of ailments, and knitting (usually all at once).
Sick of seeing the latter go to waste on scarves and doilies that may never see the light of day, local mother and entrepreneur Samthana Jockel founded Biddy Bags – an ethical business initiative which employs Brisbane’s elderly to stitch and crochet bags and other accessories for the younger market.
 Since its 2006 inception, the business has grown in leaps and bounds – appearing in various fashion magazines and media features, and attracting none other than the lovely Sarah Blasko as official Biddy Bags spokesperson. While the current success is encouraging, Samantha reminds us that motivation behind Biddy Bags is not monetary gain but about bridging the generational gap and fostering friendship and community amongst those otherwise isolated in our society.
And when you witness the knitting nannas gathered together, chatting and laughing as they crochet cupcake tea-cosies and chameleon clutches, the result really is heart-warming.
TESS CURRAN: What’s the story behind Biddy Bags?
SAMANTHA JOCKEL: I think the vibe in our society is generally once you hit a certain age you don’t really have anything that valuable to contribute anymore. So really Biddy Bags is about changing that perception by bringing the fun and sexiness back to growing old. It has also been about establishing a model for ethical business in order to show that profitable, self-sustaining ethical business is possible.
 TC: How is the maker’s story included in the bag? Is this something customers appreciate?
SJ: We include the story of the maker printed on the inside pocket of every Biddy Bag. We decided to do this as a way of helping people realise that behind every handmade product is a person with amazing skills. I think this is a really important thing for our customers who realise when they buy a Biddy Bags product it is not just another thing but an investment into the life of a crafting nanna.
TC: How did Sarah Blasko get involved with Biddy?
SJ: I had always thought that Biddy Bags could be something that Sarah Blasko might be interested in. I decided to take a risk and write her a letter and send her a bag one day, asking if she was interested in being our patron. The truth is I never actually thought it would get to her but it did. We caught up one week later and the rest is history!
 TC: Are you a big supporter of handmade generally?
SJ: To be honest, I didn’t really understand handmade until I started Biddy Bags. When I came face to face with what was required to make products by hand I started to realise the value, time and skills involved. I am now much more inclined to buy local handmade products and understand the pricing much better. When buying handmade I am not only buying a unique, quality product, I am also investing in the life of a person who is brave enough to put themselves out there give it a go.
TC: What’s your advice to someone thinking of starting up a similar project?
SJ: At school we are taught to be employees not employers. Lots of people talk about doing things, but very few actually have the courage to do anything about it. It will change your life and you will never think or be the same again.
Check out www.biddybags.com.au for more info or to buy online. A limited number of BIDDY BAGS are also available at Bleeding Hearts Gallery, Ann St, The City or GoMA Giftstore, South Brisbane.
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