By
Marise Donnolley
Editor - My BusinessWhen COVID-19 restrictions kicked in, Sydney prop and set company Pink Cactus copped a hammering. A $300,000 Vivid contract instantly disappeared, as did orders for various events and festivals.
Govinda Webster, who owns the business with his partner Georgina Buchanan, says demand for their services has plummeted. Requests for quotes have dropped from dozens each week to just a mere trickle. And, worst of all, the business has been forced to lay off employees and contractors.
But the creative duo isn’t giving up. Together they’ve brainstormed a list of ideas to try and keep things ticking over.
“We’re 100% trying to diversify,” says Govinda.
“We are quite creative people, we problem solve every day. This is just another problem. You have to go back to the basics of what are your skills and your passions and then work out how to combine them.”
Given the pair’s teaching backgrounds, a logical first step was to share their knowledge. They’ve kicked off an introductory course on welding and fabrication, and there are plans for short courses in leatherwork, timber and electronics.
Govinda says the response has been good, but he’s mindful the plan may be short-lived if a full lockdown is enforced.
He’s also put it out to the world of motor sports that Pink Cactus can fabricate and work on cars, or even help people build one.
“But those expensive toys are going to be the first to go so that might be a hard sell,” he says.
Georgina, meanwhile, is tapping into her passion for art. She can transform your favourite Instagram post into an amazing painting, or give her a video of something and, voilà, you’ll soon have a flick book. And she’s already had lots of requests to paint portraits of individuals or families.
Upskill
Govinda urged other small businesses to think outside the box. He says most people, especially tradies, can retrain and learn new skills.
“I’ve learnt so many skills off YouTube,” he says.
“Try and start another business using the passions and skills you have and learn new ones. Now is the time to put it into practice and have a go. You’ve got nothing to lose.
“I’m even going back to working as a handyman and have put ads in the local paper.”
For those who can manage to stay afloat, it will be worth it, says Govinda.
“Try and stay positive and stick it out cos if you’re one of the remaining businesses in your field when this is over, you’ll have so much work you won’t know what to do.”
Visit Pink Cactus’s website for more details, or contact them on Facebook or Instagram.
Marise Donnolley
Editor, My BusinessMarise Donnolley is a journalist and editor with more than 20 years' experience in the media.