Last Updated: September 8, 2023

I met recently with Karen Jeffery owner of Cocoon and asked some questions about her fabulous homewares business established for over 8 years in Thirroul.

Cocoon the name, how did it come about? From the concept of a caterpillar that makes its cocoon (home) and transforms into a butterfly. It is a protective and nurturing word that says home to us.

Your background? After I did my HSC, I went to Julien Ashton’s art school in the Rocks as well as working part-time in a book design company. Ashton’s was a very disciplined drawing school. At the age of 20, I was taken into an ad agency and continued my training. At 23, I went to live and work in England for 4 years and came back and set up my own freelance graphic design company in Sydney, I had 3 staff and clients such as QBE Insurance, P&O Ports, TAL Insurance and The Red Cross. I also designed the Integral Energy logo.

What inspired you to start this business? I love beautifully made and crafted pieces, unique pieces, collectible items and tribal art. There was nothing like this in Thirroul six years ago, and I wanted to bring it to the area for people to have something different to choose from. Nothing gives me more pleasure than when something I love and appreciate is appreciated by a customer, and I know it will stay in that family for a long time and be passed down, and not be discarded a year or two later.

Best Describe Your Business? We are a homewares store with a difference. We go out of our way to find authentic, unique pieces, many of them are one-off. Hand made art pieces. We also stock lighting, quality rugs, timber and Asian antique furniture and gifts. I guess our store would be called an emporium.

Summary of services offered if any; We are happy to help with design ideas, let the customer take certain items, like rugs, home to see if they will work first before purchasing and endeavour, where possible, to find something a customer may be looking for.

Summary of products sold;  Rugs, lighting, soft furnishings, furniture, caneware, authentic tribal art, jewellery, sunglasses, men’s accessories, leather bags and wallets, Indian and Chinese antiques, kids games and puzzles and general gifts.

Do you live locally? Yes, I have a lovely home in Wombarra.

More information: Cocoon Thirroul

Read more about author: Thirroul Guru

First published: 19th March 2019 – 2,509 hits.