Our Story
Meet Founder Brittany
Thank you for reading my story and being part of my journey!
I moved to Sydney in 2013 after recently graduating Year 12. I had a small loft apartment, a student loan, and no idea what I wanted to major in. At university, I was enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts studying a mix of social sciences. A combination of subjects in which I had no idea what career I could secure after my degree.
Throughout my mid-university break, I booked an internship in Nepal to complete a Photo Journalism course. I was always fascinated by film and photography and thought it would be a fun (and cheap) holiday. After a month in Nepal, I came back with the idea of studying filmmaking instead and applied to the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS). It was a long application process but I was selected! YAY! I deferred my Bachelor’s degree and started Filmmaking in January 2014.
The film degree was a one-year intensive course, Monday to Friday 9-5. It was the most creative year of my life and I loved every subject. The year ended and I had my heart set on becoming a documentary filmmaker but the reality was that filmmaking is a very difficult industry to start a career in Australia and the students that succeeded won scholarships or went into television.
2014
Started studying Filmmaking at AFTRS
2015
Started YouTube Channel
2016
Found my niche
2017 - 2018
Expanding channel to Snail Mail & Stationery content
I had to make my next life decision and the following year I decided to go back to my bachelor’s degree. I quickly learned that this wasn’t the path for me and started studying marketing instead. I was working in retail at the time and it all became too much. I was studying an online course while working full-time hours. I worked my way up from store assistant to store manager. I tried a few marketing internships as well but nothing seemed right. I tried a few small business ideas, again nothing seemed right. At this point, I was a bit lost.
I still had my heart set on filmmaking and in 2015 I started my YouTube Channel.
I was talking about life, fitness, health, craft, and for an entire year, I had 350 subscribers. Not a large following but I enjoyed creating films and building a community.
My channel took off when I made a video called “Snail Mail Penpal Ideas”. I was always a creative person. I loved to craft and scrapbook and had a few penpals growing up. My sister had just introduced me to a website called www.swap-bot.com and I decided to make a tutorial showing what I was sending to penpals. I was so excited to send something to the other side of the world and received a beautiful letter back from a complete stranger who also loves to craft and write letters.
2019
Opened online stationery shop and Patreon
2020
Reached 20,000 Subscribers
2021
Decision to open a bricks and mortar stationery shop
2022
Opening of Koko Kawaii Craft Cafe & Stationery Shop
My channel grew from 350 subscribers to 1000 subscribers in less than a month and I was ecstatic. I kept creating snail mail videos and the community continued to grow. I started organising challenges, projects, and giveaways for the “Snail Mail Community” and had so much fun. Everyone was so creative and I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the gifts that were sent to my PO box. I tried to reply back to hundreds of letters but eventually needed to stop accepting new penpals. I still appreciate anyone who sends me a letter and I always try to open it up on camera and give my thanks.
In 2019 I opened an online stationery shop and Patreon. I loved designing, packing and shipping out hundreds of orders to other stationery addicts like me. After three years of selling products online, I wanted to grow my business. I decided to embark on opening a bricks and mortar stationery shop.
Seven years after I started my YouTube Channel I now have a physical craft cafe and stationery shop (a dream come true)!
Impressions from my journey…
Some of my favourite things…
Filmmaking
I love filmmaking and creating YouTube videos! You can always find me with a camera.
Tea
The best thing to do on a rainy day is to get cosy on the couch with chocolate and a cup of tea. Bliss!
Creating
Creating everyday! My creative loves at the moment are writing penpal letters and art journalling.
Reading
Girl Boss,The Space Between, The Husband’s Secret, Winging It. Here are a few that I could not put down!
Are you ready to create at Koko Kawaii?
Book your visit now!
Choose from our many activities or simply drop in for a coffee or one of our speciality drinks.
Let our beautiful environment spark your creativity!
Opening Hours
Monday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tuesday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Wednesday closed
(School holidays: 8am – 4pm)
Thursday closed
(School holidays: 8am – 4pm)
Friday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
Sunday 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
Contact us
Address: 49 -53 Regent St, Chippendale NSW 2008
Phone: 0422 748 862
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