24/03/2025
📣👒🎩🤠Celebrating the backbone of our communities🤠🎩👒📣
❤️It takes passion and courage to take the plunge and start your own business, something that is evident in this chat with Kylie from BOX & CO.
Nestled in the Southern Downs, Warwick QLD is this family owned one stop shop that has the largest selection of hats I’ve ever seen in one place!
I love the below insights into the life of a small business owner that Kylie has shared with us.
Drop in say G’day and head on over and like their page. Enjoy ☕️📖
❓Can you share a defining moment or experience that influenced your decision to become a small business owner?
I’ve always loved a good hat and I knew there was a real need for quality headwear in Warwick that truly suited our lifestyle. The defining moment for me was seeing how hard it was to find a decent range of hats in one place—especially ones that suited cowboys, cowgirls and ringers. I thought, why not create that place myself? That’s how Box & Co was born!
❓How do you handle setbacks, and what have you learned from them?
Setbacks are just part of the ride. Whether it’s waiting on stock, dealing with slow online sales or learning the ins and outs of running an online store, I’ve had to adapt and keep pushing forward. The biggest lesson? Persistence. If something’s not working, I look at it from another angle, tweak my approach and try again.
❓Are there any specific books, podcasts, or mentors that have significantly influenced you on this journey?
I don’t get much time for books or podcasts, but I’ve learned heaps from other small business owners—especially those in the western and rural industries. Watching how they navigate challenges, stay true to their brand and connect with their customers has been invaluable.
❓What do you believe sets your business apart from competitors in your industry?
Box & Co isn’t just about selling hats—it’s about providing a shopping experience that feels warm, welcoming and real. I genuinely care about helping people find the right hat for them, whether it’s for work rodeos, or just everyday wear. Plus, I stock a unique range of brands that you don’t always find easily in one place and I make sure every customer walks away happy.
❓What does a typical day look like for you as a business owner?
I start early, checking emails and orders and getting back to customer inquiries. Presentation is key to making an impact on customers so there is always the cleaning the tidying. The retail shop opens at 9am. After opening there’s always something to update on the website, plus running social media, packing orders and chatting with customers in-store. Some days are spent chasing suppliers or planning events—no two days are ever the same!
❓What top three tips would you offer to someone looking to start their own business?
1. Back yourself. If you believe in your idea, don’t let doubt hold you back.
2. Be ready to learn. There’s a lot to figure out along the way and you won’t know everything at the start.
3. Stay consistent. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but showing up every day and putting in the effort will get you there.
❓What are some of your future goals for Box & Co?
I want to grow Box & Co into the go-to place for quality hats in Australia—both online and in-store. Expanding the range, stocking even more top brands and reaching more customers across the country is the plan. I’d also love to get more involved in events and sponsorships to connect even more with the community.
❓Who would you like to give a shout-out to for their help along the way?
So many people! My family, for always backing me. My customers, for supporting a small business and trusting me to find them the perfect hat. And, of course, the suppliers and brands who’ve believed in Box & Co and helped me bring top-quality hats to Warwick.
