Meet Renee, the visionary Founder & Chief Cultivator at Cultivate.

With over 20 years of expertise in a vast array of industries, skills, and events, Renee is the driving force behind amplifying brands with a unique blend of strategic prowess and creative finesse.

Growing up in Orange, Central West, NSW, Renee’s journey was intricately woven with insights gained from small business owners, igniting her passion for creativity from a young age.

As with many teenagers in country towns, most of her jobs outside school involved juggling several hospitality roles. It was her exposure to some fiercely passionate and creative business owners during this time, as well as some extraordinary “I could write a book and no one would believe me” experiences, that had her hooked and wanting more.

Her love for design, though, became evident during her teenage years. Cleverly manipulating her Year 12 timetable to attend design classes at Orange TAFE even before completing high school [unbeknownst to her teachers or parents]. This early zeal laid the foundation for a remarkable trajectory in the world of design.

The pursuit of formal design studies led her to Canberra, where fate intervened. A visit to a design studio led to an unexpected employment opportunity, and by the age of 20, Renee co-owned the studio. Design ONE, her brainchild for nearly a decade, primarily focused on print-based media, with an exciting intersection of hospitality and tourism projects achieving many accolades for her endeavours within this business.

The birth of her first child marked a turning point; there was an apparent itch. Thirsty for a change, she and her husband and almost-one-year-old packed up everything and planned to move to New Zealand. However, the universe had other ideas. Their impending arrival timed in with the occurrence of the massive earthquakes in Christchurch. With that plan thwarted before it had begun, they found themselves in the Southern Highlands, NSW, about to turn 30, living with Renee’s parents, jobless and another kid on the way.

But it was this utter upheaval that was embraced, a new appreciation that change is inevitable that fuelled her drive from that point. Renee truly believes because when there are no “shoulds” or “have-to’s”, you are more open to anything.

While her offspring were young, she bounced between design roles and contracted projects, including roles with numerous health departments, Art Director for Highlife Magazine and studio manager for a bespoke printing business.

But as the kids got a little older, that itch arose again. And Renee and her husband, Glenn, set out to seriously endeavour starting their own ... something.

Many ideas were explored, but again it was the universe stepping in that was the catalyst for the beginnings of Birch. What started as a passion project unfolded into Birch Restaurant and Birch Store, both earning accolades as award-winning destination dining and retail outlets.

It was never intended for Birch to become as encompassing as it did. But again tossed into the throws of the unknown [hello COVID], where every rule book was tossed out the window, Renee found herself once again in the unknown. During this time Renee extended Birch beyond a traditional restaurant model; as she navigated Birch’s evolution, embracing online platforms, collaborations, and regionally celebrated events. An advocate for passion, connection, and relevance, Renee dismantles conventional expectations, ensuring Birch’s journey remained adaptable, relevant, and exciting [and all the while still continuing freelance design work in the background for several clients].

After almost six years at the helm of Birch, change was afoot, due to once again parameters outside their control arising that prevented Renee, Glenn, and their crew from being able to do what they love and grow this in the way they desired. Big decisions were made, and the restaurant closed and the store has now converted to an online offering.

From this transformative period emerged Cultivate Assembly, a creative haven born out of genuine client desires. Renee’s strategic vision now extends to collaborating with numerous founders, meticulously shaping brand stories, visuals, and user experiences, where success is not just an achievement but a celebration.

A fervent advocate for female founders, Renee embodies a no-nonsense, powerhouse approach to fueling success. Beyond her professional prowess, she’s a mad keen creator, a supreme coffee-slut, a purveyor of vino and fine foods, dreams of European escapades daily or immerses herself in Melbourne’s cultural richness at any opportunity.

In every facet of her journey, Renee’s commitment lies in authentically connecting with audiences, fuelling brand experiences, and instilling lasting impacts, making Cultivate not just a venture but a celebration of creativity and success.

[ IMAGE : MICHELLE JARNI ]

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