Entrepreneur Monique Samara has tackled a traditionally male-dominated field to build a packaging company that now services thousands of businesses throughout Australia.
Samara's passion for packaging began in an antiques shop run by her grandmother, where she carefully observed the art of packaging up precious items for customers with paper, ribbons, and boxes.
“She used to do such a beautiful job and took such care in the presentation of the wrapping,” she says.
“I wanted to be able to bring the same experience to other business owners by producing the most beautiful range of packaging.”
And so, she set about launching PackQueen to help small businesses with their packaging needs.
“I wanted to help other business-owners and offer a range of beautiful packaging products that met their needs,” Samara says.
“10 years on, we've grown from holding 2000 products to 4000, offering more products than any other packaging companies.
“We took them from a stockline product to a custom product and have been able to help companies as they've grown.”
PackQueen products include gift boxes and boutique-style packaging that caters to the needs of bricks and mortar businesses as well as e-commerce retailers.
The locally owned and operated online packaging store manufactures 80 per cent of its products on-site at the warehouse in Victoria.
“We manufacture the products ourselves here – so we take flat sheet and create the cutting form,” Samara says.
Local suppliers supply all its raw sheet materials.
Working with small start-ups that began with just 25 boxes per month, the manufacturer has seen clients grow into larger businesses that require thousands of boxes per month.
The business currently includes a team of 10, and there are plans to expand as it grows further.
“As we further expand on our products, there will be more innovation within the range,” Samara says.
“There will be better-shaped boxes, and we'll build on our stockline products so we can grow the range of solutions for our customers.”
Samara is currently appearing on Foxtel’s Industry Leaders program, and continues to successfully raise the profile of women in business.
For more inspiring stories on women in business, you can register for our Women in Industry breakfast as part of the AIP National Conference on 3 May. Hosted by PKN Packaging News and Food & Drink Business, the event will include a keynote speaker followed by a panel discussion featuring influential and inspiring women working in the food, beverage and packaging industry. With the theme of Bridging the Diversity Gap, the event will explore initiatives in Australian companies making positive changes for female employees. You can register here for the Queensland event.
