28 February 2022
UniSA Creative Alumni Taking Adelaide Events Industry by Storm
Rachel Evans
Director at Hygge Studio
Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)
Lucy Temme
Director at Hygge Studio
Bachelor of Journalism
From humble beginnings to holding Adelaide’s social scene in the palm of their hands, University of South Australia Creative graduates Lucy Temme and Rachel Evans are the dynamic duo taking our events industry by storm with Hygge Studio.
The pair, who earned their Bachelor of Design and Journalism respectively at UniSA, started up their own creative studio in 2016 when they found a niche market missing in Adelaide. Their business, Hygge Studio, is a one-stop-shop for all things ‘events’, offering the full package of event styling, management, graphics, floristry, lighting, and custom design and hire.
As a formally trained graphic designer, Co-Creative Director Rachel initially founded Hygge Studio as a boutique graphics studio consulting on branding and logos, website design, after years in Visual Merchandising for fashion-giant Anthropologie in London and as the Creative Director of One Rundle Trading Co.
Meanwhile, with a degree in Journalism under her belt and extensive experience as a manager for brands like Fenton & Fenton, Eco Outdoor and Living By Design, Lucy also cut her teeth as a visual merchandiser for One Rundle Trading Co. for seven years.
In the months following Hygge’s establishment, Lucy Temme – now partner in crime and Co-Creative Director – jumped on board with Rachel's idea, bringing her flare of styling to the table whilst in the midst of planning her own wedding.
Lucy explains how initially weddings were their specialty before they moved into the corporate world and began working with incredible brands, bringing their inspirational activations to life.
“During the creation of all of these events, our Hygge Hire range started to grow from our custom designed furniture, resulting in a self-sufficient dry hire range,” Lucy says.
“Our Hygge hire team are continuously creating and building new concepts and designs for our hire range, and our styling and graphics team have the ability to create anything our client’s heart desires.”
“Customising has become our thing, no Hygge event is ever the same, and this is something that has made us stand out in the crowd.”
Over the years, their business concept continued to develop, and COVID-19 was just another stepping-stone that the Hygge team graciously took in their stride. They say the pandemic was their toughest challenge, yet also their biggest achievement.
Rachel’s natural flair for floristry, all things aesthetically pleasing, and background in visual merchandising, combined with Lucy’s skills in business, interior styling, and co-ordination of event planning, meant the pair were able to innovate and develop new ways of delivering their clients needs.
“With events and weddings postponed, we had to make a lot of adjustments to our business model. We learnt that you have to be resilient, you have to roll with the punches, and you have to adapt,” says Rachel.
“We decided to re-shift our focus to our new office space on King William Road, Hygge Atrium, a bespoke venue for hire and workshops. Launching the space has opened the doors to amazing workshop experiences, collaborations and events.”
As a result no day is ever the same, and with events picking back up, their schedules vary depending on the events and activities coming up.
“Generally, in the beginning of the week, we are planning and structuring our events and timesheets, getting on top of emails, and engaging with our clients,” says Rachel.
“In the later part of the week, we’re usually getting stuck into our activation displays, playing with flowers, or packing up the truck to head off to the site for the weekend full of festivities.”
As proud UniSA alumni, both Hygge Studio Directors reminisce on their schooling days and explain how they are constantly drawing on the skills they learnt on campus.
Rachel, who completed a Bachelor of Graphic Design, describes how university gave her the software skills and eye for design that she needs to bring her visions to life.
“I didn’t plan to have my own business, but gravitated towards it due to the creativity and flexibility it offered, and I love the fact that I can implement my studies into other areas such as floristry or creating an activation.”
“As young business owners, you also take your knowledge from other businesses you’ve worked at, to help set your benchmark. We encourage everyone, especially while at university or new graduates, to try different jobs, as it helps you gain different skills to use later in life."
Lucy, who completed a Bachelor of Journalism, always saw herself doing something hands on and creative as well.
“Studying journalism teaches you how to communicate, talk to people and clients, communicate on socials and marketing, and how to write clearly,” she says.
“I agree with Rachel, my advice is always to be looking at getting into events. Gain some catering experience, graphics experience, and try some floristry; no experience is bad experience. It’s great to get it all under your belt.”
However, despite the copious amount of study and experience they have under their own belts, the pair opened up about the raw challenges involved with running a business and juggling a good work-life balance.
Lucy, who’s a mother of two and an avid lover of home renovations, explains how she tries to invest herself fully into every moment, whether that’s business or life.
“Some days I have it together, some days I don’t. I think you have to remind yourself you’re only human,” she says.
Rachel, who partakes in anything outdoors, whether that be travelling, surfing or swimming, highlighted her similar struggles in finding the right balance of passion and commitment.
Despite all this, these ladies continue to amaze us Adelaideans. So what are their plans for the future? Well in true Hygge fashion, there is nothing better than a surprise waiting on the horizon that is sure to blow our minds away.
“We’re always up for an adventure, so the world is our oyster and there is always something in the pipeline…”
This story was originally devised by Charlotte Juniper and UniSA’s Bachelor of Communication and Media program.
