Frankhead Beanie Co. - Interview

THURSDAY, 18 JUNE 2009
Submitted By: Mariangela Silvestre

Today we will be interviewing Ben O, the man behind Frankhead Beanies, a new snowboarding product set to invade the slopes this season.

So, Ben, tell us a little about yourself?
I�m 24, originally from Hobart, Tasmania. I�m coming up to my 4th snowboarding season this year, and I�ve just recently started selling my beanies online.

How did you get into snowboarding?
Well, I got into skiing first, back in �99 and I guess I just felt like more of a challenge. Snowboarding looked more fun to me.

Who is your favourite rider?
Robbie Walker - The Rock has effortless style.

Where will you be heading this season?
I�m heading to Falls Creek, and Mount Hotham. The reason for that is because Falls Creek has one of the coolest villages, and a great group of people who are really down-to-earth.

How did you come up with the design?
Well, that�s a bit crazy. I learnt how to crochet from a guy in Wanaka, and I began to see a pattern with the stitches, where I could generate my own pixelated designs using the stitches grid. I�ve noticed a trend towards goofy looking characters in the industry, and I tried to create something that was unique, but at the same time capturing the same sort of idea.

Tell us about the crocheting process...
Crocheting�s pretty easy. It�s kind of like knitting, but you don�t have to think as much. Crocheting�s a popular pastime for anyone who frequents the snow because, as we all know, there are some days where it�s not worth your while going out and catching the chairlift because it�s too foggy, or in Australia�s case - too rainy.

What made you decide to go into business?
Typically, I�m not a �business� person, but what made me go into business was the feedback from the designs that I�d been making in Wanaka.

What were you doing previously?
I�ve got a printing and graphic design background, so I was working in those industries.

What can we expect from Frankhead in the future?
You can expect original designs, bright colours and to keep your head warm.

Time for the fast five:

Favourite snowboarding film? Mack Dawg - Picture This
Favourite board? Santa Cruz - Jon Kooley
Snowboarding stance? Regular - 15, minus 12
Best trick you�ve landed? Backflip late backside 180 - but it was kind of by mistake, haha.
Favourite resort? Falls Creek

Any final message? Remember, fun�s the name of the game.

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