LOUISE BANNISTER — Soul Safari

"Working with beautifully printed products everyday makes my heart very happy."

After 15 years building magazines and brands for other people, Louise Bannister took the leap - along with her co-pilot Lara Burke - and put her skills into practice on a more personal project. As the co-founder and publisher of We Print Nice Things, Louise works with great people to produce beautiful things. Her positive attitude and an optimistic spirit informs every aspect of her studio in Byron Bay and inspires great work from collaborators around the world.

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Tell us a little about your current work - what do you do, and what inspires you to do it?

My biggest focus at the moment is a new quarterly magazine/book called Lunch Lady. It's a beautiful, printed magazine which focuses on food and family for creative people who also happen to be parents. There's nothing like it in the parenting space, which is exactly why I'm inspired to do it.

Photo: Working with beautifully printed products everyday makes my heart very happy

How does your work enrich your life or the lives of others?

Our work is down to earth and accessible - which is the main reason why it enriches lives. It's also really well thought out, thoroughly researched and well designed.

Can you share a recent project you’ve worked on that you’re most proud of?

Lunch Lady is one of my proudest achievements. It's a challenge to create something unique and excellent every quarter and I think we manage to do it despite juggling our busy lives and children as well.

What was the pivot point that set you on your current path? Where were you then? Where are you now?

I have always made magazines and built brands. After 15 years building and making magazines for someone else (frankie, smith journal, spaces), I branched out with my best friend to start an independent publishing company in the hope we could take all the lessons we learnt and do it all again.

Photo: From Sabine Timm's smoothie series in Lunch Lady issue 6

What advice would you give to others to identify and embrace those moments of action?

Think of the worst case scenario if you "fail", face it head on and find a solution for it. Once you know you can deal with the worst case, you might be more likely to have a go.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give someone who’s going through their own transformation or reinvention?

I'm constantly in transformation so I'd like someone to give me advice! All I know is that it gets bumpy out there, but you just have to have a little faith that if you've put in the hard yards, you will eventually land on your feet.

Photo: Lunch Lady issue 6

Who or what has been your biggest inspiration in shaping your career? Are you creating your own path or being guided by a mentor?
I'm creating my own path, but sometimes I'd really like a mentor. I'm inspired by everyday people doing amazing things. I'm also really inspired by successful small business owners who are some of the most resourceful and creative people I know.

Photo: This is Christmas Beach, near where I live

Where in the world would you describe as the place that speaks to you - your soul place?
My soul place is anywhere in nature. It helps me slow down to a pace that allows me to think clearly.
If you could do anything, what in the world would you want to do next?
I'd like to create an awesome, exciting, creative for-profit company doing exceptional things for the environment and the people that need help most.

All images used with permission from Louise Bannister.