By Peter Douglas
Gembrook’s Leah Anderson is the poster child of the modern entrepreneur – ambitious, internet savvy and turning passion into a hit online business.
After first creating her snow globes around 2012, which she gave to family and friends, Leah started her business – Queen of Snow Globes – and stumbled upon a niche in the market.
In fact, the demand for her globes was so strong her business has grown from filling orders locally, to assembling a team of staff, to custom-making globes for international clients.
This impressive list of orders extends to Hollywood megastars, including actors Steve Martin, Channing Tatum and Kurt Russell.
Though one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, orders came from cult director Quentin Tarantino.
He ordered a whopping 500 globes to give as gifts to those who worked on the set of his 2016 film, ‘The Hateful Eight’.
The globes feature intricate models inspired from the film, which Leah said was a daunting task.
“The producer was quite clear about what he wanted and I was worried we may not live up to expectations,” she said.
“But they turned out fantastic; they’re a phenomenal-looking globe.
“They loved them so much they ordered another 300 globes, which were presented to guests at the Oscars.”
Her globes have also featured in Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda’ musical and the Netflix TV series, ‘Narcos’.
This is in addition to creating much-loved custom pieces that people keep as mementoes or give as gifts.
She said they make wonderful wedding gifts, or to help people express treasured memories.
“We get a lot of orders for childhood homes, or things that encapsulate childhood memories,” she said.
“We do everything from custom wedding favours, to promotional pieces or staff gifts.”
Where did it all start, though?
“I was watching an episode of ‘Sex and the City’ and was inspired to find a beautiful snow globe that featured on the show,” Leah said.
“What I found online was just tacky Disney snow globes, but nothing really beautiful or custom-made.
“So I decided to build my own.”
Leah said she surprised herself at how well they turned out, so she decided to build some more.
The rest, as they say, is history.
To view some of the amazing globes, visit www.queenofsnowglobes.com.
