Bahnuk

Words by Samantha C. Ross | Photography by Catseye Productions

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A new, flamboyant burst of colour has been added to Macrossan Street.

Fun fused with fabulous, local business owner, Jessica Bannock, brings to life a representation of her own quirky style at Bahnuk in Port Douglas.

What began as an online shop is now a bricks and mortar reality. And while customers will find divergent décor and fashion, there’s also a story of bravery and embracing individuality behind the counter.

During her uni gap year in 2002, Jess visited Port Douglas, before returning to Canada to complete a fashion business degree. But the fabric of our beaches and rainforests were never far from her thoughts. In a classic case, Jessica returned as a backpacker and never left. The coastal town offered a magical sense of community that she embraced. Port Douglas likewise paired perfectly with her work-hard, play-hard belief-system.

Along with an eye-catching wardrobe, Jess brought with her the tradition of entrepreneurial parents. For 15 years, her folks ran their home-based bakery company, Sweety Pies and Babycakes (creators of the famed ‘Crunchie Munchie’ cake) where Jess and her siblings were expected to pitch in. They instilled a valuable family message - love what you’re immersed in.

Armed with a love of challenges and learning curves, Jessica took over her first business, Platinum Property Services, and her approachable incandescence had word spreading fast. Platinum’s ethos, ‘Built by heart and fuelled by design’ swiftly appealed to a high-end clientele.

While her property management success bloomed, so did Jessica’s own enterprising spirit, by including Enduroshield and Environmental Air Solutions under the Platinum umbrella. Clearly though, spending time among inspirational décor planted an even larger seed.

And the reality of Bahnuk grew to life.

As Jess’s courage flourished, so did the bravery to embrace her own quirky individuality in professional and personal style, which sparked the Bahnuk brand message - adopt your own unique attitude. Devolving from trends, it’s a lifestyle experience with statement pieces that encourage individuals to be themselves with flair.

Eye-catching detail, quality, and unlike anything else available in Australia, these are the things you can expect from Bahnuk. The collection came together with ease once Jessica (her nickname being Ms Rabbit) decided to go down the rarity rabbit hole and stay there.

With glassware, décor, accessories and furniture procured from all four corners, it’s not about the price-tag, but the privilege of enjoying the creative flow of artisan hands, with the aim of making the world more beautiful. And how that beauty can elevate moments in your personal space. It is about buying once, and enjoying for decades to come. And Jess’s selection of clothing on offer steps away from fast fashion. Each piece invites others to play outside the box, appreciate investment in yourself, and promote a deeper sense of self-worth.

Jessica’s identifies with her icon, Iris Apfel’s, theory - if you don’t dress like everyone else, you don’t have to think like everyone else. Confidence in your own style creates opportunity, and that changes the world around you.

And yet, while Bahnuk’s eclectic pieces might be high-end, they can still be styled on a budget. Jessica’s own home boasts Bahnuk’s colourful décor, which blends seamlessly with her op-shop treasures.

Again, the message to grow a more innovative individuality is clear.

However, Jess rarely works alone. For an entrepreneur with multiple businesses, collaboration is key. A keen team-player, Jess attributes elements of her success to trusted co-workers. Jason Mildren is her go-to graphic designer, who interprets her mind to page. And Resource Manager, Samantha Carver, streamlines her goals and deciphers her vision, alongside the irreplaceable Platinum dream-team.

Community support, helpful distributors and the benevolence of Platinum clients sharing their business skills have also been abundant. And importantly, Jessica’s partner Gary is likewise a multi-business owner, who understands the highs and lows.

With so much pizazz on her plate, one wonders how Jess manages balance. Easy, the glamourous brand owner is just as comfortable lolling around Gary’s Daintree farm. In fact, it isn’t unusual to see Jess collecting chicken eggs in a sequined turban from Miami, or walking the dogs through cane-paddocks in faux fur.

Perhaps that’s why Jessica is able to attract all walks of clientele as Bahnuk is for everyone, whether the focus be on an individual’s needs with a one-off piece, or styling an entire home.

Heart and design will always be Jessica Bannock’s motivation.

With a love of fashion, but not the vanity that goes with the industry, Jess once found it hard to find her place. Yet with the birth of Bahnuk, she now knows how to translate her passion. And in 2023, she’s looking to create success, happiness, and share with us all the wonderful series of coincidences that have allowed this destiny to unfold.