Small Business Focus: The Cheesemaking Workshop

Meet Lyndall Dykes, entrepreneur, innovator, teacher, author, cheese enthusiast and a leading advocate for the Coffs Coast tourism industry.

Lyndall is the owner operator of The Cheesemaking Workshop which this past year has attracted record numbers of visitors.

She is the mastermind behind a growing local interest in cheese and has amassed a strong following with discerning cheese lovers and those wishing to take the opportunity to learn how to make their own cheeses.

The Cheesemaking Workshop will shortly celebrate 12 months in their new premises at The Big Banana. Lyndall is thrilled with the location, its ease of access and plentiful parking.

“The business has grown remarkably since we moved here. With the additional space we are now able to offer a significant range of new products along with our cheese making workshops,” Lyndall said.

Once inside, you will be amazed to discover the premises house a fully stocked deli, with both imported and Australian cheeses, local jams, chutneys and condiments, kitchen wares and utensils, two workshop/kitchen areas, a dining area and a large outdoor deck. There is a tasteful French provincial influence throughout.

The deli stocks over 100 varieties of cheese including hard and semi-hard cheeses, blue cheeses and a huge selection of white moulded cheese which are creamy and delicious.

The business hosts regular cheese making workshops which attract both individuals and groups who share a love of cooking and naturally produced foods. There are also shorter one hour workshops for mums and dads to bring along their children.

Lyndall is a popular figurehead at these workshops. She loves showing families how easy it is to make cheese and encourages them to think about food, where it comes from and the fact that it does not have to come packaged from the supermarket.

Midway through 2016, Lyndall and her daughter Mel Browne (who also works in the business) started up the Cheese Club. This too has been a major success attracting lovers of cheese to a monthly session to enjoy a range of exquisite cheeses which are accompanied by tasting notes and condiments.

Lyndall is excited about the prospects for the business in 2017.

“We are capturing a growing market who is excited about what Coffs has to offer. They are seeking a culinary experience – one that is enjoyable and fun at the same time.  We are always looking at fresh ways to keep our offer interesting for our customers. We hope to shortly announce some exciting plans for 2017,” Lyndall said.

Lyndall is appreciative of the support that ETC Business Advisors have provided in helping her progress aspects of her business. Studies show that business operators with a mentor are more likely to be successful. To make an appointment with an ETC Business Advisor please call 1800 007 400.

Lyndall’s Tips for Business Success

1. Be passionate about your area of business expertise
2. Have the courage to stand out from the rest and the determination to succeed
3. Don’t operate alone, work with collaborators, networkers and key influencers
4. Take your customers with you on your journey
5. Stay alert for new opportunities and be willing to adapt