Kirilly Crawford: Coming home to connect – Shotgun style

Kirilly Crawford has travelled the world but can’t think of any place she’d rather be than Tasmania. So much so, she’s set down business roots in the middle of Hobart’s CBD with her venture Shotgun Coffee. In the process, Kirilly (Cafe Manager) and her business partners have shown that a coffee shop can be anything but ordinary.

Shotgun Coffee is all about colour, music, banter and fun along with great coffee and fabulous food. It is a business that was born from two friends talking over an idea, and now employs 10 Tasmanians. Shotgun Coffee has also created work for local graphic designers, artists, metalworkers, sign writers, musicians, hospitality suppliers and painters. The building company that did the fitout put on more staff to complete the project.

“We made a huge effort to collaborate with the right type of builders. They brought new ideas and talented people in through this process that we wouldn’t have had access to otherwise. It was a ripple effect really. There are so many amazing creative and talented makers, tradespeople and hospitality stars in Tasmania.”

Shotgun Coffee in Hobart CBD. Photo credit: Ross Giblin

Kirilly is dedicated to employing young, driven professionals wanting to foster their career path. At Shotgun the emphasis is on creating opportunities to collaborate with other local business on sustainability projects. The team have partnered with like-minded suppliers committed to ethical and sustainable practices including Zimmah Coffee, Udderly Tasmanian, Straight Up gluten free bakers and Lauds Plant-based Foods.

Kirilly grew up in Devonport. After finishing high school she hit the road for two years, covering nearly every state in Australia. This only fuelled her desire for more travel which included visiting Cambodia many times and immersing herself in fundraising projects for the Happy School in Phnom Penh.

“No matter where I travelled to I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. There is just no place like Tasmania. I feel so lucky and proud to have grown up here. Tasmania makes you feel anything is possible if you put your mind to it. There are so many creative opportunities. The best part about living and working in Tasmania is the authentic relationships that you can form and the connections that you can create here,” adds Kirilly.

She has worked in a range of roles across hospitality and customer service, business development and events.

Shotgun Coffee is a creative and fun environment. Photo credit: Ross Giblin

“In the events and music industry I see so much potential and excitement. It’s all about connecting with people to create amazing experiences or deliver inspiring projects. In my fundraising work it’s about linking Tasmanian businesses with causes that align with their own aims and objectives and helping them to invest in and contribute to social change.  And in my barista world it is about bringing people together in a beautiful space to experience a little bit of New Orleans.”

“I have been a barista in so many cafes around Hobart and love seeing familiar faces. I’m lucky enough to work on many events and festivals too, so you never know where I am going to pop up next!”

Sounds like Kirilly is here to stay.

Are you interested in making a move? Make it Tasmania.

For information on starting a business in Tasmania look through our stories or visit Business Tasmania.

For more information about Shotgun Coffee visit: https://www.facebook.com/shotguncoffeehobart/