His aim was to create a space for vegan and ethical products to be made accessible to the community and provide DiY badge making facilities.

According to Schenk, business and ethics aren't two mutually exclusive ideas. ‘Businesses can be tools to promote and push a good cause or idea and entrepreneurship isn't just about making money but creating new projects and ventures and having explosively good ideas,’ he said.

The new Stay Human space in Richmond sits above another shopfront and is a large, open area with a great feel. Comfy couches with a video gaming console sit in the corner and the merchandise is neatly displayed on shelving and racks. Products vary from hoodies with prints by local designers, to vegan accessories fashioned from reclaimed bicycle inner tubes and badges by local artists.

The DiY badge making facilities are sure to be a big hit. A long counter has several machines available so multiple people can work at once. Use of the machines costs just 50 cents per badge, with three different sizes available: 1 inch, 35mm and 55mm. The shop also offers colour printing if you take your work in on CD or USB.

Alongside the retail space stocking the work of other creative people, Schenk will continue supplying bands, events and businesses with a full range of custom merchandise including badges, stickers, garments and much more. Another sign of his commitment to raising the profile of ethical products, Schenk has started an online zine, ethical entrepreneur http://www.ethical-entrepreneur.net/, focussed on ethical businesses and projects.

Future plans for the Stay Human retail space include hosting launches, events and film nights for the local community. The shop is open from Tuesday to Sunday each week from 10am-5pm.

Stay Human
Upstairs/77 Bridge Road
Richmond, VIC, 3121
Ph: 0421 557236
Tue-Sun 10am-5pm



WORDS: Emily Clark

Stay Human owner, Rocket Schenk

Ethical clothing options

Badge making facilities