Sticky, The Rocks Credit: Sticky
Making candy at Sticky, The Rocks
#ilovesydney
When the Greater Sydney lockdown was announced and his business was closed, rock candy artisan and owner of Sydney lolly shop Sticky, David King, armed himself with an iPhone and went to work. “We started live-streaming, first on Instagram, then on Facebook. Initially there were 20 people, then 60, then 260, and then it just kind of went a bit viral,” he says.
After streaming videos of how his colourful and creative rock candies are made, the results were stunning. Sticky’s Facebook followers grew from 90,000 to over a million; Instagram grew ten-fold from 15,000 to 165,000; his YouTube audience went from 1500 to 370,000; and his TikTok account now has more than 4 million followers since King first launched it during lockdown last year.
“We always had a small but loyal following on social media, and, out of desperation, thought we may just be able to leverage the theatrical nature of our artisanal candy making process into an online presentation, to perhaps generate some online sales,” King says.
It worked. As a result, Sticky’s revenue has increased 150 per cent over the previous financial year with orders from all over the world. “We restock our website twice a week, and then watch it sell out in about 15 minutes,” King says.
Since opening Sticky in 2001, the business has always relied on weddings, corporate events and tourism. But when the shopfront’s doors closed, revenue fell to $0.“Twelve months ago we were in solid survival mode. I almost despaired, almost gave up,” King admits.
Sticky, The Rocks Credit: Sticky
Rachel Turner and David King, Owners of Sticky
#ilovesydney
Sticky, The Rocks Credit: Sticky
Rachel Turner and David King, Owners of Sticky
The whole new world of a dedicated online audience has proven to be a blessing from both a professional and personal perspective. “Once we are live there are maybe 10,000 people watching at any given moment, I enjoy that immediacy,” he adds. “And being entirely in lockdown now, with no face-to-face customers, that interaction is keeping the team and I sane as well.”
King, whose shop is based in Sydney’s historic The Rocks area, has been called a ‘modern-day Willy Wonka’ as he shares some of the same theatrical qualities as the iconic candy inventor. The unique process behind making the colourful rock candies produces engaging content, with images of animals and fruits and even phrases magically melted into the circular sweets.
“In a time of real global upheaval, both in a pandemic and political sense, we’ve offered something engaging and yet whimsical. An escape. A blend of personality and genuine artistic process,” King says.
With a growing audience, Sticky has been experimenting and innovating with new designs and flavours. A cocktail mix and unicorn mix are among the most successful, and to keep up with the global demand, Sticky has tripled its workforce and there are plans for a second production facility.
“We all feel really grateful for where the business is when we look at the world around us, particularly in a tourist precinct like The Rocks,” he says. “It’s about staying engaged and positive.”
Aside from day-to-day operations, King has also supported charities, donating about $65,000 to various not-for-profits and raising awareness for RUOK?, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Dry July, Redfern Legal Centre and Beirut Disaster Appeal. “That has personally been one of the very most satisfying things about this whole thing,” he says.
King doesn’t like to sugar-coat the struggle for many small businesses. He knows as well as anyone how tough it is but says connection has proven the key to survival. “The world doesn’t look like it did, so your business probably can’t either,” he explains. “Finding the human in your business, and being prepared to share it, may give people a reason to find you and support you.”
sticky.com.au
Instagram: www.instagram.com/stickylollies
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stickylollies
TikTok - vm.tiktok.com/ZS9Pc5W8
YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/stickysydney
The NSW Government via Destination NSW is sharing a series of NSW Success Stories – businesses of all types that have adapted their offerings to face the current environment and continue serving their community with a fresh approach and shining success. These innovative initiatives are nothing short of inspiring.
More Inspirational Stories
Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Sydney 2023 - Written in the Stars
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
From 24 May to 15 June, Vivid Sydney returns to spark connection, wonder and reflection through Light, Music, Ideas and Food.
Over 23 nights, activations, projections, gigs, performances, talks and food will converge across our Harbour City as we explore this year’s theme of humanity together. The best part? So much of Vivid Sydney is free for you to experience (save for tapping your Opal card, of course!).
See our guide to free Vivid Sydney events below – some require you to register in advance as they have limited spots, but we’ll signpost those. To plan your Vivid Sydney visit, don't forget to use MyVivid to save your favourite events and create a shareable itinerary.
LIGHT
Vivid Sydney’s famous Light Walk is completely free, so lace up your sneakers and take in the 8km stretch packed with wondrous installations and projections. To make the most of your experience, we suggest you break up the Light Walk over several nights. The walk stretches from Circular Quay all the way to The Goods Line, and features over 30 large-scale projections and immersive, interactive works. See the full program or check out our top picks below.
LIGHTING OF THE SAILS: ECHO BY JULIA GUTMAN
This year, witness the Sydney Opera House sails be transformed by a projected tapestry of fabric with 2023 Archibald Prize winner Julia Gutman’s reimagining of the Narcissus myth. Each year, the Lighting of the Sails is always captivating, and Julia’s beautiful blend of storytelling, fabric patchworks and technology will be a truly unique spectacle. The beauty of this story will reverberate in your mind long after the lights are switched off.
SEA, SAND AND STARS
Immerse yourself in celebrated Chinese-Australian artist Guan Wei's visionary world. Watch as the story splashed across the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia’s facade takes you from deep in the sea to the outer reaches of space, and back to Bondi Beach. This is the first time Guan Wei’s work has been transformed into a light projection and the result is a poetic journey that explores both the mystical and the everyday.
HORIZON
Get ready to lose yourself in this hypnotic, full-body experience where light and sound combine to distort space and perception. This free installation at Harbour Park, Barangaroo by Spanish light and sound studio Playmodes is a mesmerising encounter that challenges and expands your sense of possibility and reality. It’s time to explore new horizons!
NEST
Step into this large-scale circular projection by Leila Jeffreys and Melvin J. Montalban and witness the ethereal dance of the brolga, one of only two native Australian cranes. These majestic, larger-than-life birds soar as though in mid-air, inviting you to reflect on the wonder of nature and our enduring connection with the environment.
GUMSCAPE WITH ROAD AND CREATURES
Strap yourself in and get ready to embark on a surreal road trip with legendary Australian musician and artist Reg Mombassa. Watch Customs House come alive with retro-futuristic robots, one-eyed koalas and other strange creatures in this reimagining of Australian icons. You can also catch Reg performing as part of Dog Trumpet for a live and free concert outside Customs House on Saturday 25 May at 7:30pm.
HIKA RAKUYO
Experience the ephemeral beauty of life through a dazzling light and laser show at Cockle Bay. Direct from Japan, this stunning work by Tokyo-based artist collective ETERNAL Art Space is inspired by Japanese philosophy, Australian flora, the transient beauty of flowers and our deep connection to nature.
GLOBAL RAINBOW
Gaze up as beams of rainbow lasers stretch 40kms across the Sydney cityscape from the Sydney Tower – wrapping its arms around Vivid Sydney with a spectrum of hope and inclusivity.
OMNIVISU
Look up at a building that looks back at you. Step up to the Omnivisu view finder in Tumbalong Park, and see your own eyes projected onto a distant building. This work by Berlin and New York-based design studio TheGreenEyl gives the otherwise faceless silhouette of our city a human face.
SYNTHETIC HUM(AI)NITY
This piece by Sydney based studio VANDAL is a triptych of humanity, technology and Artificial Intelligence splashed across the ASN Clock Tower. Step up to this visual, interactive and conceptual exploration of our evolving relationship with AI and rethink what it means to be human.
CHAIRWAVE
It’s time to take a seat and make a new friend! As you approach this fun, interactive work from Amsterdam-based design studio VOUW Studio, an illuminated chair unfolds inviting you to sit down. Once seated, the chair next to you becomes available, encouraging an unexpected encounter with someone you’ve just met.
LOVE IS IN THE AIR (DRONE SHOW)
Look up and witness a heart-stirring drone show painting the sky with universal symbols of love. This aerial spectacle of light and colour celebrates our innate capacity to connect. This not-to-be-missed show will dazzle Vivid Sydney for three nights only on the 8, 9 and 12 June.
Vivid Sydney 2024 - HIKA RAKUYO Credit: ETERNAL Art Space
Vivid Sydney 2024 - HIKA RAKUYO
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 - HIKA RAKUYO Credit: ETERNAL Art Space
Vivid Sydney 2024 - HIKA RAKUYO
Vivid Sydney 2024 - NEST Credit: Leila Jeffreys and Melvin J. Montalban
Vivid Sydney 2024 - NEST
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 - NEST Credit: Leila Jeffreys and Melvin J. Montalban
Vivid Sydney 2024 - NEST
MUSIC
Tumbalong Park, the heart of Vivid Sydney's Light Walk, transforms into Tumbalong Nights, a vibrant stage for contemporary music, echoing with sounds that celebrate our shared humanity. For 23 unforgettable nights, the park comes alive under the starlit sky, featuring a stellar line-up of international voices, local talent and DJs – all for free. Plus, special performances for kids light up the stage every Saturday at 5pm.
You can turn up any night of the festival and experience music that will move you or get organised and pop our highlights below in your diary now.
MALLRAT AND TIFFI (FRIDAY 24 MAY)
Get ready to kick off Tumbalong Nights in style and immerse yourself in a night of indie-pop and intimate lyricism from internationally adored Brisbane export Mallrat and the wry and dreamy sounds of Western Sydney’s tiffi.
JALBU MUNA (SATURDAY 25 MAY)
Join this powerful celebration of the stories and songs of First Nations women. This vibrant, all-women line-up bridges culture, Country and generations through a night of music, dance and First Nations traditions at Tumbalong Nights. This free night of music is curated by musician Deline Briscoe and features Christine Anu, Kee'ahn and many more.
CLUB BROADWAY + THE CARPENTERS FROM KEMPSEY (SATURDAY 1 JUNE)
This will be an unforgettable night of theatrics, singalongs and laughter as show-stopping musical theatre sensation Club Broadway sing you through top musical numbers with all the energy of a big night out. Don’t miss fabulous tribute band The Carpenters From Kempsey who’ll also grace the Tumbalong stage.
K-INDIE MUSIC FEST FEAT. SILICA GEL + SUNWOOJUNGA (FRIDAY 7 JUNE)
Immerse yourself in the captivating sounds of Korea's most exciting K-Indie acts, sunwoojunga and Silica Gel. This Australian exclusive performance is a unique opportunity to experience the depth and diversity of Korean music: a blend of folk, indie-pop and rock.
GRENTPEREZ AND FRIDAY* (SATURDAY 8 JUNE)
This promises to be a night of fresh sounds to elevate the Saturday night of your June long weekend. Enjoy the R&B and vintage bossa nova croon of 22-year-old Western Sydney sensation grentperez and the genre-bending groove of FRIDAY*.
3% PRESENTS 'KILL THE DEAD' ALBUM LAUNCH (FRIDAY 14 JUNE)
An extraordinary celebration of First Nations stories and sound, the innovative rap powerhouse 3% will take centre stage with a performance of its debut album KILL THE DEAD. See the whole album performed live, plus catch appearances from all the album’s guest contributors including Jess Mauboy, Tia Gostelow, Marlon Motlop, Stay True God and Denni.
BUDJERAH AND JEM CASSAR-DALEY (SATURDAY 15 JUNE)
Join pop sensation Budjerah and singer-songwriter Jem Cassar-Daley as they close Tumbalong Nights out with an evening of soul-stirring R&B pop and indie magic on 15 June. This is your opportunity to experience two of Australia's most compelling voices with a night of uplifting melodies and storytelling.
Vivid Sydney 2024 - 3% Credit: Savitri Wendt
Vivid Sydney 2024 - 3%
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 - 3% Credit: Savitri Wendt
Vivid Sydney 2024 - 3%
Vivid Sydney 2024 - Club Broadway Credit: Dream Syndicate
Vivid Sydney 2024 - Club Broadway
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 - Club Broadway Credit: Dream Syndicate
Vivid Sydney 2024 - Club Broadway
IDEAS
Vivid Ideas is more than a series of talks; it's a platform for activation and inspiration, an opportunity to challenge and reshape perspectives on the world and peoples’ role within it.
This year’s theme of humanity will be grappled through live performances, panel discussions, walking tours, immersive dance pieces and other thought-provoking experiences. Spark your empathy, intellect and imagination with our free program highlights below.
AFTER THE FACT
Join a free, lively and stimulating panel discussion every weeknight that dissects the day's news and current affairs, moderated by Tom Wright. A great way to kick-off your Vivid Sydney evening and to engage more deeply with the day’s breaking news with a drink in hand at Rekodo, Barangaroo House.
WINDOW DRESSING
This performance art piece turns the Frank Gehry-designed building at UTS into a canvas of illuminated stories, inviting onlookers to peer into eight windows animated by a “performance” in each, allowing you to indulge our natural curiosity about the lives of others. Right in the Fire Kitchen action, this free show is not to be missed when visiting The Goods Line.
A NEW NORMAL
What does sustainability look like in the not-too-distant future? Find out when you sit on furniture made entirely from rubbish, feel the heat radiating from a sauna powered by leftovers and see below the bonnet of an old petrol car transformed into a solar-powered 'forever car'. This immersive future-prototype hub is an opportunity for people of all ages to see sustainable, innovative ideas up close and in action.
SPIRITS OF THE HOEY
It’s time to relive the glory days of legendary Sydney music venue, the Hopetoun Hotel, through a panel chat and VR documentary. Featuring Hoey-regulars Sarah Blasko, Clyde Bramley, Sally Seltmann and more, this is a fun and illuminating trip down memory lane.
Don’t forget to register for tickets to attend this free event here.
ART AFTER HOURS X VIVID SYDNEY
This Vivid Sydney special edition of the Art Gallery of NSW’s ever-popular Art After Hours brings together stellar Light Walk artists Julia Gutman, Leila Jeffreys, Reg Mombassa and Guan Wei. They’ll discuss art's role in understanding humanity and the talk will be moderated by Benjamin Law.
NOWHERE TO BE
Watch this breath-taking portrait of a bustling world in stillness. This free, Australian premiere of this compelling documentary offers a fresh look at the COVID-19 pandemic through the lens of 31 international cinematographers. Surprising, moving and utterly compelling, catch it at UTS’ Chau Chak Wing Museum on The Goods Line.
SAY MY NAME: THE HUMANITY OF NAMES
Explore what it means to have a so-called “unusual” name in a panel discussion led by Jan Fran. Hear personal stories and cultural histories, then leave with insights and tools for rectifying mispronunciations and working together for a more respectful and inclusive society. Don’t forget to register for tickets to attend this free event here.
Vivid Sydney 2024 - Fire Kitchen Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Sydney 2024 - Vivid Food - Vivid Fire Kitchen
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 - Fire Kitchen Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Sydney 2024 - Vivid Food - Vivid Fire Kitchen
FOOD
This year Vivid Sydney is serving up two Food options where you can experience the best of the globe’s cuisines for very little. In fact, you can visit VividPlace Food Trail and Vivid Sydney Fire Kitchen without spending a dime. You’ll have to exercise very strong willpower though, as the air will be filled with the delicious smells of fire cooking and market fare. Rest assured, there are options at either end of the Light Walk to suit anyone on a budget.
VIVIDPLACE FOOD TRAIL
Behind Customs House, Sydney Place and Bulletin Place laneways transform into VividPlace Food Trail, a night market that brings the world's culinary delights to the heart of Sydney. With over 20 restaurants, bars and market stalls to choose from, it's a chance to explore global cuisines right on Circular Quay's doorstep, no reservations required.
VIVID FIRE KITCHEN
Bask in the glow of open flames and enjoy the best of flame-cooked street food as you celebrate the diversity of NSW’s food scene. Food trucks, markets stalls and barbecue stands will serve the best Filipino, Spanish, Sudanese, Lebanese, Greek, Mexican and Italian dishes, plus much more. You’ll also be able to catch cooking demos by the best in the business.
At Vivid Sydney, every activation is an invitation to explore and celebrate the many facets this year’s theme of Humanity. We hope our many free events help to enlighten, entertain and inspire you across the 23 nights of the festival.