Stacey and Mish Allen, of Claystone Meats, on their Hoskinstown property. Photo: Claystone Meats.
No stranger to taking the path less trodden, farmer, entrepreneur and businesswoman Stacey Allen of Claystone Meats has just wrapped up the company’s first equity crowdfunding offer.
With a new shopfront in Fyshwick and shareholders secured, Stacey is ready to take Claystone into the future.
Stacey and her family have run their cattle farm in the Hoskinstown Plains region for more than 35 years. Their philosophy is centred around grazing their cattle on open pastures without the use of antibiotics and hormones.
In 2021, Stacey overhauled their distribution channels to sell their meat via their own retail outlets and wholesale network. While operating a direct to consumer business has not been the easy route, Stacey says it makes farming more satisfying.
“Selling our meat directly to our customers means we are caring for our animals in the way we choose all the way through the process,” she says. “And being able to have that direct interaction with our customers, who tell us how much they enjoy our meat, is really fulfilling.
“It’s not uncommon for people to tell us it’s the best meat they’ve ever eaten and when you’ve reared that animal yourself, that means the world.”
Mish and Stacey Allen have taken the road less travelled. Photo: Claystone Meats.
By opening Claystone up to shareholders through one of Australia’s first ASIC licensed equity crowdfunding schemes, Birchal, Stacey has allowed customers and supporters to own a piece of her company.
“The response was overwhelming,” she says.
“Having family, friends and customers all support us in this funding process and now on our business journey with us has been an incredible process. I know the value of a dollar and every dollar given was so generous and will be used to grow this business for the future.”
With 116 investors raising $231,800, Stacey has already put some of the funding to good use.
“We’ve been able to move into new premises on Wollongong Street in Fyshwick,” she says. “This will give us the space to grow.
“We’re investing in new equipment, new team members, and we’re so excited to share the meat from our family farm with Canberra.”
Stacey has broadened the range to pet food. Photo: Claystone Meats.
Alongside the Claystone butchered meats range, Stacey is forging ahead as an innovator in the handmade, quality pet food space with her brand Pawstone Pet Meals.
“People really see their pets as a part of the family now and we saw a growing need in Canberra for quality food for pets, so we started Pawstone,” she says.
“We’ve gone to great lengths to ensure our pet meals are scientifically proven and veterinarian certified. We make them by hand with real, whole, human-grade ingredients.
“We like to think of it more like a casserole for your pet but we’ve taken care of all the hard work. We also deliver to our Canberra customers’ doors free of charge and Canberra is really getting onboard with it, it’s been another way to connect with our community.”
Claystone Meats is located at 95 Wollongong, Fyshwick. They are open Monday 9 am until 4 pm, Tuesday to Friday 9 am until 5 pm, Saturday 8:30 am to 1:30 pm or order through their website 24/7 for free Canberra delivery. Stacey runs regular offers, raffles and giveaways via Instagram.
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