Spotlight | Krissini

 We love success stories at Business Advisory – and we’ve got one unfolding in Margaret River right now.

Elisa Derossi and Kristian Hausler are a Margaret River-based couple passionate about combining the traditional recipes of Elisa’s native Italy with local produce from the Margaret River region, in the form of handmade traditional Italian bread sticks. Elisa’s knowledge and passion, combined with Master Baker Kristian’s expertise, has combined to make the business partnership now known as Krissini.

Our Business Advisor Sana Turnock has been working closely with Elisa and Kristian over the past 6 months to help them with setting up their new business, Krissini. They recently attended a Xero workshop with Kiko Willers of BHR Papalia, which proved a turning point in getting Krissini firmly established as one of the up and coming bright lights on the Margaret River business landscape. 
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Elisa spoke to Business Advisory about her experience.

Elisa Derossi and Kristian Hausler of Krissini

Learning about Xero: Elisa Derossi

What made you decide to attend the Xero workshop?

“Business Advisory are a great service, and Sana always directs us to the right person and the right tool to use to be able to evolve,” Elisa said.
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“We were researching what type of accounting system I could use. Sana directed us to the workshops, and recommended Xero. I went there because I trust Sana and I knew she knew I needed it.”

​Tell us about the workshop?

“Kiko presented to us on how accounting for small business works, and how easy Xero is to use,” Elisa said.
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“He told us to have a look and see how it all works. It was great to have that personal feedback, to see the person operating the system, and see how it works. We learned how to make an invoice, save contacts, and many other things. It was very informative and practical. That’s what encouraged me to make contact with him again after that.”

What made you decide to go on and join BHR Papalia as a client?

“We started the set up with Xero accounting because we’re growing,” Elisa said.
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“We decided that if we are going to choose an accountant, we’ll go for the people we already know. At the end of the day if I’m making a decision, I go to the person that I trust. It’s a good feeling to have someone I can ring and say hey, I don’t get it – and know I can trust their advice.”

​What sort of a result has attending the workshop and working with BHR Papalia had for you so far?

“The fact that we actually are using an accounting system, which I didn’t know anything about before I attended the workshop, is great,” Elisa said.

“We’ve gained some knowledge. When you’re learning you need to study, look around, and see what’s important. We’re going to other workshops now - the service is there for us to use, and it is something that we are grateful for. In Italy this would never happen, unless you are willing to pay a lot of money.
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“Here they want you to grow, because they understand we all grow together.”

Business growth: great marketing and solid accounting go hand in hand

Family business can be lots of fun!

What advice would you give to other people thinking of starting a business?

“Choose the people that you want to work with well,” Elisa said.
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“It’s important to make the right choice, especially when you’re starting out!”

Business Profile | Krissini

Krissini are handmade, locally made, Italian breadsticks which combine simple, traditional Italian recipes with ingredients sourced fresh and local from the Margaret River region such as Wulura extra virgin olive oil. The five main ingredients of Krissini are flour, water, oil, salt, and yeast.

The quirky name comes from the style of Italian bread stick, Grissini, combined with Kristian’s nickname, Kris, to create Krissini.

There is a classic range of three Krissini that respect the traditional Italian recipe, and three gourmet Krissini that give a local twist to the traditional Italian recipe: Turmeric and cumin, activated charcoal, and herbs and garlic.

A spelt Krissini also provides an easier to digest option for the gluten intolerant. Spelt is an ancient relative to wheat that is full of minerals, potassium and magnesium.

Krissini's products are traditional, local and delicious!

​​Krissini is a style of bread which was invented when the son of a king couldn’t digest soft bread. The crusty bread was invented, and became very popular. It can be used with dips, matched with drinks and wines, and is presented as long sticks and in different colours. Krissini are great for weddings and gourmet events.

Head down to the Margaret River Farmers Markets on Saturday mornings, and you will find Elisa offering samples for people to try.

You can find Krissini at their website and on Facebook.