About Batlr.
The Why Behind Batlr.
Batlr. began not with a business plan, but at a crossroads in life.
A few years ago, my marriage ended and my two young kids moved over 500 km away to Coffs Harbour as their mum pursued her GP training. I was still based in Sydney, but at least every other weekend I made the six-hour drive — one way — just to spend precious time with them. Eventually, when it became clear that Coffs would be their home for good, I knew I had to make a choice. I took a contract with the NSW Government to relocate full-time to Coffs Harbour.
Three years later, that contract ended. Jobs in my field were scarce. But during my time working in economic development, I’d met countless Australians — everyday people — who had faced setbacks and still carved out a future for themselves with resilience, creativity, and sheer grit.
Inspired by them, and driven by a deep desire to stay close to my children, I started Batlr.
A tiny frustration turned into a symbol
The idea was born from something simple: I was sick of my shoelaces coming undone. It sounds small, but if you’ve ever worked on your feet all day, you know how annoying and unsafe it can be. A study out of UC Berkeley confirmed it wasn’t just bad luck — the whipping motion of shoelace ends contributes to them untying themselves.
Sure, you can tuck them in, but that’s uncomfortable. So I designed the Batlr. shoelace holster — a sleek, leather-made solution to secure your lace ends, keep your boots tidy, and add a touch of style while you’re at it.
Handmade by artisans in Australia. Built to last.
More than a product — a mindset
I know it’s a modest product. People can always just retie their laces.
But Batlr. isn’t just about the holster — it’s about what it represents.
It’s about creating a brand that celebrates resilience — the quiet strength of everyday Australians who keep showing up, pushing forward, and getting the job done even when life gets hard. People who do not let loose ends trip them up.
These are the Batlrs.
Not influencers. Not celebrities. Real people who’ve faced adversity and chose to fight back, not with fists, but with purpose. Our models will be these very individuals — everyday warriors, unarmed but undeterred. They’ll be featured in every batlr. campaign, sharing their story, their grit, their comeback.
These stories matter. And I believe that by sharing them, we can inspire others who may be struggling — to let them know they’re not alone, and they should never lose hope. Every Batlr. model will be recognised and supported for their involvement, whether through payment, gifts, or other ways that help them keep moving forward.
Got a story to share?
If you, or someone you know, has overcome hardship and kept going — we’d love to hear from you. You don’t need to have a huge following. Just heart, grit, and a story that could help someone else push on.
📩 Email us at mate@batlr.co to share your story and become a Batlr. model.
The road ahead
Starting Batlr. has given me a way to stay close to what matters most — my kids — while building something meaningful from the ground up. It’s not easy, but then again, nothing worth doing ever is.
Thanks for being here. And if you're someone who’s had to battle in silence — for your family, your future, or yourself — this brand is for you.
Secure your laces. Steady your stride. And step out ready.
Batlr.
Laced & Loaded