My Nappy Bag Essentials – slowly learning as I go

A few essentials…

I am certainly no expert but when a portion of my every day includes making sure the nappy bag is packed with all the essentials….. well, I could probably write a book!…. And so could most mums I know, so I thought today I’d share a few of what I consider MY super essentials…..

First things first… I have a fabulous Oi Oi Black Quilted Nappy Bag which I loooooove (similar here), it’s perfectly classic and non-feminine so Howard doesn’t mind slinging it over his shoulder! But with a very large baby bump, terrible balance and Evie not needing as much on our outings from the bag, I have recently purchased a simple, attractive Sportsgirl backpack (similar here)! BEST DECISION EVER! It is so so much easier having a backpack on when chasing a toddler around the shops, gives me two hands! Mine is also smaller in design so I can’t overfill it with a weeks worth of nappies… And thank God back packs are in at the moment!

My Essentials…

(Clockwise from Top Left) ** please not that this is NOT a sponsored post! Sharing my honest opinions on some great products…..

Cherub Rubs Skin Guard – Living in sub tropical weather it’s so essential to keep the mosquitos away from the little ‘uns but I always feel horrendous spraying anything overpowering or chemically laden on their skin…. especially when it’s a daily occurrence! This Certified Organic, all natural wonder is light, with no strong odours and does the job!!

Only Papaya Paw Paw Balm – Although Evie’s skin is a lot less sensitive these days, Paw Paw balm used to be one of the few things we could use on her little toosh for nappy rash…. We have many a tube stocked up ready for our next baby

Silicone Teething Necklace – I love this simple tube design for a teething necklace…. but honestly for the life of me cannot remember what brand it is! If anyone knows please shout it out!! Similar ones from Jellystones can be found in the link. I’m a big fan of necklaces, not so much when they’re destroyed by my mini me…. these are just the greatest, baby-proof invention!

Jeans West Lightweight Scarf – Trying to tackle breastfeeding in Queensland heat can be absolutely horrendous…. imagine drinking a milkshake in a sauna!! I now have a serious collection of large, lightweight ‘summer’ scarves that I use as breastfeeding covers when out and about! They look nice, aren’t bulky, they breeeeathe and are a bonus cover up for any spit ups or glamorous leaky boobs!

Moogoo Eczema & Psoriasis Cream – Queensland weather strikes again! Heat rash really smashed Evie this last summer and we really tried all sorts of creams but this bad boy honestly did the trick! Recommended by my fabulous Sister in Law who used this religiously for her 1 year old boy’s Eczema

Mint & Arrows Daisy Headband – You might think a kid’s headband shouldn’t be included in with Nappy Bag essentials but when you’re little girl’s hair is somewhere between Leo Sayer and North West, you stock up on headbands like tinned beans!! So instead of people worrying how my child looks like Kath from Kath&Kim (google it, it’s not a compliment), they comment on her gorgeous tamed locks peeking out from that saviour of a headband…. because, you know what, brushing knotted ringlets every day is just not on my game plan!

Natures Child Wonder Balm – We bought this brand originally to use as a Nappy Rash balm (which it did do a brilliant job at) but have since used it for other rashes, grazes, bites and stings. Organic and the brand also sell a brilliant Nipple Balm which I was totally happy using knowing that the ingredients would be getting passed onto my feeding baby.

I’m still learning and each different parenting stage brings a whole lot of new products and ‘essentials’ to navigate…. hope this helps someone out, it’s much nicer buying something from someone else’s honest feedback…. not because the cooing baby ad told you to.

xxx

Elise

Baby Wearing Part 1 – my story

My family and I after conquering our ‘mountain’

I know first hand that the ‘Baby Wearing’ world can be intimidating, confusing and a little bit scary (pictures of strongly opinionated, pram-haters come to mind)…. I’m giving my story and helpful (professional) tips across two posts. Part 1 being my blah blah blah of how I don’t really know much about Baby Wearing (thus giving me a great non-bias or pushy perspective) and Part 2 being the actual informative, helpful advice from interviewing  Jessie and Carley at Wear Your Baby.

As with many things parental, I tend to learn in hindsight. Little Evie is now one year old and even with an intense whirlwind International trip to the other side of the world for Christmas, we have barely touched our baby carrier in the last 12 months. If I’m honest, I never quite got the hang of it, Evie’s chunky thighs always got caught and it was a horrible strain on my neck and shoulders. Convinced I was doing it wrong, the carrier never received much love.

Only recently a friend lent me her carrier as a last minute saviour for some Sunday afternoon ‘hiking’ (don’t mistake me for anything resembling fit and active…. was an hour return trip up and down a hill sized mountain….. still enough to render me breathless and on my knees more times than I’d care to admit). Hubby carried Evie up the mountain (hill) and I carried her down… was enough to open my eyes to the world of a properly worn carrier! No neck and shoulder strain, super comfortable and Evie even had a little nap in it.

So started my foray into interpreting the Baby Wearing world. Each to their own, but I wasn’t keen on 24 hour attachment to my bub. One reason (for me) being that we do want a large-ish family and I feel like there’s probably a limit to how many babies/toddlers can be permanently strapped to me… But I have certainly learnt that in different seasons (teething, sickness etc) it’s ok to overdose your child with cuddles and affection, they generally need it in the crappy days. And lots of Baby Wearing contact would be soothing and comforting for bub while still giving mum two hands to fold laundry, bake Martha Stewart cakes and sew adorable baby outfits… OR make coffee and buy ridiculous amounts of things through Mummy Instagram shopping….

After my initial scoping, I had a bit more of an idea as to what we (Hubby and I) wanted.

• Black – soooo easy to dress up or down 😉 …. and hide dirt and stains so I won’t need to wash as much. YES!
• One with a forward facing option, because my one year old gets so bored facing my chest for too long that she actually tried to pull my collarbones off the other day. (educated note: the benefits of chatting to Baby Wearing professionals, forward facing is not the best ergonomically for babies, especially newborns, so should only be for limited amounts of time)
• One with a hip/waist band – to limit strain on shoulders and neck

Feeling super in-the-know with what I wanted I wandered into a (nameless) Baby store…. after fumbling with the demonstration models, trying to interpret the backs of the boxes and looking ridiculously awkward for about half an hour, I left probably feeling a bit more overwhelmed than preferred.

Then most of my online searches for help tended to churn up mountains of strongly opinionated (and opposing) points and ‘rules’. My head started to hurt…

And then I hit gold! Perfect timing moment! Just when I needed clarification and help most, a beautiful friend from years back started an online Baby Wearing store!!! Beauty!… I barely gave her time to settle into the new business before pouncing with a request for an interview! Surely other mum’s have found the whole Baby Wearing deal a bit daunting and in my own (selfish) information seeking journey I could only hope that it’ll help others as well.

So I sat down with the wonderful Jessie and Carley from Wear Your Baby…. our multiple little ones scooting around our toes (and destroying their magazine collection)…. and picked their brains for how to simplify the different types of carriers, what suits what, the basic simple rules to remember…. and came out feeling so much more prepared.

And at the end of it all I’ve come away with a wonderful carrier that I love, have used multiple times this week already (so has Hubby), and a lot more confidence in being a Baby Wearing mum (albeit definitely part-time).

Part 2. including the wonderful advice and help I received from Jessie and Carley will be up on the blog within the week.

Let me know your thoughts ladies! (and men)….. how do you go baby wearing or not baby wearing? Would love to hear your tales 🙂

xxx

Mexsii Bedheads – somewhere between beautiful art and bedheads…..

These beauties are popping up on all the radars lately…. I’m sure you’ve seen them. And no wonder! Oh good lordy they’re stunning!!! Mexsii Bedheads is the brain child of Merryn and Sarah, one half upholsterer/interior decoration; the other half marketing/business guru. They have truly created unique pieces of art for your bedroom!

And in the craziness of launching their Wanderlust Collection last month and popping up on The Block last week, these amazing women have taken the time to give us a behind the scenes look into the world of Mexsii…. read on…

Merryn & Sarah

How old is Mexsii Bedheads and how did this beautiful company begin?

Mexsii is coming up to 2 years from when the idea was first hatched but we have really only been trading since late last year. The idea is Merryn’s brainchild, as an upholsterer and interior decorator she was beginning to become uninspired with the lack of bed heads she was creating for clients. Like most good ideas the concept behind combining artwork and bedheads was spurred on by an inability to find something that Merryn wanted in her own room. After discussing her plans with friends and myself we thought it could be a viable business idea!

 

Violet Hill

What (or who) inspires the artwork behind the bedheads?

The artwork used in our first collections Wanderlust and Mexsii Kids has been deeply inspired by personal travel adventures and nature. When working with our designer to create the art we had mood boards loaded up with images and trinkets from overseas adventures from East Africa, Morocco & South East Asia. As well as images & memories of landscapes from places we feel connected to like the ocean and outback.

 

Do you have a favourite Mexsii product from the ranges?

I love Coral Earth, the grounding colours in this remind me of my travels throughout Africa, however I must say if I had a child (that wasn’t my fur baby) I would be inclined to opt for Strawberry Fields, it’s just so bright and happy and is something I would have loved as a child! It reminds me of sunshine!

 

Strawberry Fields

How do you find a balance in creating a unique product with so many competing trends?

We don’t pay a great deal of attention to trends, we simply do what we love and hope that people will like it. We are both very hands on in the design process and the colour palettes we have used have been influenced by personal experience as oppose to trends. At the end of the day people are either going to connect with our product and art or not, hopefully they do but if they don’t that’s OK too. Our products are quite out there so we don’t expect that it will be everyone’s cup of tea.

 

Is there a quote or motto that you love or live by?

Expect Less. Explore More. One of my yoga teachers said this to me and it just stuck. Starting a business is a roller coaster ride and I think when you put a lot of pressure on yourself to attain success (in whatever form that may look like) you may fall slightly short of that particular goal but in the bigger picture really you have achieved quite a lot. So I try to remind myself to have less expectations and just keep on exploring, have fun and hopefully learn a thing or two along the way!

 

Nomadic Heart

How do you relax or unwind at the end of ‘one of those days’?

Take my dog to the park, watching her run around and have way too much fun, puts life into perspective. It never fails to make me smile!

 

When styling a room or space, what rules do you work by?

Start with the floor and the walls and work around that. Measure your space so that you know how much room you have to play with, nobody wants an oversized couch in a tiny room! If you buy things you love or decorate with items that have sentimental value you will be more inclined to keep them for longer and they will make you happy when you enter that space!

 

What exciting things can we expect from Mexsii in the next year?

Big Things!!! We are currently working on our next collection which is due for release early next year! Can’t say too much but it’s going to be ohh so amazing!!! So watch this space!

 

Icelandic Dream

 

Thank you ladies so much for this snapshot into the world of Mexsii, can’t wait to see what’s coming next….. I’m now mapping out my dream home to justify having way more bed heads than necessary 🙂 xxx

www.mexsii.com

Instagram  @mexsiibedheads

Facebook   Mexsii Bedheads

Pinterest   Mexsii Bedheads

 

Business Feature – kupukupu kids

You have probably seen the recent craze for animal cushions… a somewhat cross between a plush animal and a cushion. Ridiculously adorable and popping up in perfectly styled kids’ rooms around the globe. Today’s feature business is ‘kupukupu kids’, run by the lovely (you may have noted that I only like to celebrate business people who stay humble and pleasant amongst the success) and wonderfully talented Laura. She takes incredible joy in each style, pattern and colour and solely uses organic cottons and eco-friendly inks for the beautiful characters below and lovely lines of kids apparel.

Laura – kupukupu kids

Perfect cushion characters

Read on for Laura’s insight into the kupukupu kids world….

1. How did kukupuku start?
I started kupukupu 3 years ago with my women and men’s casual
apparel shop. I actually haven’t studied sewing or pattern making, but have sewn clothes for my dolls growing up and then for me. In fact I studied Philosophy and then Communication and I was working in press departments for a long time. But one day I decided to quit my job and open my first shop on Etsy… I needed a change in my life… to spend more time with family and friends and do things that I really loved. After two and a half years with kupukupuapparel, I decided to open kupukupukids, with a totally different style. My adult collection is all smooth and neutral and with kupukupukids I love to play with colors and forms in the fabric patterns as much as I can. Ii is one of the parts of my job that I like most, to design the fabrics! After six months, I’m so happy to have opened this shop. I really enjoy it!

Confetti organic cotton Baby Blanket

Organic Cotton Duck plush pillow

2. What happens in a day behind the scenes of kupukupu?
As I work at home, I start my work day just after breakfast. The first thing that I do is check my shops, see my messages and renew my items. After that, I sew sold items and package them or take photos of new items, edit them and upload them to my shops. I like to dedicate the morning to do this, and to reserve the office and design tasks for the afternoons. My mind is more creative and communicative in afternoon and nights, ever since I was a child. Before lunch, I love to dedicate one hour to practice yoga. Stretch the body and relax my mind.

The afternoons is the best part: create, design, talk with my customers and attend the social networks, that is a big job, as well. I spend a big part of the day thinking about that. As a journalist I know is an essential part of my bussines and I try to take care of it as much as I can. After that I try to rest, stay with family and see friends, but I have to recognize that my mind is always in kupukupu. It’s like my little baby!

3. How do you stay motivated on a tough day?
I always try to have in mind what all of this means. I started this project with my boyfriend, Jordi. He is a great illustrator and has a shop on Etsy too, suPmön. We needed to be the owners of our time and dedicate our days to make things that we really love and also spend more time together. Now we both work from home and we share a great part of our job with each other. For instance, he’s the drawer of all of my plush collection and also the little duck of my logo. Now we are living the kind of life we want, even though we have had many difficulties and we’ve had some bad times. I’m not going to say this is not hard, because it is, but absolutely worth it.

Greatest First Moments Gift Pack

Dandelions organic cotton T-shirt

4. What is your favourite part of developing your own business and brand?
When you are developing your own business, you’re planting the seeds to your future and you can see how it grows day by day and that’s beautiful! It’s like your baby. All your efforts are directed to make sure it grows well, strong and healthy. And you are happy doing this because the benefits of all this work are yours and nobody else’s. When working for other companies sometimes people don’t feel a project is theirs and sometimes they feel disappointed and frustrated because they work hard and sacrifice so much of their life for this job, but never see all its benefits. I’m not just talking about economic benefits. The benefits of having your own business are more than the money, it’s the freedom to live your own way and freedom to create and make what you feel is better.

5. Who inspires you on Instagram/Pinterest/blogs etc?
I specially like the work of Susan Petersen, from Freshly-Picked. I think what she does in social media is amazing. I try to learn as much as I can from her. And I also admire the work of Mr. Wonderful, a catalan designer that founded a successful online store of optimism products, with their presence on social networks and their blog.

Growing Stripes organic cotton long sleeve onesie

6. What’s your top piece of advice for balancing life with your own business?
Well, it is really difficult to disconnect both things, because if you love your job it is part of your life. I’m spend all day working, but I don’t feel like I’m working, because I’m just making things that I love. I think it’s really important that you love your business a lot, because I think there’s no way to pull the blind down, especially if it’s a young business. Yoga does help though… Anyway, balancing life with your own business is easier than if you work in a company with a fixed schedule. If you work like me at home and sell online, you can adapt that with your other facets of your life perfectly. You just have to reserve some days in the week and hours in the day to turn off the computer and get away from the sewing machines, even your mind is with your job all the time.

7. What is your favourite kupukupu product?
I try to feel satisfied with every product that I made, but there’s no doubt that you always have some of them favorites. I think mine is this…

Mountain Yellow organic cotton hoodie

Thank you so much Laura for giving us a beautiful and open insight into your world! This gift wish list just keeps on growing……

http://www.kupukupu.cat

http://www.etsy.com/au/shop/kupukupukids

 

xx

Business Feature | Sapling Child | Perfect pieces from a beautiful lady

It’s a very rare day that you find stunning, beautiful products that have an equally amazing company and founder behind them. In the mummy-small-business world I have had the pleasure of meeting and being inspired by so so many caring, hard-working and lovely women.. and Peta Stinson, the wonder that is Sapling Child, is the Pièce de résistance….

Peta Stinson – Sapling Child

She has worked ridiculously hard at this, smashing any small-mummy-business glass ceilings along the way! And after working alongside Hollywood A-listers and reaching enviable success, she has remained refreshingly down to earth, open and just plain lovely to chat to!

and the products… oh the products!!….. 😉

These perfect, soft and snuggling pieces are booming in popularity around the world (even Prince George’s nursery holds a plentiful supply), are made from 100% Organic Cotton, and are wonderfully affordable (yes!!)…. in fear of sounding like an advertisement, these are PERFECT for gifting a mummy-to-be (and for spoiling yourself….. and for midnight online shopping…)

Dusty Pink with Heart pants

Owl on Branch Unisex Romper

Rose Petal Snuggle Wrap

For a lovely glimpse into the Sapling Child world, read on…….

 

Peta, did you imagine Sapling Child growing into what it is today?

No! We always hoped it would, but didn’t focus too much on that as a goal. We try to take things one thing at a time. It is amazing though. We are super excited about everything that’s been happening, and to have the opportunity to work with such an amazing and inspiring group of people makes us so happy!

 

What was your biggest lesson learnt in the early days of Sapling Child?

We quickly had to learn how to turn the ‘No’s’ into ‘Yes’s’

Owl on Branch long sleeve bodysuit

 

How do you stay motivated in what can be an overwhelming industry?

It’s pretty easy, I don’t follow and keep up with big labels, because it distracts me. I try to keep my head focussed on what feels right to me (in terms of design), instead of always trying to follow a trend. I think that would be exhausting. I also have an amazing group of IG mumma’s, and coworkers who are always motivating me on so many levels.

 

Name your top inspiring people to follow on Instagram or Pinterest (we know you’re a Pinterest addict…. aren’t we all)

Gosh, I do love Pinterest! My Pinterest account (Peta Stinson) is more of a ‘me’ thing and not much of a ‘Sapling’ thing so a lot of my pins are pics of amazing clothes and interiors. I love following Lisa Brauer for interiors, and Courtney Amber and Sincerely Jules for fashion….amazing taste those ladies.

My favourite IG mummas would have to be @notsomumsy, as her feed is just as beautiful as she is. @theinstashopper, who always makes me laugh and who has the most gorgeous bubba. And @warnjai as she works the light in her pictures like noone else.

Seaweed Baby Snuggle Wrap

 

What exciting things are happening in the near future of Sapling Child?

Well we have a collaboration coming out with Jessica Alba and the Honest Co in October, along with our new range. Then we have Jaime Kings collection coming out in Feb….and it is AMAZING! So excited to debut it!

 

What has been the most jaw dropping moment for you in the last year?

We haven’t told anyone this yet, but last month we decided and are now funding an orphanage in India. It’s a small orphanage, only 25 children, they are either orphans or their parents are unable to care for them. They are all provided an education as well, which was such an important thing for us. It’s amazing that we are at the point where we can do things like this. We look forward to opening/sponsoring many more orphanages around India.

 

After a ridiculous day, how do you recharge?

I go to the gym. I love to just work it all out. If it’s been particularly stressful, there’s nothing quite like boxing!

Owl on Branch Short Sleeve bodysuit

Flamingo Vine Lace bodysuit

 

What 3 things could you absolutely not live without?

My family, my bed, and my face moisturiser.

 

Do you have a quote or motto that never fails to pick you up (or just make you giggle)?

“Breathe it all in, love it all out” I don’t know where it came from, but it’s become my Mantra. When things are stressful or challenging, I think to myself breathe it all in and exhale out love. Seems to work for me!
You should try it!

 

Thank you so much Peta! SO good to hear from successful mum’s who not only work hard but keep grounded at the same time. XX

Please note that this is NOT a sponsored post, I just absolutely love this brand and this woman is AMAZING! 🙂

Keep up with Sapling Child and Peta….

  @saplingchild

 Peta Stinson (Sapling Child)

www.saplingchild.com

 

Business Feature – Chief and Kewpie – Woven Art

To be honest, when I initially heard there was a ‘weaving’ craze I had terrible visions of ridiculously ‘over the top’ hairpiece extensions! I was clearly ignorant and THANK GOD that is not what we’re dealing with here ….

Chief and Kewpie create INCREDIBLE pieces of artwork that will instantly become a feature wherever you hang them, without a single ounce of ‘Nanna’ about it ☺

‘Need’ is a very strong word but I have decided that I need need need one in every room! ….. (which for me is only 2 rooms….. oh my glamourous life)

    

The brilliant, obviously talented and hilarious Kel is behind this booming small business and she has taken the time in her hectic life to give us a glimpse in life behind the scenes…… read on…

Where on earth did you learn to weave so magically!!??? And how did this blend into Chief and Kewpie’s existence?

Look, I taught myself the art of weaving. To be honest (this probably isn’t great for business) it’s really easy! There are heaps of tutorials online. It’s therapeutic.
I started C&K to get a little second I come for our family. I have always loved fibres and wool, trying my hand at almost everything in my time. I’ve crocheted, knitted, sewed, macrame-d, tasseled and felted. And let’s face it, I’ve sucked at them all. Weaving somehow came very naturally to me. Unlike anything else. Certainly not like mothering!! (Anyone else find that heaps harder than they expected???)

 

How much have you personally grown and in what way since launching your venture?

I’ve grown HEAPS! For starters I’m about 10kg heavier. HA. But really.
C&K is still under 1year old, so there’s been lots of growth in such a little time. I’ve learnt new techniques, built some looms (with power tools!), and definitely refined some skills. But my biggest area of growth would be my business mindedness. Of which I had ZERO until C&K. I’ve learnt heaps in the way of self promotion, which is so uncomfortable but so integral. It doesn’t sit comfortably with me to talk about myself (she says in an interview about herself) but I’ve learnt that you have to believe in yourself before others will believe.

Who are your ‘go to’ inspirational Instagrammers/Pinteresters?

You know what? I’m so behind in the times. I’ve only just set up a Pinterest account and I rarely visit it. I’m a little bit confused about how it works. Don’t tell.
Instagram though- geeeeeeez. There are too many inspirational grammers. @ladynoel covers it all. She’s an unreal artist, she is a mother to 2 incredible boys and girl knows how to take a photo!
Another feed I LOVE is @laurablythman she’s incredibly clever, very funny and also a hard working Mumma. Her art is colourful and inspiring.
I could go on…. Heres a small list
@kenzijaws
@holliemartin
@littletienda
@twiceblessed

Seriously- just go to my feed and follow everyone I do. HA. It’s worth it!

 

How do you stay focused and motivated on days where you’d love to stay in bed?

Ugh. Bed. I love bed. A real lot. I don’t have the luxury to stay in bed even if I wanted to. My two busy loud children would make sure of that.
There are days though when I don’t feel like weaving. When my waiting list seems overwhelming and impossible. But I like to have those days to keep me level. I’m thankful that I have people out there who dig my work enough to actually wait for it. So I guess I just give myself a little kick in the butt and get to it. Instagram is a great way to stay accountable too!

If you had to choose between Les Miserables with Julia Gilliard or Coldplay with the Pope, what would it be?

Les Miserables with Coldplay???
I LOVE Coldplay. Much.

 

How do you relax and unwind after a ridiculous day?

Most days are ridiculous. Either ridiculously busy or ridiculously great. Me and Chris (not Chris Martin but my husband) get on the couch with a wine and some TV. Some of our faves are Parks and Recreation, Arrested Development, The Mighty Boosh, IT Crowd and Black Books.

 

If you could say anything to someone starting their own business what would it be?

Hmmmmmm. Don’t let people take shit off you for free. Everyone will ask. As much as it might be in your nature to be generous, say no!

Where to next for Chief and Kewpie?

I’m hoping (this just in!) to start some weaving workshops towards the end of the year. So that’s exciting.

 

Are there any kids/interiors trends you can forecast for 2014/2015?

I hope against hope that this indoor plant thing gets taken way too far and people start living in trees.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your Chief and Kewpie journey?

Meeting excellent people. Honestly. The community of wonderful art loving people I have met already is amazing. Many more to meet!

Thanks so much for having me visit your blog. Xxxx

 

Thank YOU Kel for being so candid and brilliant to chat to ❤

Instagram @chiefandkewpie

www.chiefandkewpie.bigcartel.com

Mummy Business Feature – fromZION

 

Coral Bow Moccs

Mustard Triple Bow Headband

Gold Dust Moccs Limited Edition

The crux of this business is perfect petite, buttery soft leather moccasins. The products are divine and the lady behind the scenes is even more so.

On the off chance that you have not yet stumbled across the joy that is fromZION, let me introduce you……   this is one amazingly cool, fabulously fashionable and spot on trend mummy business……

Behind this Australian Small Business Power House is Jasmin Adams, one of the loveliest and most talented ladies I’ve yet to have the pleasure of meeting in my blogging journey. She is refreshingly honest, stunningly beautiful and an incredible inspiration to myself in particular being in the beginning days of creating kid’s products.

Read on for her wonderful insight into the fromZION world…. Thank you Jasmin!

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Jasmin, how has fromZION changed your world?

Hmmm, fromZION has had a HUGE impact on my world and sometimes I have to reassure myself that its a good thing! My Business grew faster and bigger than I could have ever predicted and it amazes me everyday. I set out for it to create me a small (but big enough) income so that I could stay home with my babies while they are still little. I have always been creative and told by everyone to start something with my gift but nothing I tried ever stuck! fromZION started because I made my son a pair of Moccs from a black suede leather jacket found at an Op-shop that I cut up because I couldn’t afford to buy any from a store. I posted a picture on my IG and got a good response from friends that also wanted a pair. So I started it! I went from 0 followers to over 6600 in months and now I cannot keep up with the orders!

 

What happens in a day behind the scenes of fromZION?

I make sure I get the babies sorted for the day and then I go to my studio room and start drawing/cutting/sewing/processing orders/answering emails/doing filing and accounts all while tending to bubbas for food, milk, naps, nappies, cuddles and play. The hubby gets home at 5 and we have dinner and then I go back to the studio to continue work at night. Some days I have my precious maid of Honour working for me to help with the weight of it all. Those days are my favorite 😉

 

How do you stay motivated when things are getting tough?

I keep telling myself that I started this for a reason (to create income) and wished for it to go well – and it has! If I stopped, I would have to return to work and send my babies to care 5 days a week… which is not something I ever want to do. I’m looking to the future, and I see the business getting over the “hump” and becoming easier as I get to hire help and step back slightly.

 

What is your favourite item from the fromZION range
?

My Peep Toe Moccs are pretty close to my heart because I hadnt seen them done before I created them. I think they look adorable and they always get the most comments from people at the shops when Lacey wears them.

 

Where’s your favourite escape destination?

To Be honest, anywhere that ISNT my studio! But I do feel totally refreshed after a day with my family out and about and after church on a sunday. The is no other water that
 quenches my thirst or quietens my soul more.

 

What was the biggest lesson you learnt in the first year of fromZION?

Don’t sell more than you can sew! pace yourself!

 

Who are three inspiring people you follow on Instagram or Pinterest?

Oh thats easy, I always looked up to Sasha from @beau_hudson, Kim from @jr_cooper_ because they are businesses that started from small beginnings, are christian girls and were so willing to be my friends and meet up for coffee and help me along the way. Another would be Rachel from @heandherthelabel for all of the same reasons (other than meeting for coffee – she lives in a different state). These businesses are all amazing and unique and honest and you should all be following them!

 

Thanks again Jasmin for letting us peek into your world! You honestly deserve amazing success!

Jasmin – fromZION Founder

 

Etsy stores I can’t ignore

These beauties take feel good window shopping to a whole new level. Do yourself a favour (although your wallet/partner won’t be too happy) and peruse these incredible, must-have, nursery-lovin Etsy stores……

just click on the images for the link to stores. You’re welcome 😉

KupuKupu Kids – animal cushions

Keepsake Toys – Wooden Shape Sorter

Studio Snowpuppe – Origami Lampshades

The Wandering Workshop – Wooden Toy Houses

and for some brilliant comic relief. .. (Because when you’re sleep deprived with a newborn you deserve to surround yourself with hilarious things)….

Petiti Panda – Grumpy Cat Cushion

 

 

 

 

The Little Blush – Mummy Business Feature

With my 9 month old girl currently scooting around my feet in a plain blue tracksuit, I find particular inspiration in gorgeous handmade clothes…. hence the swoon worthy pieces from The Little Blush above.

Brittney Garrick, founder extraordinaire of The Little Blush, is a super talented STUNNING mum of three, living in paradise and creating the most adorable must have items for little ladies’ wardrobes. And to top it off she has been super lovely and friendly while letting me pick her brain.

In all honesty my dream world consists of me being tiny enough to parade around in these clothes everyday. Brittney gives us a glimpse into her creative world and you would be crazy to not go nuts over this mummy venture.

Brittney, how has The Little Blush changed your world?


Before officially opening TLB I was always sewing and making things for my little girl or friends – now I am doing the same thing but I am a whole lot busier. I am so thankful that I am able to work from home and be there for my little family.

What words never fail to inspire you or pick you up?

 “Create the things you wish existed”

If you could have a weekend away with absolutely ANYONE, who would it be? 


I would love a weekend away with my family somewhere warm where our kids are able to run and be wild and free.

How do you relax after ‘one of those days’? 


I love to have a long hot shower after a big day and relax then jump into bed.

What is your favourite item from The Little Blush range


I would have to say “The Britt Tunic”. I made one for my little girl and was always asked where I brought it from. It also happens to be my best seller. I love seeing other people’s little ones in my designs especially on their birthdays.

Where’s your favourite escape destination? 


I love the beach and I am lucky enough to live in Queensland, we spend most of our weekends during the spring and summer at our local beaches after wandering through markets. It is the perfect way to relax on the weekends.

What was the biggest lesson you learnt in the first year of The Little Blush?


I think the biggest lesson I learnt was to be true to who I am and go with my first instinct – don’t over think things and always be someone that I would like to meet. I have made some great new friends and loyal customers and I have TLB for bringing them to me.

Thank you so much Brittney for letting us peek into the world of The Little Blush, you honestly deserve a ridiculous amount of success.

Find The Little Blush on Etsy

Instagram @thelittleblush

Facebook

Products above

Feature image – Britt Tunic

Image 1 – Leatherette Bloomers, Cropped mini, The Blush Staple necklace

Image 2 – The Blossom Onesie, Nappy Covers,

Image 3 – The Islander Pants, Cropped Mini