Lets shop small – my picks of the best small business finds this Christmas

Oh how we love the online world……. particularly for it’s never ending end of shopping goodness. This Christmas make a decision to shop from small businesses and keep this amazing creative community kicking 🙂

I’ve created a wonder list of shopping ideas for you to start you in the right direction (mainly it’s my personal wish list so dear ones please take note of this not so subtle hint)

For her

Mint and Gold Wooden necklace $16

2015 Letterpress Desk Calendar $40.51

Silver Tube necklace $50.04

Hand printed paper $18

For him

iPhone 6 Wooden Desk dock $41.70

Cookie Mix $14.95

DIY Kit for Leather sunglasses case $69

For the little’uns

Tropical Pom Pom shorts $28

Handpainted Timber Block Set $64.95

Sunshine Head wrap $22

Mint Wooden Toy Camera $47.65

Mint and Metallic Romper $38

For the home

Set of 3 mini concrete houses

Slate Garden tags $24.95

Mint X Cushion Cover $45

Do you have a handmade/small business or absolutely love one in particular? Give them a shout out and share the love!

Happy shopping everyone, I much prefer shopping from the comfort of my couch to the craziness of the malls/shopping centres this time of year…… holiday cheer is NOT always around

Nursery Feature – Oli’s Monochrome Big Boy Room

We all have them… those stunning friends with impeccable taste, who’s awesome little one’s could put North West or Cruz Beckham to shame. And the nurseries and playrooms belonging to these lucky offspring are always STUNNING! My beautiful friend Angela, with the help of her handy hubby Ant and little mister Oli, have created this awesome monochrome big boy’s room and been wonderful enough to share it with us!

Read on, enjoy and be inspired. xx

 

Ang, how would you describe your styling choice for Oli’s Room?

It started with me just wanting to create a retreat for Oli…. not just somewhere for sleep but play as well, his own little room. It’s quite fresh, a little edgy and timeless… something he’ll (hopefully) still love for years to come. Although knowing me, I’ll want to change it up before that! Apart from the monochrome trend in the room, we wanted to fill it with encouraging quotes and travel inspiration, something that we’ve loved sharing as a family.

 

What’s your favourite piece in the room?

The bed! We bought it second hand for just $50!!! Was originally bright pink but became a labour of love as Ant and I made it work together. And I just love how it’s all come together style wise. The quilt (made by Oli’s Oona) and lightning bolt cushion (handmade by me) have sentimental value and I’m so happy with the results.

 

What design rule would you swear by when creating a new room?

Timeless! Especially for a kid’s room, stick to things they won’t grow out of in two years.

 

What was your splurge buy for this room?

Table and chairs! They’re replica Eames and I completely went all out on them!

 

Being a beautifully stylish mumma, who do you recommend following on Instagram?

Oh wow, where do I start!? So so many…. this list might be quite long.

Children of the Tribe @childrenofthetribe

FromZION @fromzion_

AURA Home @aurahome

Petite Vintage Interiors @petitevintagebel

Jr. Cooper Australia @jr_cooper_

Beau Hudson @beau_hudson

Zilvi | Interior Decor @_zilvi

Little Urban Apparel @littleurbanapparel

Leo and Bella @leoandbella

Hello Little Birdie @hellolittlebirdie

They’re all great for inspiration (and building that wish list)

 

Thanks Ang for letting us peek into this amazing room update! Maybe you can come and style my house now? 😉

 

Item details

Table and chairs – Replica Furniture

Bed – bought second hand from a friend

Bookshelf – Ikea

Baskets – Ikea spray painted yellow

Yellow Basket Bedside Table – Willow & Bird at Cotton Tree, QLD

Lamp – Home Secret at Kawana

Triangle garland – homemade

Zebra Print – Farrah’s Stone

Quilt – homemade by Oli’s Oona

Lightning Bolt pillow – homemade

#Awesome pillow – Ruckus from Adairs

Black crochet cushion – Ikea

Wall decals – McKnight Signs 

Stag Head – Typo

 

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

Business Feature – Incy Interiors

Kip Cot

One way to tell that an interview has gone ‘well’ is how many notes you’ve actually made…. And how well the conversation stays on track…. I have never had a more fun, informative and off topic interview with anyone! Kristy Withers of Incy Interiors had every reason at this years Life Instyle/Kids Instyle exhibition to be time poor. Launching Incy’s ridiculously successful collaboration with Kip & Co and coping with the constant, excited enquiries and orders would put anyone out.

So naturally I was thrilled to secure a moment of her precious time to chat about this new range and everything Incy. It was honestly the greatest chat I had with anyone at the exhibition that weekend, we ‘yarned’ for over an hour, constantly rambling off topic, forgetting what the original question was…. and I was given a beautiful glimpse into the mind behind this amazing brand and now love it oh so so much more 🙂

Kristy Withers INCY Interiors

At the end of the day I got in touch because of the recently launched, incredibly fun and refreshingly different Incy Interiors and Kip & Co collaboration. Featuring Kip Beds (one boy, one girl) and a unisex Kip Cot, these are bright, fun and a beautiful balance between stylish and ‘kiddy’. They can be the focal point in a pared back, clean lined room…. or the starting point to go absolutely crazy with colour and fun! My two opposing design sides are at war with each other right now. 🙂 Have a look, you decide, how would you style these beauties? And read on below for our yarn with Kristy (sorry the entire hour long chat remains in my mind.. I’m selfish like that)

 

Kristy, in four words how would you describe this new range?

Colourful! That’s it! Only one word needed!…. Maybe industrial colourful? This is our sixth time at Kids Instyle and has undoubtedly been our most successful. The range has been received so well! People’s ideas and changing and they are embracing new and different looks for kids’ interiors. Some of our oldest, most traditional stockists have even identified this, snapping up the new range.

Incy has really been on a design journey since starting, initially we leant towards being Australia’s answer to Pottery Barn… but now it’s really me! We’ve really started to come into our own. Starting off a new business is so overwhelming, but now I feel we have nothing to prove.

Kip Bed – Girl

How old is Incy Interiors and did you ever imagine it becoming what it is today?

Never, ever imagined it becoming this! We started up three and a half years ago when searching for a ‘big boy bed’ for our boy Oscar. Once I have a goal, I become incredibly focused and obsessed with it. I searched everywhere in Australia for what I wanted, looked at importing from overseas, and the option of having it manufactured myself. I lacked the confidence needed to really start a business on my own, but I luckily have a business minded husband who gave me the push needed.

 

Do you have a favourite product?

The Oscar bed still holds a lot of sentimental value for us. He’s definitely due a bigger bed now but I’m clinging on! It’s really nice actually how attached they are to design and their own rooms. He recently chose the Kip & Co Pizza bedspread for his room, was his favourite! Of course it doesn’t match anything but he loves it. Oscar’s and Polly’s rooms are being redesigned… Bel from Petite Vintage Label and Jacinda from Hide & Sleep have both done design boards for them. The rooms needed a new look, they were all mismatched!

Oscar Bed

Tell us more about your collaboration with Kip & Co?

When Kip & Co launched, we had just released our coloured bed range. We noticed that everyone bought them together. Any images we saw of one product almost always featured the other. We also worked together a lot in shoots, using each others products and so on. We always got along well and had fun, and one day thought ‘we should do something together!’ This range was really a lot of fun, and we have another collaboration coming out in about four weeks. Completely different again!

 

Incy Interiors collaboration range with Kip & Co was a huge hit at Melbourne’s Life Instyle

What trends do you see emerging at this years Kids Instyle?

Colours, I suppose this is always popular with kids wear. Copper is continuing on, in general homewares as well as kids. And monochrome is having another peak… it kind of diminished but is returning again I think. I love monochrome and really wish I had the restrain to be able to pull it off. This is why the house is such a mismatch of styles, I get attached to too many styles and objects.

 

As a mum and business owner, what has been your biggest learning curve?

As a mum it is all about balance. I know everyone says that but it’s true. And just getting through each day.. I probably get it right maybe 50% of the time. The last few weeks I’ve been working evenings and weekends, usually after the kids are sleeping… which is stupid, because then I don’t sleep.

Regarding business I really believe in working hard and being nice to people! And be humble. It’s so hard to work with anyone who isn’t nice. It immediately drags you down.

Kip Bed – Boy

Well you have certainly achieved both Kristy! You have worked crazy hard, deserve all the amazing success you’re having, and stay refreshingly humble and nice to the people around you. Thank you thank you thank you for your precious (and fun) time.

xxx

http://www.incyinteriors.com.au  you can find a local Incy stockist from the website

 @incy_interiors @theincystore

 incy interiors

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