In The Spotlight: Me Half Designs

Another fantastic newcomer  to Piccadilly Design market on 27th April is Me Half Designs.

Tell us a little about yourself?

I’m a research student who, in her spare time, likes to get the creative juices going with jewellery making. I also really love meeting and chatting with people, so markets are heaven to me. I’ve been making jewellery for myself for years now, but have only been selling my pieces for just over 6 months. I love making pieces that are easy to wear, but also versatile with what you’re wearing.

How did you come up with your business name?

mehalfdesigns reflects the creative and crafty side of me. Studying for a career in science is very different to that, and has a very different mindset. I guess mehalfdesigns means half of me designs, and half of me does science!

Tell us how your product/range came about?

I always played around with jewellery making, custom making pieces for my outfits. It came to a point where I was accumulating so much handmade jewellery that a friend recommended that I take my hobby to craft markets.

How long have you been in business for?

Mid to late 2013, so mehalfdesigns is still very new.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by so many things. I’m inspired by the simplicity of some jewellery pieces, but at the same time I like chaotic statement pieces too. I guess it all depends on the mood I’m in when making jewellery. I do love the look of well loved jewellery as it ages. I also love when pieces bring back amazing memories because you were wearing it when something great happened.

Have you always been ‘crafty’ or has it bloomed later in life?

I’ve always tried to DIY everything, and I always have several projects on the go! 

What is something cool that most people wouldn’t know about you?

I’m a very keen diver who never dives without her camera. I’m obsessed with underwater macro photography.  Me too but not underwater

If money was no object what would be your dream destination?

Anywhere with an inspiring view that I haven’t seen before, and that has access to a dive site!

What are you reading right now?

Have just started The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho

What is your favourite website(s)?

I love anything DIY:

www.the-brick-house.com/    

thedesignfiles.net/

www.thesweetbeastblog.com/

www.abeautifulmess.com/

www.etsy.com

www.facebook.com/Mehalfdesigns

I do also love instagram

Have you ever met anyone famous?

Depends on what is considered famous. I’ve meet some amazing musicians, actors, scientists, writers, and entrepreneurs who wouldn’t make it into a glossy magazine or be instantly recognized on the street, but are brilliant and well recognized in their field. I love that

In The Spotlight: Cheeky Little Fox

Please meet Anna from Cheeky Little Fox who will be at the next Piccadilly Design Market in Geelong on 27th April with her beautiful hair accessories.


Tell us a little about yourself?
 My name is Anna and I am a mummy of 2 little boys; Benny (29 months) and Archie (10 months) and you could say that Cheeky little fox is my ‘little girl’! I am currently on maternity leave from my job as a secondary school health and food technology teacher and I am loving being a work at home mum.

How did you come up with your business name?
My mum has always loved foxes (even though I grew up on a farm and they are pests) and when Benny was a baby if he was cheeky, I would always call him my cheeky little fox. I loved the name so much and thought that it was playful and cute. I worked closely with a  great graphic designer to come up with the ‘pretty’ fox, as seen in my logo and from there, the name has evolved into what it is today!

Tell us how your product/range came about?
 I started off by making 30 hair clips and sold these to friends and online quite quickly. Worried it was a fluke, I purchased enough materials to make another 30 and they too, went just as quickly. From there I dabbled in headbands and didn’t really find my mark until about 6 months later when I founded my most popular style, the ‘triple Betsy’ and late last year this further evolved into my shabby Betsy range. This gorgeous headband design came about by accident late one night when I was packing up. I have been very fortunate that over time I have been lucky to receive lots of valuable feedback from my clients and have been able to modify and tailor my products to better meet their evolving needs. In recent times, I have also introduced headband styles that are suitable and made to size for everyone from newborns to adults.

How long have you been in business for?
 Realistically, since September 2013, but officially since September 2012, however, soon after launching I became quite ill with severe morning sickness and could not continue with my work until March 2013. I worked for a couple of months and had my second son in the May and then got right back into it in September. All the while, I was just itching to create and attend markets and get Cheeky little fox ‘out there’.

What inspires you?
I love creating pretty things and as evident in my range, I love colour. My biggest motivation though, is my 2 little boys. Being able to work from home has allowed me the flexibility to spend as much time with them as I can. The bonus is that I absolutely adore what I do. I think this happiness and contentment shine through in my work.

Have you always been ‘crafty’ or has it bloomed later in life?
 Yes! My first ‘job’ was making and selling scrunchies at the local market when I was about 11.

What is something cool that most people wouldn’t know about you?
 Most people just assume I started out making hair accessories because I had a little girl. They are generally shocked and laugh when I say I have 2 little boys and NO girls!

If money was no object what would be your dream destination?
 I would love to visit New York for the shopping and also travel through Italy and France, mainly for the foodie experience.

What are you reading right now?
Unfortunately nothing, I haven’t had time lately. I am hoping to load up my Kindle for my next holiday though.

What is your favourite website(s) ?        
 Very soon it will be www.cheekylittlefox.com.au, but until that goes live I would have to say I love ‘Down that little lane’ for beautiful gift ideas and Taste.com.au for everyday recipes.

Have you ever met anyone famous?
I have had a couple of clients who are household names which is exciting, but a girl never kisses and tells ;).

In the Spotlight: Lauren and Angie

In my opinion we can never have too many new clothing labels at Piccadilly Design Market, so very happy to welcome Lauren and Angie on the 27th April here in Geelong.

Tell us a little about yourself?
I am a fashion graduate with a love and passion for anything organic, ethical and sustainable

How did you come up with your business name?
I originally wanted to call my business something else but unfortunately I couldn’t use the name, so then it was a long process of thinking of something else. I wanted something that related to me but I didn’t just want my name. My mum came up with Lauren & Angie after remembering my imaginary friend I had when I was little, her name being Angie. Angie had to come with us everywhere so it seemed fitting that she continue to be a part of my life through my business name.

Tell us how your product/range came about
I studied fashion design for 3 years at The Gordon in Geelong, and it wasn’t until my final year when we started learning about sustainable fashion, and I did an internship with a sustainable label and I based my final range around eco-friendly/sustainable fashion that I realised that’s where my passion lay. My passion for fair fashion and slowing down fast fashion grew and I decided I couldn’t work for companies that produced something I didn’t believe in so it only seemed fitting to start up my own label and base it around sustainable and eco-friendly fashion.

How long have you been in business?
I started Lauren & Angie the middle of last year.

What inspires you?
Everything and everyone around me inspires me you can’t shut yourself off to certain things. You should always think laterally. I am always looking and observing my surroundings and the people walking past me.

Have you always been crafty?
Yes, I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t creating something. I have come a long way in my creative world from the cardboard dogs I used to make.

If money was no object what’s your dream destination?
I would definitely be going everywhere! But my first destination would be the Canadian ski fields.

What are you reading right now?
I am reading The Perks of being a Wallflower

What is your favourite website?
I don’t really have a favourite I like a lot of websites but I do spend a lot of time on Pinterest – so many cool things on there – and Etsy not just looking after my store but browsing through all the creative people out there stores.

Have you ever met anyone famous?
I have had the privilege of meeting two amazing fashion designers. Alex Perry at a business seminar in Geelong and Paul Smith in his Head Office in London. COOL

In The Spotlight : Tvianaa's Henna Tatts

Piccadilly Design Market has a really cool newcomer on April 27th in Geelong and that is Hinal from Tvianaa's Henna Tatts. She will be doing them on the day and if I can force myself to sit down I am definitely getting one. I got my first one at the school fete a few weeks back and loved it.

Tell us a little about yourself?
Name is Hinal, born in Oman, Indian by origin, lived in Dubai, travelled the world, and now truly happy to be in Geelong.

How did you come up with your business name?
Tvianaa’s Henna Tatts – My daughters Tvisha and Jianaa, hence combined to make Tvianaa. My princesses are the inspiration behind all my art.

Tell us how your product/range came about?
As a little girl, I used to love getting Henna Tatt’s…..and doodling Henna designs…..so I had to pursue it further. After moving to Geelong, I thought I’d like to take Henna art a step further and apply it on canvas.

How long have you been in business for?
Less than 6 months, but loving it so far since new ideas are continuously pouring in.

What inspires you?
The love for trying new ideas and the joy of implementing them.

Have you always been ‘crafty’ or has it bloomed later in life?
I have always been crafty, have done quilting, appliqué, cake decoration, crochet, bead bags, henna, ceramic flowers and pots and so much more when I was in school/college. All my craft work took a back seat (during the last 10 years) whilst I juggled a career in the corporate world and my studies and family life with kids. But now that I am a stay at home mom after moving to Geelong, I thought, it’s time to get crafty once more.

What is something cool that most people wouldn’t know about you?
Most people in town may not know that I am a qualified Chartered accountant and am a MBA. In my last job I was Head of Finance, DBS Bank Dubai. I had a team of 20 people who would follow my instructions but now I have to run a family of three and they don’t listen to me J. Mine don't either sadly
(In Dubai I had my mum to look after the kids, and having moved here, we are not keen on day care for the kids, so I have decided to stay at home)

If money was no object what would be your dream destination?
In a water villa in Cocoa Island, Maldives……..ah now I am lost in my dreams J. One of my dreams too

What are you reading right now?
ONE by Richard Batch…….it opened my eyes to the fearful clinging and self-doubt that prevents so many people from reaching their full potential. It also renewed my resolve to take responsibility for my every dream, doubt, achievement, and failure. Every choice you make in every moment of your life, affects more than your next few seconds or minutes or hours. It can affect your entire future and the lives of others. It’s all about the power of our choices in life.

What is your favorite website(s) ?
Too many to list J.

Have you ever met anyone famous?
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai

In The Spotlight: Print Patch Australia

Print Patch is another newcomer to Piccadilly Design Market in Geelong on Sunday 27th April.
Meet Elly.

Tell us a little about yourself?
Grew up an an extremely busy household, oldest of 5 kids, father an Entrepreneur, mum a nurse. Moved house virtually every year of my life as a child.  I'm passionate about my family, my church and helping people.  I also love coffee, shopping, and quality 'girl' time.  Lately Print Patch has become a special thing for me, it is a life long dream that is starting to come to life.

How did you come up with your business name?
A spontaneous pluck out of thin air.  But I wanted 'Print' in the name and for it to role off the tongue!  I knew too complicated wouldn't work.

Tell us how your product/range came about?
I have an art background, have always drawn and come up with ideas and ways of making things.  Sometimes an idea wont leave me till I make it.  The laser cut jewelry was one that pestered me till I made it.  And screen printing started because I saw a tea towel and wondered how it was made.

How long have you been in business for?
In a serious way.....not long.  Have given it a half hearted effort many times in the past.  Now its the right time to just go for it.

What inspires you?
Colour, anything I see that's new, unique and different.  And I love shapes, pattern and fabric.

Have you always been ‘crafty’ or has it bloomed later in life?
I have had ambitions to be an 'artist' all my life, hence I did a Bachelor in Fine Art out of High School.  But I remember getting a buzz out of making things at a young age, like the bibs I made for my cousins Cabbage Patch dolls (the first time they were popular)

What's something cool that most people wouldn’t know about you?
I have jumped off a moving train, don't know if that constitutes 'cool' though?  Stupid probably!

If money was no object what would be your dream destination?
Italy, Greece, anywhere mediterranean.

What are you reading right now?
The Bible

What is your favourite website(s) ?
Pinterest           

Have you ever met anyone famous?
Tammy Macintosh passed me at the airport the other day!  But no, not really.  Recently I met Cath Derksema, I got my photo taken with her (gush).  She's famous to me.  She owns Prints Charming fabrics.

In The Spotlight: Third Fox

The lovely Alison from Third Fox will be joining us at Piccadilly Design Market on 27 April in Geelong with her beautiful pillows, tea towels and wooden products.

Tell us a little about yourself? 
I am a mum of three and have a super supporting husband. Neither of us know how to sit still!  I love gardening and creating things. Strangely, I really love to work!

How did you come up with your business name?
The third came from having three children and fox because I love foxes and their beautiful bushy tails! Hence "Third_Fox"

Tell us how your product/range came about?
I hand screen-print on pillows, Tea - Towels and a range of other linens.  I also make a range of timber vessels and bangles.  My range is continually expanding!

How long have you been in business for?
About three months!

What inspires you?
Colour and the drive to make Australian products available in Australia.

Have you always been ‘crafty’ or has it bloomed later in life?
When I was a child I was very crafty but as I got older I found it too easy to buy things.  Now that I have surrounded myself with people that love to create, I feel a real sense of wanting to be a part of that!

If money was no object what would be your dream destination?
A year long stay in Italy! So my kids could experience the food, school and the Italian culture!

What are you reading right now?
I just completed  " The coffee house in Kabul" 

What is your favourite website(s) ?     
I'm slightly obsessed with "Instagram" It's not really a website, but I find it extremely inspiring! We have so many talented people in Australia and it's a great forum for new businesses!

Have you ever met anyone famous?
They aren't exactly famous but two weeks ago we met "Steve and Chantelle" off the block and had a private tour of the apartments!  The kids were pretty excited!

In the Spotlight: Planet Fab

A lovely newcomer from Gippsland will be at the Piccadilly Design Market on 27th April in Geelong.

Introducing Penny from Planet Fab who makes the most stunning winter coats. 

How did you come up with your business name?

As a consumer I have so many questions about what it is that I am buying.  How do I identify products that give the maker/grower a fair go, exclude animal cruelty, and have a positive impact on our environment? The Planet Fab label represents how I feel about the world and the minimal impact that I wish to have on it.  To my customers the Planet Fab label represents an opportunity to wear an Australian made luxury product which not only escapes the monotony of black but also ticks all their ethical boxes.

Have you always been ‘crafty’ or has it bloomed later in life?

My family has a long history in the fashion industry.  I was pretty young when mum got me started making my own clothes. This was after a couple of years of making dodgy clothes for Barbie.  I also enjoyed making soft toys, cushions, upholstery and furniture restoration.  Mostly, I was encouraged to reuse and repurpose what we already had, a value that I have adhered to throughout.  After high school I studied clothing manufacture.

How long have you been in business for?

Many years later I found a few different scraps of fabric at home and made a jacket to wear to my admin job.  Many compliments later, I decided to go into business using scraps and second hand clothes to make jackets.  My product has evolved from there, and five years later I make coats for men and women using remnant fabrics from industry.

What inspires you?. 

It’s so easy to glance at a tree or a bush and simply see green, but when I slow down and breathe in the fresh air I see something altogether different.  A kaleidoscope of colour, an abundance of textures.  When a friend told me of some fabrics that were going to be binned, I rushed over to see if there was some way to save them.  When I saw these poor unwanted fabrics I screamed with excitement.  The next step for the Planet Fab label.  An opportunity to share my love of colour and texture with others.  I haven’t looked back from there, and actively seek to save unwanted fabrics and give them a new life as a beautiful coat.

What is something cool that most people wouldn’t know about you?

I love spending time at our property in Gippsland where there are constant surprises, from the local wildlife to a new bushwalking track.  My partner and I spend nights by a campfire planning our future home from a small shed on the hill.

If money was no object where would you go?

Despite a love of Asian travel, if money was no object I would definitely head to Alaska.  I have dreamed for years of seeing the colours where the ice meets the water with my own eyes.  Colour, it gets me every time.

What are you reading right now? 

 Cook books.  Sweet or savory, it doesn’t matter.  Just love ideas for dinner parties with my friends.

Have you ever met anyone famous?  

My niece insists that I am famous.  Got to love her.

In The Spotlight: Organics for Lily

Who loves tea? me, me, me

I am not a coffee drinker, hate the stuff, weird I know, which means I LOVE tea. I am very excited to have Organics for Lily at the next Piccadilly Design Market in Geelong on Sunday April 27th.

Tell us a little about yourself?  
I'm a qualified naturopath who is addicted tea.  I love health fitness and all things natural and organics :)

How did you come up with your business name? 
 It's inspired by my beautiful 3 year old daughter who loves tea.

Tell us how your product/range came about?
 I started treating my kids with therapeutic teas rather than western medicine as a first treatment option, as I wanted a more natural treatment approach for my kids, and discovered that there were lots of other mums out there that wanted the same thing.  After several blend requests from my mummy friends, I finally decided to start my own business.

How long have you been in business for? 
 I started thinking about it about 2 years ago and finally mustered up enough courage to get it off the ground 6 months ago and I haven't looked back since!  I've had so much fun and met so many lovely people who have inspired me to open my own naturopathic practice, which is currently in the works.

What inspires you?
I've been really inspired by all the lovely people I've meet at markets and through my Facebook page.  All their feedback from the great results they have had from my tea, make all my effort and hard work worth it.  My hubby and bestie Nat are also very inspirational.

Have you always been ‘crafty’ or has it bloomed later in life? 
 I've always been a bit crafty and creative since school days.

What is something cool that most people wouldn’t know about you?   When I was in New York I had the most amazing time and saw one of my favourite shows, Sex and the city being filmed, when I was walking down the street...good times!

If money was no object what would be your dream destination?  Definitely Bora Bora, it looks so amazing!   I wish I was there right now sipping cocktails.

What are you reading right now?  The hunger games.

What is your favourite website(s) ? 
 I don't really have a Fav, but I love pinterest and Instagram, I always find myself looking at these, they are just so inspirational!

Have you ever met anyone famous?
Jimmy giggle...yes I have a bit of a mummy crush...Lol!

In the Spotlight: Jak & Co

Another newcomer to Piccadilly Design Market in Geelong on April 27th is Jak & Co

Tell us a little about yourself?

I am a mum of two and an Interior Designer. I started the business with my mum after my second child to allow me to work from home.

How did you come up with your business name?
Our business name is our two initials combined (Jenni & Kathryn = Jak) not very exciting I know...

Tell us how your product/range came about?
Our products came about when I was decorating my babies nursery and I couldn't find the colours or styles I was looking for to match his gorgeous uimi blanket. So we made our own mobile, wall art and upcycled some furniture and it has just continued from there. We have always planned to bring out a cushion range for living rooms too which shouldn't be too far away.

How long have you been in business for?
We have been in business since July last year

What inspires you?
Putting colours together really inspires me and creating new products. I believe we should always be trying new things. I don't like to keep making the same old. Each item is unique and one of a kind in different ways whether it be colour combination or buttons or even just the thread colour. We like them all to be unique.

Have you always been ‘crafty’ or has it bloomed later in life?
I have always been into art and design but no the 'craftiness' has definately come later in life. Mum has always been crafty though.

What is something cool that most people wouldn’t know about you?
I am just as passionate about food as I am design. I love to eat. Me too!!

If money was no object what would be your dream destination
Italy and Paris definately!

What are you reading right now?
I am always reading various design books from own collection. But right now I am catching up on my subscriptions to vogue living and Belle magazines.

What is your favourite website(s) ?    
I love madeit.com.au and etsy there are so many creative people out there    

Have you ever met anyone famous?
no not as yet

Make sure you pop Jak & Co on your list of people to look out for at Piccadilly Design Market

In the Spotlight: LimeDaisy Design

Today I would like to introduce to Aileen from LimeDaisy Design who has a range of cool products, what are super cool are her lockets which are now available for adults as well as children. She will be at the next Piccadilly Design Market in Geelong on the 27th April.

Tell us a little about yourself?
I’m a Canadian who backpacked around Australia and met a lovely Australian who I moved across the world for.  We now have two beautiful children and each run our own businesses.

How did you come up with your business name?
15 years ago I needed an email address and AOL kindly suggested to use your favourite colour or flower – so LimeDaisy it was!

Tell us how your product/range came about?
My products have evolved from holding home crafting parties where we painted glass and made flavoured vodkas to items that are more fitting to Mums and Children.  As my children have grown, so has my range and I find each year as they get older I think of new things I want to make for their friends and for my friends. Now I have a range for adults with my LimeDaisy Lockets with charms that you can choose to create the perfect story.

How long have you been in business for?
 Unofficially for more than 20 years, Officially in Australia for 5 years.

What inspires you?
Bright colours, thinking of the person who I would like to give the gift to.

Have you always been ‘crafty’ or has it bloomed later in life?
Always been crafty.  I grew up with a very clever Mum who could whip up a fancy costume if you told her at bedtime that you had a dress up day tomorrow! It would be sitting waiting for you in the morning. I remember sitting at the table painting while she made dinner.

What is something cool that most people wouldn’t know about you?
I was a Highland Dancer and played the Bagpipes for the Vancouver Ladies Pipe Band.

If money was no object what would be your dream destination?
Always a trip back to Canada to see my family – with a stay in Hawaii.

What are you reading right now?
Oh...tough one.  Doing online reading, enjoying my cousins blog about her journey to become a marathon runner...in the winter....in Scotland!

What is your favourite website(s) ?        
 Anything current events and news related.  Now that I work from home I like to be sure to know what is going on in the world around me.

Have you ever met anyone famous?
Shook the Queens hand as a child, a few Governor General’s from Commonwealth countries during Expo in Vancouver.

Dont miss her at Piccadilly Design Market in Geelong on the 27th April