1. Tell us a little about yourself and your business... I am happy wife to Ben and mum to Hamish, 6 and Greta (aka Gigi), 3. My day job is nursing and Gigi's Buttons is my second job, actually make that my third! We live in Gisborne in regional Victoria on a couple of acres that is adequate for a silly labrador, lots of footy, cricket and mini-bike riding.
Through Gigi's Buttons I aim to make children's clothing that is beautifully constructed, age appropriate, comfortable and allows the child's individuality to shine through. I hand make all the garments myself at this stage - no outsourcing. I often use commercial patterns that are available to boutique sewers for a license fee. I only choose well garments that will be well constructed and allow for a wide use of fabrics and embellishments. I believe that when you buy a hand made garment you are buying something special and you know you won't see every second child in the same thing.
2. How did your business begin? I was taught to sew by my mum when I was younger but had not sewed much until Greta was born three years ago. I was so excited to have a little girl to dress but couldn't really find the styles I liked in stores. I started simple A-line dresses then my ambitions grew. Where I didn't have the skill or knowledge of technique I just visited "my ladies" on you-tube. To my delight, I have discovered a world of (mainly) woman who have videos demonstrating various sewing techniques. So with my new-found tutoring I embarked on more difficult garments. My sister had a baby around the same time and became one of my first and best customers. I started getting asked by friends and friends-of-friends to make things and eventually saw a future in starting the business. Once I made my first coat for Greta I was in love. There is something so special about a lovely coat. I love looking at pictures of vintage children's coats and often find inspiration in the colours textures and styles. Making coats is becoming the specialty of the business.
3. The bits I love... I love working with customers on custom orders. It is very satisfying to know the garment the customer receives is exactly the garment they desired.
4. The bits I not-so-love... Any administration task - I feel like it just eats into the precious time I have to sew.
5. Any tips for other Clever Mammas? Set realistic goals and timelines to allow a good work-life balance. If you give every ounce of yourself to your business something else (like family) will suffer. You absolutely need the support of your family, they may be why you started in the first place. Don't feel pressure to be superwoman - they are a fantasy pushed by the media and parenting blogs. Yes it may take longer to get your business where you want it but at least you will be able to sustain it when you get there.
6. Devonshire Tea versus Coffee & Cake??? Devonshire tea. The more jam and cream the better!!
