Category: MAKERS + CREATORS

MAKERS + CREATORS

Curated by… MijMoj Designs

As part of our meet the makers series, we’ve been asking some of our rad sellers to showcase their favourite products on hardtofind. The result? An awesome array of gifts and finds to (hopefully) inspire and delight!

First up, is lovely Welsh duo Sean and Gafyn from MijMoj Designs.

Tell us a bit about your business?

Shwmae! We are long-time university pals, Gafyn and Sean and together we own and run MijMoj Design along with a small team of dedicated and skilled craftsmen.

Collectively, we love to design and handcraft a range of beautiful personalised gifts from our studio workshop, based in North Wales and we are really proud to say, that they are now distributed and gifted right across the world with love.

Our passion is developing useful, original, design-led products. We love to work with hardwoods such as oak and walnut which are from sustainable sources and combine them with other materials such as glass and metal to add aesthetic detail and functional appeal.

We take every care to ensure our customers are always totally thrilled with their purchase or gift and love to hear their feedback, so we can continually improve and develop new products.

What are your top three things to shop for online?

Between us we are not massive shoppers, but we always default online for gifts.

There is always something unique and thoughtful just a few clicks away if you know where to look and it’s great that you can buy and send a gift direct to the recipient.

  1. Wouf travel case 2. Personalised koala couple print 3. Personalised child’s dressing gown 4. Personalised birthday bangle

We love travelling so shopping for holidays is up there too, but that’s something that never happens often enough!

We also shop for tools for the business online to help improve the finish and quality of our products, so quite often get lost in machine and tool websites!

What’s your favourite item in your hardtofind store and why?

We really love our range of handcrafted solid oak watch stands to store from three to five watches.

Personalised solid oak watch stand (3, 4 and 5 watches)

We love making these, and as one of our original designs as a partnership (a MijMoj Design classic) they have become one of our most sought after product ranges.

We love the honesty and simplicity of their form, the storage functionality and the opportunity it gives the buyer to add thoughtful and meaningful personalised messages to the watch stand for the recipient.

They make great gifts for watch collectors for birthdays, Father’s Day, anniversary and wedding thank you gifts.

What’s your favourite item on hardtofind (not in your store) and why?

There’s nothing like a proper beer shared with friends so we are hoping Nia and Sarah (our wives) will take the hint and get us one of these this Christmas on behalf of our kids.

We had never heard of a ‘beer growler’ before… we love the name and are left wondering if it’s designed to say ‘don’t try and take our beer away!’

Personalised beer growler and glasses set

Sean and Gafyn’s top 20 gift ideas from hardtofind

  1. Personalised bedside watch and phone stand 2. Personalised craft beer flight tasting set 3. Classic leather wash bag 4. Personalised solid oak micro plant pot 5. Mette dipped vase 6. Horizon watch in black and brown 7. Beer cap map wall art 8. Personalised distressed leather apron 9. Personalised mini round travel jewellery case 10. Personalised double guitar stand and plectrum holder in solid oak 11. Personalised photograph metal wallet keepsake card 12. Booze bangle in rose gold 13. Field tiered serving platter by Helen Kontouris 14. Matching dad and child balloon piggy back T-shirt twinset 15. Personalised solid oak watch box (6 or 10 watches) 16. Personalised stamped leather wrap bracelet 17. Rear bicycle light by Bike Balls 18. Solid oak personalised glasses stand 19. The WeDo family card game 20. Crosley cruiser deluxe portable turntable + free record storage crate

 

PS. Meet more of our makers + creators and how to be the best wedding guest!

 

hardtofind.

Hardtofind is Australia’s leading online curated marketplace for gifts, fashion and homewares.

http://hardtofind.com.au
MAKERS + CREATORS

The HTF Hot Seat: FromLucy

It’s always fun meeting new people, which is why we came up with the idea of The HTF Hot Seat – a regular post to introduce you to the creative dynamites behind some of your favourite hardtofind products. This week’s seller in the spotlight: Lucy Tapper at FromLucy.

 

I’m known on hardtofind for my… illustrated personalised gifts for all the family, including the ever-popular ‘The Day You Were Born’ book!

Right now I’m inspired by… whatever’s in my head! I try and be as original as possible. We’re constantly bringing out new products that are normally developed from an idea I’ve had sitting under a tree at the bottom of my garden (or sometimes in the middle of the night!).

My favourite part of the making process is… the original sketches in my sketchbook. I’m trying to keep my work ethic old school and originate to my sketch book. My two illustrators love working straight from the iPad, but us Generation X’s aren’t up to speed with that just yet!

I work from… a small studio in Tavistock, Devon with my wonderful team of creatives.

A typical day for me involves… getting up with my two gorgeous girls and husband, doing the school run, then heading into work. I try and keep my work hours between 9am-3pm, and then any time at home is strictly family time – although I am prone to sneaking my sketch book out if me and my husband, Steve, are watching TV in the evening!

My proudest business moment was… receiving an order from The Royal Family! Our ‘The Day You Were Born’ print is proudly hanging in HRH Prince George’s and HRH Princess Charlotte’s nurseries. There are SO many proud moments, but this one tops it all.

When I started my business, I wish I’d known… it’d be such a long process! I wouldn’t change anything for the world, but it’s taken me 10 years to get where I am today. With every success I reach, I create another goal.

I’d describe my personal style as… quirky and traditional. My little cottage is small and cosy, whereas my illustrating style is super personal. All of the patterns used for the illustrations throughout our personalised books are scans of my daughters’ clothes!

My last purchase was… a real life hedgehog! I’ve wanted a hedgehog ever since I was little, even more so since we created and published ‘Hedgehugs’, and we finally caved and bought one. Hattie will be joining our family very soon.

The first thing I do when I wake up is… TEA. The stereotypical Brit will give you this answer every time (or coffee!) but a cup of tea is the best way to start a day. Fact.

The motto I live by is… ‘You only get one chance at life so make the most of it. It’s better to say “oh well” than “what if” – you may end up saying “oh wow!”.

I’m hoping 2019 will bring… more success! I want this business to be the best it can possibly be, not only for myself but for my wonderful team.

Everything tastes better with a little… tea. Always tea. Lots and lots of it.

 

Shop FromLucy

1. ‘The Day You Were Born’ Personalised New Baby Book 2. Little Life Kit 3. Family Challenges Game 4. ‘Our Mum’ Personalised Book For Mothers

 

PS. Meet more of our makers and creators!

hardtofind.

Hardtofind is Australia’s leading online curated marketplace for gifts, fashion and homewares.

http://hardtofind.com.au
MAKERS + CREATORS

The HTF Hot Seat: Bookishly

It’s always fun meeting new people, which is why we came up with the idea of The HTF Hot Seat – a regular post to introduce you to the creative dynamites behind some of your favourite hardtofind products. This week’s seller in the spotlight: Louise from Bookishly.

 

I’m known on hardtofind for my… bookish quotes on vintage book page prints and personalised map of the stars prints.

Right now I’m inspired by… working with my amazing design team to create new things. I used to do all this on my own but having a team to bounce ideas off makes the world of difference.

My favourite part of the making process is… when you get a print in a frame with no dust first time around – it’s a glorious thing!

I work from… a workshop in Northamptonshire, UK, with a team of 10 other lovely people.

A typical day for me involves… the school and nursery run, then arriving at work about 9.30am. I do emails and chat with the team and then move on to whatever projects are working on. It might be working out how many temps we need for Christmas or how many frames we need to make in advance, or planning the contents of our next subscription box. I’ll catch up with the design team on what they are working on and give feedback. Jo runs customer service and she might have something I need to know about, or just something hilarious to relay (it comes with the job!) and I’ll need to give Beth (our marketing superstar) the two factor authentication code for Instagram multiple times each day! I leave work in time to pick the kids up from after school club and nursery and then it’s straight into the chaos of teatime and bedtime. I’ll occasionally do a little more in the evening but generally I try to switch off and spend some time with my husband (if I can drag him away from whatever his latest hobby is – it’s currently 3D printing!).

My proudest business moment was… it’s rather general, but I’m really proud of my team. Every single one of them is great and my goal in life is for Bookishly to provide meaningful careers for as many of them as possible. To build a business big enough to employ 11 people is something I never imagined would happen, and now it has I just want to keep going!

When I started my business, I wish I’d known… to employ an accountant sooner and start handing over the things I’m not good at to other people.

I’d describe my personal style as… at home I love a bit of mid-century modern with a hint contemporary boho. Ladderax plus IKEA plus a Persian rug and grey Scandi sofa. Fashion-wise, I’m a sucker for a botanical print dress, metallic Converse, thick rimmed glasses and laser cut jewellery. I’m a bit of a ‘creative’ stereotype I’m afraid. I’ve even got the pink hair!

My last purchase was… children’s clothes! It’s always children’s clothes.

The first thing I do when I wake up is… check my email for overnight hardtofind sales. That time difference!

The motto I live by is… the JM Barrie quote ‘Always try to be a little kinder than is necessary’ is Bookishly’s motto. It’s a massive poster on the wall in our studio and it’s written into our staff contract. It’s how we treat our staff, suppliers and customers, and how I try to treat everyone in life.

I’m hoping 2019 will bring… growth. I want to keep building Bookishly so that we can expand and create more cool stuff. World domination basically!

Everything tastes better with a little… CHEESE!! Is there any other possible answer to this question?!

 

Shop Bookishly

1. ‘May Your Shelves Overflow with Books’ Book Lover Print 2. Personalised Star Chart Print 3. ‘You Are Our Greatest Adventure’ Map Print 4. ‘She Is Too Find of Books’ Book Quote Print

 

PS. Meet more of our makers and creators!

hardtofind.

Hardtofind is Australia’s leading online curated marketplace for gifts, fashion and homewares.

http://hardtofind.com.au
MAKERS + CREATORS

The HTF Hot Seat: Heather Alstead Design

It’s always fun meeting new people, which is why we came up with the idea of The HTF Hot Seat – a regular post to introduce you to the creative dynamites behind some of your favourite hardtofind products. This week’s seller in the spotlight: adorable designer (and dog lover!) Heather Alstead.

 

I’m known on hardtofind for my… since last month, I’d have to say our new personalised Christmas Dog wrapping paper! Thank you so much for making it our number-one seller in less than a week, guys!

Right now I’m inspired by… life! I tend to design for what’s happening in my life – my first ever card was produced for my mum, we started doing personalised baby wear as soon as I became an aunty, and I drew the first dog image when I bought my first pup three years ago.

My favourite part of the making process is… a lot of our designs are handmade by us in our family run studio, which is time consuming but amazing. It’s so fun being able to produce our designs and seeing them grow from an idea into reality. We have built up a collection of machines as the business has grown and are now able to produce personalised baby clothing, mugs, prints, wrapping paper and Christmas jumpers, all in-house! We still have a list of suppliers (all in the UK) to create our non-personalised products, which gives us the freedom to design a wide range of products that we could never produce alone.

I work from… an old barn! I started the business just after finishing uni (seven years ago now!), when I was still living at home. I am very lucky that my parents have an old barn – my gran used to live in here, and prior to that a donkey! It was converted before my gran lived in it… 😉 This has been my workspace from the very beginning, I hired my mum and we all work in here. We have a couple of stock rooms/machine rooms and our office space where we pack the orders. All in a little village outside of York, England. I love it as I get to take my two labs, Luna, and our latest addition, Fleur, to work each day.

A typical day for me involves… up at 6am (now we have a new puppy) get ready, faff around, have breakfast, load the dogs in the car, and drive to the studio only four miles away. Then it is the all-important cup of tea, before printing out our online orders, answering our enquires and starting to make orders. I do the wrapping paper, mugs and baubles, my mum does the prints and baby grows. We do help each other out, and switch and change, but that’s the routine now. Our post is collected at around 3pm, then it is onto either trade orders, or now, Christmas planning, before I head home to make dinner, and chill out with a cheeky gin, my husband and pups.

My proudest business moment was… going full time. I began right out of uni with no idea about anything to do with starting a business. I worked part time to begin with but, after two years, I went full time and that was the turning point. I finally started to believe that this was my actual job and I could make it work.

When I started my business, I wish I’d known… that it would work! It would have saved my parents’ sanity. I would ask them most days, ‘are you sure I am not wasting my time?!’ I still harbor this fear and never get complacent about how lucky I am to do something I love. We are always looking at ways we can evolve and move with markets.

I’d describe my personal style as… Scandi and I’ll buy anything with an animal on it.

My last purchase was… a leopard-print Whistle’s jumper – I love their clothes.

The first thing I do when I wake up is… avoid eye contact with the dogs. They like to eat as soon as they hear the alarm.

The motto I live by is… love what you do and you will never a work a day in your life

I’m hoping 2019 will bring… more of the same, to continue to do a job the I love and be happy!

Everything tastes better with a little… cake/chocolate/gin/rum.

 

Shop Heather Alstead Design

1. Personalised Christmas Dog Wrapping Paper 2. Personalised ‘All You Need Is Love And A Cat’ Mug 3. Baby Bear Personalised Baby Grow 4. Personalised Dog Ornament

 

PS. Meet our other makers and creators!

hardtofind.

Hardtofind is Australia’s leading online curated marketplace for gifts, fashion and homewares.

http://hardtofind.com.au
MAKERS + CREATORS

The HTF Hot Seat: Infamous Swim

It’s always fun meeting new people, which is why we came up with the idea of The HTF Hot Seat – a regular post to introduce you to the creative dynamites behind some of your favourite hardtofind products. This week’s seller in the spotlight: super mum Gem from Infamous Swim.

 

I’m known on hardtofind for my… matching mummy and mini swimsuits.

Right now I’m inspired by… our family travels. This is a big one for us – as a family we love to get away and get the kids out of the house and outdoors.

My favourite part of the making process is… starting right from scratch, sketching the designs, getting pencil to paper to the very raw design of our prints too. Watching it all come alive by the end is just unreal.

I work from… my lounge room, right now. I need a bigger space!

A typical day for me involves… I don’t even know where the 24 hours goes! With a 16-week-old bub, it just disappears. I start with the kids being dropped at school and getting my take away almond latte (a must), then it’s back home to have a daily chat with my warehouse manager about orders and how she
has gone the day before. After that, I get onto emails and social media contacts! I am loving being very personal with all of my followers right now – really engaging with them, answering any sizing or colour questions they might have. My following is mostly (but not only) mums of all ages and sizes. I help everyone that wants assistance with their size, because when you’re feeding a new bub, it’s nice to know that the person who’s helping you is going through the same things. When the emails are done, it’s all about managing my marketing/advertising and ad hoc things like photoshoots and bloggers. There really isn’t enough time in the day. As soon as 3pm hits, it’s school pick-up time, so my house is loud full of three boys! The rest of the night un folds with parental duties, finishing off with some nighttime answering of mail. Phewww!

My proudest business moment was… collaborating with the wonderful Marcia from notsomumsy! How exciting right?

When I started my business, I wish I’d known… it was going to get this big of a response so soon. I would have had a lot of processes sorted before realising I was about to sink!

I’d describe my personal style as… excitable (maybe too much), honest and open and funny! (Can you say that about yourself? I laugh at my own jokes, anyway… haha!)

My last purchase was… organic cleaning products. I’m a HUGE sucker for online buying.

The first thing I do when I wake up is… oh, gosh – I’ll fess up… check my phone. Eeekkkkk.

The motto I live by is… treat everyone like you want to be treated.

I’m hoping 2019 will bring… a calmness.

Everything tastes better with a little… almond milk.

 

Shop Infamous Swim

1. Candice Safari Leopard Mumma and Mini Matching Swimsuit Set 2. Mumma and Mini Matching Bikini in Red Polka Dot 3. Candice Military Green Mumma and Mini Matching Swimsuit Set 4. Candice Sunset Tropical (Not So Mumsy Collab) Mumma and Mini Matching Swimsuit Set

 

PS. Another new seller you should know about and meet more makers and creators!

hardtofind.

Hardtofind is Australia’s leading online curated marketplace for gifts, fashion and homewares.

http://hardtofind.com.au
MAKERS + CREATORS

New seller in the spotlight: Eggpicnic

If you’re yet to clap eyes on the gorgeous birdlife prints by our newest seller Eggpicnic, prepare for some serious gallery wall envy…

Simple yet striking, their unique take on our winged natives is so good, they’ve gone from decking out homes to colouring the City of Sydney’s multi-storey construction sites. What started as a meeting of creative minds for design duo Chris and Camila has now become an iconic Sydney-based studio that actively works for change.

Photo by Robert Walsh

“Eggpicnic was born in Milan, when I moved in with Chris and arrived with a basket full of eggs some friends at my old place had left behind,” explains Camila. “We boiled, scrambled and poached them and went on a picnic to Parco Sempione, where we decided for the first time to join our abilities in graphic, industrial design and our love for the natural world.”

The pair then moved to Chile, where they started experimenting with different design projects – guided by what they felt was important to communicate to the world. By the time they touched down in Australia’s Harbour City to start their next chapter, Chris and Camila were ready to grow Eggpicnic and transform it into a platform that could offer quality products, while educating people about wildlife conservation. “We are a bridge, between the wild and humans, between NGOs and citizens, and between science and art,” says Camila.

Creating characters that tread a fine line between art, design and cartoon, Eggpicnic aims to capture the beauty of the natural world with the hope of inspiring others to protect it. “We began fusing design and conservation to talk about our unique fellow species in order to inspire change in people’s hearts and minds,” says Camila. “We believe we are all capable of shifting the future and that education is fundamental in doing so. If you can reach people you can change and empower them.”

Photo by Robert Walsh

The process starts with research. “We use scientific data to select and help decide upon which story we want to tell,” Camila explains. “We rely on the data developed by scientists to open up conversations about our wildlife and the problems they face. With this information we are able to identify and determine aspects that can engage citizens and ultimately make a change.”

Once they’ve decided what they story want to capture, Camilla creates a hand sketch of the design, which is then passed on into digital format for the application of colour. All of Eggpicnic’s prints are produced in-house in their Darlinghurst studio – created with the utmost care and attention to quality, and the finest art paper and archival inks. One look at their colourful, contemporary designs and it’s clear why the City of Sydney chose Eggpicnic to decorate their construction hoardings – a move that allowed Chris and Camila to involve the entire community in their work.

So what’s next for Eggpicnic’s dynamic duo? “Continuing to grow our collection,” says Camila. “Our work is becoming more established as large scale public art, with an upcoming project with Sydney Olympic Park being revealed later this year. These new formats and mediums are something we want to explore further. For us, being able to make a difference, no matter how big, is the most important. Having people say they cannot walk away without an Eggpicnic print because of how happy it makes them feel gives me hope because once we fall in love with something we fiercely want to protect it. This is a great time to take part in this change and we can make this happen. We just need people to understand it’s worth doing.”

 

Shop Eggpicnic…

1. Princess Parrot Print 2. Birds of Sydney Print 3. Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo Print 4. Superb Fairy-Wren and Banksia Print

 

PS. Meet more of our hardtofind sellers!

hardtofind.

Hardtofind is Australia’s leading online curated marketplace for gifts, fashion and homewares.

http://hardtofind.com.au
MAKERS + CREATORS

The HTF Hot Seat: Lisa Angel

It’s always fun meeting new people, which is why we came up with the idea of The HTF Hot Seat – a regular post to introduce you to the creative dynamites behind some of your favourite hardtofind products. This week’s seller in the spotlight: jewellery and gifting wiz, Lisa Angel.

 

I’m known on hardtofind for my… English design, personalised gifts, fine and delicate jewellery and men’s jewellery.

Right now I’m inspired by… wellbeing and feeling good. I’m loving all things earthy and natural, botanicals and the ‘namaste’ trend. These elements are a reminder to live in the present, be mindful, stay grounded and take time out from everyday stresses. It’s inspired me to create a range of products featuring hamsa hands, mandalas, inspiring quotes and natural materials.

My favourite part of the making process is… the development and creative inspiration behind each product. It all starts with collecting inspiration from films, catwalks and nature and thinking of new interpretations of existing or previous products for the new season. Once we have an abundance of ideas, it’s time to put pen to paper and create some really exciting designs, start thinking about possible personalisation and new techniques and styles to use to make them unique and different. It’s so exciting to see a product or range of products you’re crazy about, and think will be a big hit, go from inspiration to real life.

I work from… an office in Norwich in the UK. A few years ago I was working on my living room floor, but now I’m lucky enough to have a head office. I still work at home sometimes and in reality you can work wherever you are – whether it’s a car, train or hotel room. It’s hard, but it’s important to turn off sometimes.

A typical day for me involves… an early start at 6am. I enjoy puppy cuddles from Lucy, my Havaton, eat breakfast and do 20-30 minutes of yoga before the kids wake up. Once they’re up, it’s time to make breakfasts and lunches, get them ready for school and get myself ready for work.

Each day varies at Lisa Angel, but it’s always a busy one! You’ll often find me looking at production samples and shop reports, sending design briefs, writing to factories for samples and having meetings with department managers to check everything is going OK.

I’m home early before the kids and often sit cross-legged on the floor or sofa and get some emails answered. Then, it’s dinner time. I tag team with my husband, David, and between us dinner is cooked, homework is completed and urgent work texts are answered. After 7pm it’s no devices for the kids and time for a story. Once they’re in bed I do a bit more work, practise yoga and chill for half an hour before bed at 11pm.

January to May is my busiest time as there are the biggest buys happening during this period so will often get the kids to bed and spend the rest of my time doing work. I will make a list of things I’ve done in a notebook which is great as buying calendar as you know exactly where you are and know how to improve for next time. On the reverse is a to do list for the next day.

 

My proudest business moment was… wow, there have been so many highs! But there are three that stand out…

The hardtofind Christmas Market: I was nervous to go to Australia as I wasn’t sure how our products would go down. Plus, we were taking the time out at Christmas, which is always super-busy, so a big risk. Turns out it was absolutely amazing! It was really successful and well received and I felt that high you get when everything is going right. Customers were really happy, it was Christmas and sunny! They loved the English design aspect and were buying multiple gifts.

Topshop: We have opened concessions in three Topshop stores across the UK in Oxford Circus, Manchester and Norwich. I love the brand association – I’m from a fashion background so have always respected what they do and think this is target market for us. They’re about fast moving fashion and are always on trend which is similar to what we are doing.

My first store: Opening my first stand in Norwich’s shopping centre and opening my first store in the independent quarter of Norwich are two more proud moments as it was a step away from the craft stalls and my first step in to independent retail. It’s really something to look back on the craft market days and working from my living room floor to now.

When I’d started my business, I wish I’d known… to test trade and have clarity. When Lisa Angel was starting up I had a small house and large products. Needless to say, storage was an issue! I’d try and hide products behind the sofa which soon became impossible and I ended up with no lounge left. In all honesty, I went for products that I wanted and not products that were best for me or the market at the time. It’s important to test trade with limited stock, get feedback and then test again. Thinking with your heart is not always the best way to do business, but it is where the brand is born! You need to have a good balance of heart and head.

I’d describe my personal style as… casual, cosy and comfortable – but I do love to dress up, too. Striped tops and blazers are a go-to but I also love floral dresses and the boho lifestyle. My favourite stores are Topshop, & Other Stories and Anthropologie.

My last purchase was… a round rattan bag from All About Eve. Gorgeous!

The first thing I do when I wake up is… cuddle my puppy Lucy and practise yoga.

The motto I live by is… live in the present, everything will be OK and be kind. These work for business, too!

I’m hoping 2018 will bring… new challenges. I’m feeling optimistic and excited about the rest of 2018 and what’s to come in 2019. We will have a range of strong looks and great products for Christmas and I’m excited to see how they’re received. We have new store and concession openings and our brand is now exposed to London. We’re also looking at holding personalisation workshops which is something completely new to us.

Everything tastes better with a little… kindness and sunshine.

 

1. Personalised Shiny Vertical Bar Necklace 2. Personalised ‘Matured For…’ Whisky Glass 3. Men’s Personalised Layered Leather Straps Bracelet 4. Personalised Three-Drawer Wooden Jewellery Box

 

PS. Meet more of our talented makers and creators!

hardtofind.

Hardtofind is Australia’s leading online curated marketplace for gifts, fashion and homewares.

http://hardtofind.com.au
MAKERS + CREATORS

The HTF Hot Seat: Kylie Loy

It’s always fun meeting new people, which is why we came up with the idea of The HTF Hot Seat – a regular post to introduce you to the creative dynamites behind some of your favourite hardtofind products. This week’s seller in the spotlight: illustrator and designer Kylie Loy.

 

I’m known on hardtofind for my… personalised children’s décor and gifts. I design pieces for the nursery or kid’s bedroom that are created with their name or other important details. You will find in my store name cushions and birth stat cushions, wall art, pillowcases and storage sacks. Just recently I have launched a range of kids tote bags to my hardtofind store. I also create personalised heat packs for mothers day, fathers day, or any day actually where you can add the recipients names along with a very personalised message on the back. Lastly personalised Santa Sacks. A special place for Santa’s gifts to be placed ready for Christmas morning.

Right now I’m inspired by… colour. Colour is so influential in décor and design. I’m loving designing with blush pink, mustard and white right now – it’s so soft and romantic. I’m also really into the Pantone colour of the year, Ultra Violet, which I’ve translated into a softer lilac. When I’m designing for boys, good old old black and white is still super popular, but adding a pop of blue or mustard gives it a whole new look. I can take a best-selling design from two years ago, and by changing the colour around, give it a whole new look. The power of colour is extraordinary!

My favourite part of the making process is… the sketching and design process. I’ll sketch ideas either on paper or on my iPad pro and, when I am happy (which is not always immediately!), I export them to Adobe Illustrator. This is where I slave over all the small details and colour palette until it is perfect. I love printing my illustrations for the first time on my digital printer. It’s exciting seeing them come to life – from a computer screen to a tangible piece of art, ready to make into a cushion.

I work from… a dedicated room in my Melbourne home that I use as a studio. It’s very compact, but large enough for me to run my business. I dream of a bigger space one day, but I also love working from my home. It suits my family life, as I have two very busy primary school-age kids, so it helps that I’m able to work my design business around them. Plus, I have an adorable cavoodle called Charlie Bear and he sits on his mat just outside my work room and keeps me company!

A typical day for me involves… an early morning start 5.50am. I enjoy going to the gym – it gives me some me time to work out and I love listening to podcasts. Once I get home, it’s go go go getting the kids ready for school. I treat my work seriously and dedicate the hours of 9.30-3pm to work. I love what I do and couldn’t imagine doing anything else! Occasionally, I’ll sneak it in a few household chores when I need a break from my computer screen. If I have to finish anything that I didn’t get done during school hours, I’ll complete it later in the evening, when all the craziness in the house has stopped.  I try to be in bed by 10pm, read a little and lights out.

My proudest business moment was… when I managed to build my business up, over a couple of years, so I was in the position to purchase my very own digital printer. It’s was a huge expense that I don’t regret one bit, nor did I worry as I knew it was the only way I could grow. To me, being able to print my own original designs onto fabric and create my own décor is everything to me. It’s incredibly satisfying knowing all my fabrics are my own illustrations.

When I started my business, I wish I’d known… what a rollercoaster it would be. It was super scary as suddenly I wasn’t employed anymore and responsible for earning my own income. Some days I’m on top of the world and things are great, and other days I’ve wanted to quit. It’s a lot of work, sometimes long hours, especially at season gift giving times, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I’d describe my personal style as… very simple – my interiors are a little contemporary/Scandi, but I do love that Hamptons look. Oh, and I love florals! I like to dress for comfort and my fashion style changes with my mood. I’d say I am more on the girly side. I love basic pieces with something patterned or floaty, beaded necklaces and a pair of statement shoes.

My last purchase was… a stunning glittery pair of gunmetal grey Palmaira sandals.

The first thing I do when I wake up is… think, ‘OMG already?!’ Then I tell myself I can’t be bothered going to the gym, but go anyway as I always feel way better afterwards.

The motto I live by is… “I didn’t get here by dreaming about it, I got here by doing it” – Estee Lauder. I love those words as they reflect everything in my life, not just business but also family goals.

I’m hoping 2018 will bring… Success, happiness and new opportunities. I want to remain happy while running my business and I hope to have a successful 2018 by meeting business/sales goals, implementing the new product designs I have planned, and look for opportunities to help me grow.

Everything tastes better with a little… wine!

 

1. Australian Animal Kids’ Personalised Cushion 2. Monochrome Superhero Boy’s Personalised Print Set 3. Kids’ Floppy Ear Bunny Personalised Tote Bag 4. Butterfly Garden Personalised Heat Pack

 

PS. Cool gift ideas for mum and 15 things every homebody should have…

hardtofind.

Hardtofind is Australia’s leading online curated marketplace for gifts, fashion and homewares.

http://hardtofind.com.au
MAKERS + CREATORS

The HTF Hot Seat: Jacob Pod

It’s always fun meeting new people, which is why we came up with the idea of The HTF Hot Seat – a regular post to introduce you to the creative dynamites behind some of your favourite hardtofind products. This week’s seller in the spotlight: Jacob Pod, the fictional founder of Aussie coffee seller Jacob Pod.

 

I’m known on hardtofind for my… tasty, organic caffeinated creations and carefully curated facial hair that is useful for pensive, mid-conversation stroking and as facial insulation on emotionless winter hikes.

Right now I’m inspired by… the fact that there is a mannequin driving a sports car through deep space, while David Bowie’s ‘Life on Mars’ blares out of its sound system. Its humankind letting the universe know that the loud, annoying neighbours just arrived.

My favourite part of the making process is… ideation, percolating on concepts and moods. Seeing throw-away lines from late night conversations in Buenos Aires dive bars become actual products that people know and love.

I work from… wherever I can get an internet connection. A roadside bus stop in Kenya, a co-working space in Brooklyn, my parent’s basement that I’ll one day move out of. Anywhere.

A typical day for me involves… Googling early Britney Spears music videos and wondering where it all went wrong. Also fulfilling coffee orders for our amazing customers and liaising with suppliers from around the world.

My proudest business moment was… getting my first order from someone other than a direct relative and realising that the last few years of my life had not been a horrible waste of time.

When I started my business, I wish I’d known… that the objective was to make money. That would have changed everything.

I’d describe my personal style as… failed urban forager, faux-lumberjack, non-apologetic coffee nerd. Less ‘man versus wild’, more ‘man battling to find a hair product that survives the rigours of a sweaty dancefloor after dark.’

My last purchase was… A pair of knee length jean shorts and some New Balance trainers so that I can walk around looking like an undercover policeman at a rave.

The first thing I do when I wake up is… Wonder why I’m half-naked in Lima handcuffed to an angry guinea pig in what an overzealous real estate agent would describe as a ‘charming fixer upper’, but my mum would call a ‘death trap’. While memories of last night aren’t clear, an unexpected wedding ring and a fresh tattoo of last night’s taxi driver straddling a unicorn on my chest tells me something happened. Nothing, of course, a good coffee can’t fix.

The motto I live by is… while the jury may be out on if money can buy happiness, you can always purchase a coffee, and that’s pretty damn close.

I’m hoping 2018 will bring… an end to the restraining order Bear Grylls placed on me for arriving on-set asking if he really does drink his own urine in the jungle.

Everything tastes better with a little… coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.

 

1. Nespresso Machine and Compatible Coffee Pods 2. Nespresso Compatible Coffee Pod Sampler 3. Coffee Pod Gift Pack 4. Minipresso Portable Espresso Machine and Coffee Pods

 

PS. Meet more of our sellers and celebrate all things Aussie!

hardtofind.

Hardtofind is Australia’s leading online curated marketplace for gifts, fashion and homewares.

http://hardtofind.com.au
MAKERS + CREATORS

The HTF Hot Seat: Platypus Australia Swimwear

It’s always fun meeting new people, which is why we came up with the idea of The HTF Hot Seat – a regular post to introduce you to the creative dynamites behind some of your favourite hardtofind products. This week’s seller in the spotlight: Karel from Platypus Australia Swimwear.

 

I’m known on hardtofind for my… stylish, sun-safe UV-protective children’s swimwear.

Right now I’m inspired by… our Australian outdoor lifestyle and weekend trips to the beach, combined with current overseas trends in fashion and how they translate to little, active people. The athleisure trend inspiring an active and healthy lifestyle resulted in our most recent launch, Platypus Active.

My favourite part of the making process is… seeing kids on the beach, swimming, having fun and being sun safe in our UPF swimmers.

I work from… a studio with water glimpses that inspire me.

A typical day for me involves… checking emails from overnight, some exercise, light brekky, coffee on the go and at my desk by 9am, with a team meeting at 10am to discuss the day’s priorities – juggling three seasons in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, designing and producing new-season collections, managing marketing and our social media platforms, and the general running of a business and office.

My proudest business moment was… winning the Junior Awards UK and Kids Style File Awards Australia for Best Swimwear category, plus spotting some celebrity kids wearing PA swimwear, including Naomi Watts’ son at Bondi Beach and Charlize Theron’s son in Miami.

When I started my business, I wish I’d known… the people you choose to work or partner with are critical to the success of the business. Always cross check. Integrity is everything. Business is really about building relationships.

I’d describe my personal style as… contemporary

My last purchase was…  a casual white linen slip cover armchair for two.

The first thing I do when I wake up is… find our dog Ray snuggled up beside me. Hard not to give in and cuddle him back for a minute or two, then jump out of bed and begin the day.

The motto I live by is… concentrate on the day at hand and make the most of it.

I’m hoping 2017 will bring… more time with family and friends – plus, more Platypus Australia swimwear sightings on the beaches everywhere!

Everything tastes better with a little… (or lots of) Aperol spritz.

 

1. Girls’ UPF 50+ Tank Swimsuit 2. Boys’ UPF 50+ Sunshirt 3. Girls’ Active Sports Short 4. Boys’ UPF 50+ Swim Short

 

PS. Meet more of our makers and see what the HTF team have been up to!

hardtofind.

Hardtofind is Australia’s leading online curated marketplace for gifts, fashion and homewares.

http://hardtofind.com.au
MAKERS + CREATORS

The HTF Hot Seat: Graine

It’s always fun meeting new people, which is why we came up with the idea of The HTF Hot Seat – a regular post to introduce you to the creative dynamites behind some of your favourite hardtofind products. This week’s seller in the spotlight: Kerryn from leather accessories seller, Graine.

 

I’m known on hardtofind for my… Australian-made leather accessories.

Right now I’m inspired by… working closely with our leather craftsman – together we produce new design ideas and processes for our range.

My favourite part of the making process is… seeing our craftsman create the first prototype from my sketches and bringing it to life.

I work from… our office, which is located inside our Brunswick East, Melbourne factory.

A typical day for me involves… checking and replying to emails, preparing orders, product development and then marketing in the afternoon.

My proudest business moment was… spotting people wearing our designs out and about in Melbourne. Also, receiving our first product review from a customer about how much they loved their bag and how happy they were with the leather, design and that they loved the fact it’s made right here in Melbourne.

When I started my business, I wish I’d known… more about business planning and marketing. About two years ago I did a social media marketing workshop which was very beneficial for growing our online presence. I wish I’d also known to ask more questions, it’s imperative to find business and marketing-minded people that you can ask for advice.

I’d describe my personal style as… minimal and relaxed.

My last purchase was… Haigh’s dark chocolate-covered almonds.

The first thing I do when I wake up is… meditate to prepare for the busy day ahead.

The motto I live by is… “A little progress each day adds up to big results.”

I’m hoping 2018 will bring… new designs and international customers.

Everything tastes better with a little… sea salt, coconut sugar and an occasional red wine.

 

1. Portsea Getaway Bag in Navy 2. Portsea Getaway Bag in Tan 3. Portsea Getaway Bag in Olive 4. Portsea Getaway Bag in Black

 

PS. Meet more HTF makers and creators and the anatomy of a bag!

hardtofind.

Hardtofind is Australia’s leading online curated marketplace for gifts, fashion and homewares.

http://hardtofind.com.au
MAKERS + CREATORS

The HTF Hot Seat: Huzi Design

It’s always fun meeting new people, which is why we came up with the idea of The HTF Hot Seat – a regular post to introduce you to the creative dynamites behind some of your favourite hardtofind products. This week’s seller in the spotlight: Vincent from Huzi Design.

 

I’m known on hardtofind for my… timeless toys and an uncommon travel pillow.

Right now I’m inspired by… textures and finishes. We like playing with how the product feels as much as how it looks. Being close to our production facilities allows us to keep experimenting new methods.

My favourite part of the making process is… after various sketches, seeing the first prototype come to life – it’s always very exciting.

I work from… a studio in Hong Kong, just an hour away from our production partners.

A typical day for me involves… preparing orders and replying emails in the morning, and product development and marketing in the afternoon.

My proudest business moment was… seeing our first press features, and seeing people’s genuine reactions at fairs like Maison et Objet.

When I started my business, I wish I’d had… better insight on logistics planning. It’s frustrating when products are out of stock and new stock can’t arrive quickly enough!

I’d describe my personal style as… minimal but warm.

My last purchase was… the latest Monocle issue on work-life balance.

The first thing I do when I wake up is… opening the curtains for that morning light.

The motto I live by is… “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

I’m hoping 2017 will bring… new products and collaborations!

Everything tastes better with a little… sea salt. Works for anything sweet or savoury!

 

1. Infinity Travel Pillow 2. Table Tennis Set 3. Cosmos Shuttle Blocks 4. Magnetic Interchangeable Animal Toy

 

PS. More seller stories and check out these cool Aussie labels!

hardtofind.

Hardtofind is Australia’s leading online curated marketplace for gifts, fashion and homewares.

http://hardtofind.com.au
MAKERS + CREATORS

Six seriously cool Aussie sellers you need to know about now

Australia has given the world so many awesome things: Pavlova, Bubble-O-Bills and a couple of smokin’ hot Hemsworth brothers, and that’s just for starters… But there’s some other seriously cool stuff emerging from this land of ours – from sleek fashion labels to beautiful accessory brands and hot homeware creators! We know it’s hard to keep track of what’s cool these days (one minute everything’s ‘on fleek’, next minute it’s ‘cool AF’) so we’ve compiled a list of six of the Aussie sellers who are so hip it hurts RN… Collect your street cred here.

 

The opposite of chain-store fast fashion, the team at Foundling are all about unique designs and quality craftsmanship. They illustrate all of their own fabrics, then ensure their pieces are ethically made by SEDEX-accredited manufacturers (no sweatshop labour!). They also believe in giving back – and donate generously to help people in developing countries.

1. Sacred Heart Smock 2. Bajaar Woven Leather Market Basket 3. La Reunion Slouch Pullover 4. Samsara Tea Dress

 

Effortlessly cool threads for you and your guy – that’s what Tee Ink is all about! Evolving from a simple tee to a full-blown fashion line (featuring easy-to-wear wrap dresses, relaxed shirts, slogan tees and men’s gear), this local label has you covered, no matter where the weekend finds you – the beach, the bar, away on vacay…

1. Retreat Hem V-Neck Dress 2. Wanderer Wrap Dress 3. We Are Weekend SS Tee 4. Buy Me A Beer Tee

 

This Aussie accessories brand has come a long way since it started in 2004 with just one style in five colours – now its collection of luxury leather bags, wallets and clutches has become seriously sought-after. Status Anxiety value form and function > fashion fads, and the result is stylish-yet-understated pieces made from ridiculously soft leather that will forever be on-trend.

1. Wasteland Leather Bag 2. Noah Leather Wallet 3. Fixation Leather Wallet  4. People Like Us Leather Backpack

 

Drawing inspiration from Scandinavian and modernist design, Sly Australia creator, Lauren Finks, puts her own Aussie stamp on her cool range of homewares! Embodying the idea that the simple pleasures of life are the foundation of wonderful products, this Melbourne designer creates quality products using local materials and processes wherever possible.

1. Nomad Cushion 2. Habitat Terrazzo Trivet Set 3. Flux Linen Tea Towel 4. Alba Tray

 

Founded by Paris-trained designer, Teresa Tiong (who creates her pieces in a small Sydney studio), Au Revoir Les Filles’ signature is fine, beautiful jewellery with a sense of story and romance. Think intricate star and moon earrings, a modern take on timeless pearls and dainty micro stud earrings that are designed to bring a bit of magic to the everyday.

1. Celestial Star Moon Bracelet 2. Celestial Star Moon Earrings 3. Celestial Star Moon Micro Ear Studs 4. Margaret Pearl Necklace

 

Melbourne couple, arts marketer Bianca Lambert and carpenter Thomas Wilson, are the powerhouses behind Capra Designs. They create thoughtful, high-quality design pieces that are the stuff of Instagram dreams. Think powder-coated wire hangers, eco resin pots and vases and beautifully printed linen throws, tablecloths and napkins.

1. Crescent Plant Stand 2. Facet Tablecloth 3. Eco Resin Coasters 4. Marble Eco Resin Pot

 

PS. The must-have spring accessory and gift ideas for every budget!

hardtofind.

Hardtofind is Australia’s leading online curated marketplace for gifts, fashion and homewares.

http://hardtofind.com.au
MAKERS + CREATORS

The HTF Hot Seat: Extraordinary Ordinary Day

It’s always fun meeting new people, which is why we came up with the idea of The HTF Hot Seat – a regular post to introduce you to the creative dynamites behind some of your favourite hardtofind products. This week’s seller in the spotlight: Ashley Lim, creative director for Extraordinary Ordinary Day (EOD).

 

I’m known on hardtofind for my… beautifully handcrafted, smoking-hot shoes for women that make their every ordinary day extraordinary.

Right now I’m inspired by… Everything from art, movies and performance to inspiring dialogues with people that I meet along my journey. I’m currently revisiting my vision for Extraordinary Ordinary Day, so I’m constantly thinking about what things make our every day extraordinary.

My favourite part of the making process is… concept research, material hunting and exchanging ideas with other creatives. But the best part is when I finally see a physical product, a new pair of shoes made from my sketch – it’s thrilling to say the least.

I work from… everywhere! I’m working anywhere my laptop is: home, my retail store or a quiet corner at my favourite café while watching passersby.

A typical day for me involves… my important morning ritual: drinking warm water > doing some random YouTube home yoga for an hour > meditation > eating a nice big breakfast. Running a business can be mentally challenging and the day gets easily hijacked with meetings, emails and phone calls – so it’s important to set my tone for the day right. Before beginning work, I create a priority list and attempt (but sometimes fail!) to spend my morning just doing that. Some admin or operational work in the afternoon. After work, I enjoy occasional dinner catch-ups with friends, watching movies and reading books to take my mind off the business.

My proudest business moment was… when I sold my first pair of shoes in my first pop-up store in Surry Hills back in 2014. Another great moment was when I received an email from a customer telling me how much fun they had while wearing my shoes. There are so many customers who tell me they get stopped by strangers on the street in mega fashion cities like NYC and Paris. These testimonials definitely make my day.

When I started my business, I wish I’d known… more about business strategy and planning for the first three years – I wish I had patience and wisdom to plan my long-term game. I must confess that I still struggle to plan my next 5 to 10 years. Old enough to know but young enough to (not) do it anyway…

I’d describe my personal style as… minimally dramatic.

My last purchase was… a bunch of facial masks last time I was in Seoul.

The first thing I do when I wake up is… drink water, lots of water!

The motto I live by is… “A master in the art of living draws little distinction between his work and his play; his labor and his leisure; his mind and his body; his education and his recreation. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself, he always appears to be doing both.” – Lawrence Pearsall Jacks. It’s the motto that I recited during my farewell speech in my last job as an architect prior to launching EOD.

I’m hoping 2017 will bring… a pop-up store in NYC and Seoul.

Everything tastes better with a little… sugar, salt, butter and red wine – though I’m abstaining from alcohol for the rest of the year, and it feels good!

 

1. Scarlett Mary Jane Pumps 2. Venus D’orsay Leather Flats 3. Comet Sandals 4. Sheba Block Heel Leather Pumps

 

PS. Meet more of our cool makers and creators and do you have one of these in your wardrobe?

hardtofind.

Hardtofind is Australia’s leading online curated marketplace for gifts, fashion and homewares.

http://hardtofind.com.au
MAKERS + CREATORS

The HTF Hot Seat: Sly Australia

It’s always fun meeting new people, which is why we came up with the idea of The HTF Hot Seat – a regular post to introduce you to the creative dynamites behind some of your favourite hardtofind products. This week’s seller in the spotlight: Melbourne designer Lauren Finks from Sly Australia.

 

I’m known on hardtofind for my… minimal style homewares and quirky name.

Right now I’m inspired by… colours, textures and patterns, and terrazzo!

My favourite part of the making process is… Seeing it come alive when I sample and prototype. It makes it real and is such an exciting stage for me.

I work from… my little apartment, better known as Sly HQ.

A typical day for me involves… the all-important coffee run, followed by packing orders that have come through overnight. Then I usually do some product development, create new things, sample, get some designs down, afternoons are often spent seeing retailers, driving stock around and then back to do marketing, socials, and any other bits and pieces.

My proudest business moment was… at Den Fair 2017 having industry professionals tell me how much they liked my style and approach. This to me means so much. I’ve been lucky to have products featured throughout varying press and tv as well featured through Heide Gallery shop and Art Series Hotels.

When I started my business, I wish I’d known… so many things! I actually think it’s great to dive in, make mistakes and learn how to overcome them. It’s the only way to grow.

I’d describe my personal style as… minimal and relaxed but a mix of collected and beautiful things. This is true for my home as well as my personal style.

My last purchase was… a blush travel tote.

The first thing I do when I wake up is… a five-minute meditation to start my day.

The motto I live by is… what’s meant to happen will happen. Cliché, but I truly believe it.

I’m hoping 2017 will bring… exciting times ahead with new product releases later in the year… Stay tuned!

Everything tastes better with a little… chocolate – my weakness. Let’s face it, a lot of it.

 

1. Flux Linen Tea Towel 2. Habitat Terrazzo Trivet Set 3. Elwyn Square Velvet Cushion 4. Baby Onyx Tray

 

PS. Meet more of our makers and creators and update your home for spring!

hardtofind.

Hardtofind is Australia’s leading online curated marketplace for gifts, fashion and homewares.

http://hardtofind.com.au
MAKERS + CREATORS

The French aftershave that got a cult following (thanks to a fan boy called JFK)

As far as stamps of approval go, one from the late US President John F Kennedy’s is good to have. That’s what Parisian perfume connoisseur, Albert Fouquet, found out when he first impressed a young JFK with his personalised scent in 1937. The two met while JFK was touring France. John was so taken with the essence that Albert wore, the fragrance-maker decided to leave a sample of the cologne at John’s hotel with the note reading, “In this bottle, you will find the dash of French glamour that your American personality lacks.”

After he returned to the US, John sent Albert a letter, thanking him for the kind gesture and requesting a further eight samples – and (if Albert’s production allowed) an extra one for Bob. Ever the perfectionist, Albert didn’t fill the order until he had located glass bottles beautiful enough to suit his cologne. He ordered several boxes, decorated with the same pattern as the shirt that JFK was wearing when they met, then labelled the bottles and boxes with John’s amusing request: EIGHT+BOB.

Albert was surprised when, months later, he began receiving letters from America with requests from Hollywood directors, producers, and actors such as Cary Grant and James Stewart – everyone wanted the EIGHT+BOB cologne they’d discovered through John’s father!

Today, the EIGHT+BOB The Original Aftershave is no less sought-after. It’s developed a cult following, thanks to its top notes of pink pepper, cardamom and lemon, heart of violet leaves, labdanum and dried wood, and base of sandalwood, amber and vetiver.

Our hardtofind founder’s husband, Josh, is a long-time fan – and we have it on good authority from Erica that he smells goooood. The EIGHT+BOB range has even expanded to include aftershave balm, deodorant and shower gel in the original scent and a few new scent-sations…

 

1. The Original Aftershave 2. Aftershave Balm 3. Deodorant 4. Nuit de Megeve Aftershave

 

PS. More stories behind our sellers and the natural beauty brands you need to know…

hardtofind.

Hardtofind is Australia’s leading online curated marketplace for gifts, fashion and homewares.

http://hardtofind.com.au
MAKERS + CREATORS

The HTF Hot Seat: The Everleigh Bottling Co.

It’s always fun meeting new people, which is why we came up with the idea of The HTF Hot Seat – a regular post to introduce you to the creative dynamites behind some of your favourite hardtofind products. This week’s seller in the spotlight: Zara and Michael from The Everleigh Bottling Co.

 

We’re known on hardtofind for our… bottled cocktails – The Everleigh Bottling Co.’s ‘Famous Four’ collection: the Martini, Negroni, Manhattan and Old Fashioned.

Right now we’re inspired by… classic cocktail books. Some of the oldest items in our collection provide such fantastic inspiration for the products we’re working on today – pebbled leather-bound covers and gold foil, beautiful typography and quirky unique fonts. Swoon!

Our favourite part of the making process is… the enthusiasm and excitement shared by our team, all focussed upon pushing the boundaries to do better, and more. No one at The Everleigh Bottling Co. is complacent for a moment. We work hard and fast. It’s wonderful to be part of a team that is so driven to achieve the same goals.

We work from… between our HQ office in Collingwood, Melbourne, and our bars in Fitzroy (The Everleigh) and the CBD (Heartbreaker). We’re always running to and fro for meetings, it certainly keeps things interesting!

A typical day for us involves… being up at 6.30am! Most days Michael’s straight to the gym and heads from there directly to the office or to the bars, wherever he’s needed. I feed the ‘pups’ (kitten and puppy), make something healthy for breakfast, like a spinach omelette or chia porridge, and head over to the office. Our puppy comes to work with us every day which is really nice. It creates a great working dynamic for the team, also. Often we’ll have an hour to ourselves for general admin and email catch up, before heading into meetings. Normally at least once a day we have an intro with either a new client, or someone we’ve worked with previously, to discuss a new event, collab, or partnership. The injection of something new and creative daily is really invigorating. We usually work through until 6 or 7pm. Often we’ll pass by one of the bars on our way home to check in and see that everyone’s happy and things are running smoothly. An ideal evening for us is back home on the couch. We’re often out at events and social gigs for work, around people an awful lot, so it’s nice to chill on our own when we have the chance. Michael is a great cook, so he’ll be preparing something delicious (mostly Italian food) in the kitchen while I pick a movie or new show to watch. We get a couple of hours downtime before we hit the hay.

Our proudest business moment was… The Everleigh Bottling Co. is still a fairly new company, and it has grown so fast already. When we were first contacted by our current retail partners, we had only just finalised the design you see today. Having some of our favourite iconic stores contact us to see if we might consider selling them our products was truly amazing! It feels like we haven’t taken a breath since that day!

When we started our business, we wish we’d known… anything! Everything! We’re still learning every day. I guess that’s the fun of it all?!

We’d describe our personal style as… eclectic! I love the ’60s and ’70s for fashion, especially in winter – woolen tights, plaid minis, faux fur, flared jeans. I have more jumpsuits and playsuits than any other item of clothing. Michael is a loyal fan of Red Wing boots and Filson luggage. He’s also an avid watch collector.

Our last purchase was… Michael bought me a vintage IWC watch! He won it in an auction. It’s from the ’60s and it’s in great condition. My last purchase was more practical than exciting – some leggings for yoga, but damn they’re comfy!

The first thing we do when we wake up is… spoon the puppy (sorry not sorry). He’s so lazy in the mornings and it’s almost impossible to get out of bed when he doesn’t want to!

The motto we live by is… it’s important to take personal responsibility – be accountable and reliable, be prompt. Hospitality is our lives, so we value good service and quality of care for others above all else. It pays to be honest and act with integrity. It also helps if you have a good sense of humour.

We’re hoping 2017 will bring… new ranges for The Everleigh Bottling Co.! This year we will release two new collections following the flagship ‘Famous Four’. Both have been a long time in the making and we’re beyond excited to see them finally come to fruition. Stay tuned!

Everything tastes better with a little… splash of excellent wine, naturally.

 

1. The Everleigh Set: A Spot At The Bar + Famous Four Cocktails 2. Old Fashioned Cocktails (Set of 4) 3. Negroni Cocktails (Set of 4) 4. Manhatten Cocktails (Set of 4)

 

PS. This seller makes the sweetest jewellery and meet more cool Aussie makers!

hardtofind.

Hardtofind is Australia’s leading online curated marketplace for gifts, fashion and homewares.

http://hardtofind.com.au
MAKERS + CREATORS

The HTF Hot Seat: Stitch & Story

It’s always fun meeting new people, which is why we came up with the idea of The HTF Hot Seat – a regular post to introduce you to the creative dynamites behind some of your favourite hardtofind products. This week’s seller in the spotlight: The two friends (both named Jen!) from Stitch & Story.

 

We’re known on hardtofind for our… beautiful, modern DIY knitting kits. We make knitting simple with online tutorials and our kits contain everything you need to get started and learn the basic techniques – including how to cast on, knit, purl, cast off and sew. They’re packed with gorgeous bamboo knitting needles and super-soft chunky merino wool. You’ll feel that wonderful sense of accomplishment from learning a new skill, creating something from scratch and sharing your creation with your loved one.

Right now we’re inspired by… all things baby. We’ve just secured a wonderful collaboration with global baby brand Sophie la Girafe, universally loved by parents and children, to create an exclusive range of knitting kits for babies. Think adorable mittens, booties and animal hats!

Our favourite part of the making process is… knowing how empowering it is to enable others to start their own creative projects and tell their own stories. It begins with a curiosity, a seed, a spark – and part of our making process is to find a way to help that grow by making knitting refreshingly simple, enjoyable and intriguing. Sharing crafting has inspired our business from day one and through our kits, we can help more people experience that wonderful sense of accomplishment you get from learning something new – the pleasure of taking time for yourself and discovering your own unique creativity.

We work from… a co-sharing office space in London.

A typical day for us involves… going into the office in the morning and having our first ‘Stand Up’. This essentially means listing the priorities we have for the coming week and discussing how we can collaboratively help to meet our deadlines. As a small business, you’re in charge of everything, from finance to marketing, to product development so these first meetings help us keep focused throughout the day and not stray when new things come to light – and they always do! Then, we’ll get on with whatever needs doing – photoshoots, knitting up new samples, marketing, press events. No one day is the same and it’s pretty full on.

Our proudest business moment was… when we met royalty! In 2013 we had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet HRH Prince Charles, the patron of the Campaign for Wool. As one of the nominated young entrepreneurs for a business in the community event, it put the spotlight on our start-up business and we even knitted baby George a bunny and pair of baby booties!

When we started my business, we wish we’d known… more about the gritty, admin side of business. Before we were able to pay for services, we spent a lot of time doing all the finance and legal-related things on our own – which meant a lot of bed time reading and scouring the internet for answers on bookkeeping, insurance and contracts for dummies! There is a whole side to business that is really important but equally not that fun to do.

We’d describe our personal style as… clean, modern and a touch of fun!

Our last purchase was… a Dyson air purifier – damn allergies!

The motto we live by is… “Do it now!” We’ve become very good with getting stuff done without putting it off. It also applies with household chores!

We’re hoping 2017 will bring… new inspiration and new people to meet. We’re adventuring across the pond for our very first international trade show in New York this summer. We hope it’ll bring new ideas and more people to spread the love of knitting!

Everything tastes better with a little… dollop of ketchup.

 

1. Beginner’s Chunky Vale Scarf Knitting Kit 2. Knit Your Own Snowdrops Baby Hat And Scarf Set 3. Classic Chunky Merino Soft Throw Knitting Kit 4. Beginner’s Cosy Bobble Slippers DIY Knitting Kit

 

PS. This Aussie seller’s woodwork will give you heart eyes and a jewellery designer with stars in her eyes!

hardtofind.

Hardtofind is Australia’s leading online curated marketplace for gifts, fashion and homewares.

http://hardtofind.com.au
MAKERS + CREATORS

The HTF Hot Seat: Cedar + Stone

It’s always fun meeting new people, which is why we came up with the idea of The HTF Hot Seat – a regular post to introduce you to the creative dynamites behind some of your favourite hardtofind products. This week’s seller in the spotlight: best friends, Cedar + Stone director, Kate (above left), and manager, Keri.

 

We are known on hardtofind for our… Australian natural, vegan skincare brand. We have a Youth, Men’s, Women’s and Alchemy range. Our Alchemy range is pretty special – it’s a range with deep meaning and is close to our hearts. Our soaps/cleanse bars are cold pressed and filled with good quality oils, clays and essential oils. We have more than 60 products and always developing more so things never get boring!

Right now we’re inspired by… a Violet Gray Intention Circle we attended recently. It was set in the hills of Mullumbimby, at an amazing house with an open fire and breathtaking views of the sea. It was a group of 15 women coming together to set intentions on the amazing super moon. We made a bracelet with crystals, had a cacao ceremony, ate delicious vegetarian food, meditated, walked in nature and really let go of all things that our usual day is made of. So right now we are FULL of inspiration after a major reset! We love to clear ourselves and re-centre in nature so that we have fresh eyes and essence.

Our favourite part of the making process is… seeing something come to fruition that has come out of our brains! For example, at the Intention Circle, while in meditation, Alex (the runner of the circle) came round and sprayed our Heart Space Mist over each one of us. We nearly cried because that product has come out of Cedar + Stone’s team of creative heads and into a product that is now being used with such intent. It was a good feeling.

We work from… Kingscliff, a beachside town in Northern NSW. We are moving to Currumbin in the Gold Coast in January to a bigger premises so our creative brains are on overload at the moment with what we can do with a bigger space. Guaranteed to have a kid section in it, though, as there are a few C + S kids floating around.

Photography: River Hazel

A typical day for us involves… wake at about 5.30am, reset and breathe in the new day. Kids get dropped off at school. Get to work, essential oil diffuser on, herbal tea diffusing and then we are into the work day. Orders are always first so we can get the morning courier, then every day changes. That’s one thing that we love about C + S – no one day is the same. You never know what surprising email is going to come through. We can come to work thinking we are doing one thing and end up having to do something completely different. Afternoons are usually at the beach with the C + S crew of groms surfing, then home life, dinner, homework, washing and all that jazz. Then back to work on the computers for a bit at night. Never a dull moment – we love it.

Our proudest business moment was… This is a hard one to answer! Naming just one feels like it will take the power away from so many of the epic moments we have had. But maybe the most surprising one was, three months in – when we were only operating from one of our home kitchens and selling at markets – getting an email from Urban Outfitters out of nowhere. It went from a few products to thousands pretty much overnight. It’s also a proud feeling to have a business full of conscious workers. We try to be conscious to the earth and all its inhabitants as much as we can. If we can be kind to one another it really does make the earth a better place to be in.

When I started my business, I wish I’d known… Cedar + Stone was going to become what it is today! It was really just playing with ingredients in the kitchen. Lucky we love it, otherwise it would be hard on those nights that we’re up till 1am with orders and answering emails to USA. One thing we could share is that if you are thinking about starting a business, make sure it is something you’re really passionate about. You don’t want making money to be your driver of your business. Money will come when passion is there. With passion comes determination, love for what you do, drive, strong work ethics, easily accessible creativity, joy.

Photography: River Hazel

We’d describe our personal style as… eclectic. We don’t really have any one style, we just like what we like when it sets off that ‘woah!’ dial inside. We’re inspired by other creatives rather than mass produced.  You can feel the intent in the product and that makes you feel good inside.

Our last purchase was… a Mahiya dress. Now that we stock them on Cedar + Stone so they are in our showroom its so hard to resist!

The first thing we do when we wake up is… stretch!

Photography: River Hazel

The motto we live by is… be kind to one another (stolen from Ellen Degeneres, but it’s so imperative! We are all here living on the same earth trying to live a life full of joy and love, so let’s help each other out along the way) and do what you love and love what you do – it just makes life way easier!

We’re hoping 2017 will bring… a happy healthy and thriving family. That affects everything else so that’s the most important thing.

Everything tastes better with a little… love, raw chocolate, inspiration, cashew cheese, hot sourdough, creativity, chai, sauerkraut, yoga, sunshine, super charged smoothies, friendships and laughter.

 

1. Floral Bath Salts + Cleanse Bar Pack 2. Earthy Cleanser, Toner + Moisturiser Face Pack 3. Alchemy Mist Collection 4. Shaving Gift Pack

 

PS. Meet more of our sellers…

hardtofind.

Hardtofind is Australia’s leading online curated marketplace for gifts, fashion and homewares.

http://hardtofind.com.au
MAKERS + CREATORS

The HTF Hot Seat: Manual Arts DEpt.

It’s always fun meeting new people, which is why we came up with the idea of The HTF Hot Seat – a regular post to introduce you to the creative dynamites behind some of your favourite hardtofind products. This week’s seller in the spotlight: Aussie designer/maker duo, David Bunic and Carol Jackson, from Manual Arts DEpt.

 

We’re known on hardtofind for our… authentic and memorable personalised gift products, crafted by us, in Australia, from premium sustainable Australian hardwood.

Right now we’re inspired by… our beautiful, ever-changing landscape.  We don’t think we could ever take these amazing surroundings for granted.

Our favourite part of the making process is… that proud moment of finishing an item and fully absorbing the end result.  A huge part of our process is done painstakingly by hand, so it’s a special feeling bringing each piece to fruition – and then sending it on to its new home.

We work from… our workshop located on our property in Tenterfield, in regional northern New South Wales.

A typical day for us involves… 1. Waking up early (never easy) and starting the day with a fresh juice, swiftly followed by a strong coffee. 2. Packaging and shipping orders created the previous day. 3. Breakfast and more coffee, usually coinciding with a daily Instagram post. 4. Catching up on emails and plan the day’s schedule. 5. Making as many current orders as we can fit into our daylight hours. 6. And on quieter days, working on product design, images, ordering supplies, bookkeeping etc. the list is quite long. When you work for yourself, there’s no time to sit idle!

Our proudest business moment was… receiving positive feedback and wonderfully warm messages from customers in regards to our products and service. We are humbled and so very proud of these moments that make our journey so worthwhile and rewarding. There is nothing quite like the boost that these responses give you!

When we started my business, we wish we’d known… the scale of the emotional investment required. And wish we’d been better prepared to handle the ebbs and flows, highs and lows of business life. We’re getting better at it!

We’d describe our personal style as… in regards to interiors: a bit rustic, a bit vintage and featuring lots of wood!

Our last purchase was… just yesterday! Some gorgeous hardwood from our wonderful local timber mill and some op-shopping for more work clothes!

The first thing we do when we wake up is… press the snooze button. And then wish we could do the same to the neighbour’s rooster!

The motto we live by is… to design and create products that are valued as meaningful and high quality. Supporting local industries and utilising local and sustainably sourced materials is hugely important to us, with our business practice and lifestyle reflective of our respect for the environment.

We’re hoping 2017 will bring… further inspiration, new adventures, continued learning, designing and laughing.

Everything tastes better with a little… David: Chilli. Carol: Greek-style yoghurt

 

1. Personalised Large Gumleaf Australian Hardwood Serving Board 2. Personalised Hardwood Bookends 3. Gumleaf Spoon Rest 4. Personalised Longboard Australian Hardwood Platter

 

PS. Another cool Aussie creator and you’ll love this guy’s illustrations. 

hardtofind.

Hardtofind is Australia’s leading online curated marketplace for gifts, fashion and homewares.

http://hardtofind.com.au
MAKERS + CREATORS

The HTF Hot Seat: Au Revoir Les Filles

It’s always fun meeting new people, which is why we came up with the idea of The HTF Hot Seat – a regular post to introduce you to the creative dynamites behind some of your favourite hardtofind products. This week’s seller in the spotlight: Teresa Tiong, founder of jewellery label Au Revoir Les Filles.

 

I’m known on hardtofind for my… fine beautiful jewellery that’s modern, sensual and effortless. We’ve just released some new star and moon designs in the form of delicate bracelets, minimal ear hoops and tiny micro studs. Recently, we’ve had Samantha Harris wear our Celestial Bracelet – she is amazing, and has graced the cover of Vogue Australia.

Right now I’m inspired by… all the intricate detail that’s showing on Paris Couture Week. The creations – especially from Rodarte, who adorned their models with flower crowns made of baby’s breath – blow my mind.

My favourite part of the making process is… designing and creating the vision of the new collection. I have always loved designing; I find sketching and watching my designs refine over time, then seeing an actual prototype very fulfilling. But I also love creating the campaign for the collection. This involves taking all my inspiration that I’ve accumulated while designing the jewellery, and re-interpreting it into a world where people can see how the pieces can be worn. I do this through a photoshoot, working with models, stylists and photographers, who help me create an imaginative world where my jewellery sits in. The last campaign we did was with fashion blogger Margaret Zhang, and it was set in an old abandoned French submarine, which alludes back to the underwater theme running through our jewellery designs.

I work from… a little design studio in Sydney. The room is bright with white walls and I have a small collection of skulls, coral and albino butterflies. I really like to collect curiosities – they have so much story and each is unique in its own way. Dali, our cavoodle pet mascot, keeps me company sometimes when I design.

A typical day for me is… always different! Some days, it’s logistical and customer service, sending off orders – others, I can spend designing or looking for inspiration for collections. Most days, I’ll start by going through emails and social media. I like to tackle the more difficult chores in the morning, going through sales figures and working out our business strategy. Lunch is normally a quick bite out in the sun, catching up on news and what’s happening in the fashion industry. In the early afternoon, I take some time off to design or review the new collection we are working on, seeing what pieces will work together. I might grab a coffee or drink with a girlfriend. I sometimes cook in the evenings while I wait for my boyfriend to get home (he works in film and TV) and we’ll watch a cooking show, which we are addicted to, and take Dali for a walk. Then maybe some Netflix or a good book. We’ve just finished watching Westworld – I really enjoyed its narrative and dialogue. I love shows with a distinctive visual style, that combine history and mythology in a modern way.

My proudest business moment was… when The Veronicas wore Au Revoir Les Filles jewellery at the Aria Music Awards last year. It was totally out of the blue, we had no idea they were going to be wearing them! We were with a PR agency before, but started doing our PR in-house. It is a lot more work as we have to organise all the samples for loans, but very fulfilling to build up a relationship with the different stylists that we work with. And since then, the brand has gone from strength to strength, and our jewellery is constantly in demand and out on loans.

When I started my business, I wish I’d known… to not be so hard on myself. Being an entrepreneur is tough, you need to be able to learn from your mistakes and move on. When I first started out, little problems used to bother me a lot and I used to take it very personally. It took a while to adapt. My skin is a lot thicker now; if problems arise, I’m able to shrug them off. If I have a bad day, I’ll take a couple of hours off, whether its to exercise or chill or just catch up on sleep. When you’re well rested and feel balanced, you’re able to cope and solve problems better. I also take notes on my calendar of everything I’ve achieved since starting my business. It helps to put things in perspective when you can see how far you’ve come.

I’d describe my personal style as… ever evolving. When I was younger, I was inspired by subcultures like boho, hip-hop and goth. I loved to experiment, decking myself out in vintage, prints and handmade pieces. These days, I still love vintage pieces, but wear them more sparingly or mix them with modern pieces so they feel more updated. I really like classic silhouettes now, and am often dressed in solid colours like white, pastels or black. Brands like Ellery, Dion Lee and Zimmermann are some personal favourites.

My last purchase was… an Iro leather pencil skirt! I’ve been meaning to buy a black leather skirt as an investment piece, and this one has beautiful silver eyelets with lace-up detail on the front. It’s a twist on a modern classic – very sexy. It was a bit of a splurge, but I fell in love with it at first sight.

The first thing I do when I wake up is… check my phone for emails and Instagram, followed by a cup of hot water with lemon.

The motto I live by is… live madly, love wildly, dream endlessly.

I’m hoping 2017 will bring… more growth and a new office space. We are getting busier, and it will be great to get more help and support so we can grow the brand to its full potential.

Everything tastes better with a little… spring onion oil. It’s a Chinese/Vietnamese classic, super easy to make with chopped spring onions, sautéed and seasoned in olive oil. We generally make a big batch, and keep them in jars in the fridge. They are perfect for drizzling on rice, or to use as a base for salad dressings or sauces.

 

1. Celestial Star Moon Bracelet 2. Lightning Bolt Gold Necklace 3. Celestial Star Moon Earrings 4. Celestial Star Moon Micro Ear Studs

 

PS. Meet another Sydney-based style maker and this seller knows good gifts.

hardtofind.

Hardtofind is Australia’s leading online curated marketplace for gifts, fashion and homewares.

http://hardtofind.com.au
MAKERS + CREATORS

The HTF Hot Seat: Becky Broome

It’s always fun meeting new people, which is why we came up with the idea of The HTF Hot Seat – a regular post to introduce you to the creative dynamites behind some of your favourite hardtofind products. This week’s seller in the spotlight: Becky Broome, from, well… Becky Broome (pictured above with her husband, Kristian, who doubles as the brand’s head of marketing!).

 

I’m known on hardtofind for my… personalised, hand-etched glassware, barware and home accessories.

Right now I’m inspired by… listening to podcasts from other creative business owners. The ‘Profit. Power. Pursuit.’ podcast, hosted by Tara Gentile, is brilliant. It’s so inspiring listening to how other small business owners run their businesses. Plus, it’s full of tips and ideas that you can implement into your own business. I’ve also just started listening to ‘How I Built This’, hosted by Guy Raz. This podcast focuses on innovators, entrepreneurs and idealists and the stories behind the movements they built. Listening to the insights of these extremely successful individuals is really motivating and inspirational.

My favourite part of the making process is… applying the artwork to the pieces, ready for etching. You get into a rhythm and it is very therapeutic. It’s lovely to see what our customers have ordered and see their creativity shine through. Admittedly, I don’t have the time to get involved with the day to day making process now as our company has grown, but at busy periods I love getting stuck in and getting back to basics.

I work from… a studio just outside of Liverpool city centre. It’s such a great space, with several offices and a large warehouse. We bought the property at the end of last year and I have to say that I love coming into work every day, being happy and inspired in the space in which you work makes such a difference to your everyday attitude.

A typical day for me involves… starting the day with a cup of tea (only decaf at the moment, as I’m pregnant) and a decent breakfast. As my husband, Kristian and I work together, we use breakfast time to chat about what is on the agenda for that day. Then we head into work, which is a 15-20 minute drive from our house. At busy periods, myself and the rest of the team start the working day with a daily stand-up meeting, were we have a quick status update, discussing workload, tasks for the day and any issues being faced. Once I’m at my desk, I start by going through emails that have come in overnight. I prioritise ones that need to be dealt with urgently and mark others for my attention that can be dealt with later in the day. At the moment, we are launching lots of new products so my days are filled with finalising designs, proof reading product descriptions, editing photos and working on our social media campaigns. The days just seem to fly by and before I know it it’s time to head home. Once there, I usually workout, take a shower, prep and eat dinner, followed by doing some more work. There is always so much to do and there never seems to be enough hours in the day! I try to be in bed and asleep before midnight. I love the ‘Deep Sleep’ range by ThisWorks, I use the pillow spray and the rollerball. The scent is so calming and relaxing that I’m usually asleep by the time my head hits the pillow!

My proudest business moment was… difficult to choose! We have had so many amazing moments, milestones that we’ve reached, targets we’ve hit. One of the more unusual moments was when our Personalised Drinks Measure Wine Glass was featured on billboards not too far from where we live. It was such a surreal experience to see our product displayed in that way, it was definitely a ‘pinch me’ moment!

When I started my business, I wish I’d known… how much determination and resilience is needed. Business is tough and there have been many ups and downs, mistakes and successes along the way.  You’ve got to be prepared to face anything life throws at you!

I’d describe my personal style as… relaxed. Our home is our haven and the colour scheme throughout is grey and white.  

My last purchase was… beautiful blackened steel-edged mirrors for the bathrooms in my house.  

The first thing I do when I wake up is… tell my husband to turn his radio alarm off! It drives me bananas and he’s usually snoozing through it, anyway!

The motto I live by is… have confidence in yourself. If you don’t, why should anyone else?

I’m hoping 2017 will bring… lots of new customers through hardtofind. We love that we can connect with our Australian and New Zealand customers so easily.

Everything tastes better with a little… black pepper! I’ve always added black pepper to every meal since I can remember. I’m obsessed!

 

1. Personalised Drinks Measure Wine Glass 2. Personalised Breakfast Jar 3. Personalised Diamond Initials Monogram Vase 4. Personalised ‘Mixed With Love’ Bowl

 

PS. Another couple working together and gorgeous jewellery is this lady’s specialty.

hardtofind.

Hardtofind is Australia’s leading online curated marketplace for gifts, fashion and homewares.

http://hardtofind.com.au
MAKERS + CREATORS

The HTF Hot Seat: Wood Paper Scissors

It’s always fun meeting new people, which is why we came up with the idea of The HTF Hot Seat – a regular post to introduce you to the creative dynamites behind some of your favourite hardtofind products. This week’s seller in the spotlight: Tony and Lindsay from Wood Paper Scissors.

 

We’re known on hardtofind for our… original wooden gifts and homewares.

Right now we’re inspired by… our recent move to the coast of Cornwall in the UK. We’re finding inspiration in beautiful countryside and coastlines. We especially like the old wooden painted boats in the harbour and being by the beach, even on a cold day!

Our favourite part of the making process is… seeing our designs come to life. The way the designs translate from paper sketches to finished wooden products is always a joy. We can never visualise 100% how the grain and imperfections of the wood will look on the finished products. Ultimately, for us it’s the natural raw materials that we locally source that give our designs a raw edginess and the unique style that we love. We want all of our products to be tactile and natural, we are mindful of not overworking any piece of wood as we want our products to showcase the features of the original timber – knots included!

We work from… our stone studio workshop, which was formerly a coaching house on a farm. It’s a lovely place to work and we are lucky enough to have beautiful sea views.

A typical day for us involves… We get up and feed the cat, kettle’s on for a quick cuppa before the school run. We try to go for a short walk along the beach to wake up before heading up to the workshop. Firstly, we deal with emails and admin (accompanied by another cup of tea – and biscuits!), then most of the day is usually spent on making orders and working on new ideas for products. We do all our own photography, so we like to spend some of the afternoon on this when the light is good. At lunch we have something from the local bakery and at the end of the working day we pick up our daughter from school and do the post office run. Then it’s home for dinner, family time, more cups of tea and maybe a walk along the river bank at the bottom of our garden. In the evening, we’ll watch a film or read. Bedtime is around 11.30pm.

Our proudest business moment was… winning the Prince’s Trust Young Entrepreneur of the Year and getting to meet HRH Prince Charles.

When we started our business, we wish we’d known… that sometimes your best ideas come to you when you’re not even thinking about work. Our most successful ideas have come from some of the most obscure places.

We’d describe our personal style as… We are both fans of mid-century modern and believe firmly in buying once but buying well. Things that are made sustainably and to last the test of time.

Our last purchase was… an Ercol blonde elm 1960’s blue label dressing table and chair set.

The first thing we do when we wake up is… hit snooze!

The motto we live by is… What’s the worst that can happen…?

We’re hoping 2017 will bring… time to draw inspiration for our new products from our stunning new surroundings.

Everything tastes better with a little… Marmite!

 

1. Personalised Wooden Beard And Moustache Comb 2. Personalised Walnut Round Engraved Box 3. Personalised Walnut Jigsaw Coasters 4. Solid Wood Personalised Serving Board

 

PS. This lady is a jewellery wiz and if you want gifts, this creator knows gifts.

hardtofind.

Hardtofind is Australia’s leading online curated marketplace for gifts, fashion and homewares.

http://hardtofind.com.au
MAKERS + CREATORS

The HTF Hot Seat: Buena Vida

It’s always fun meeting new people, which is why we came up with the idea of The HTF Hot Seat – a regular post to introduce you to the creative dynamites behind some of your favourite hardtofind products. This week’s seller in the spotlight: Hannah Smith from Buena Vida.

 

I’m known on hardtofind for my… personalised jewellery with an elegant feel.

Right now I’m inspired by… everything new! I can’t get enough of looking at new designs for jewellery, art, style trends and looking at beautiful ways of making classic design modern and unique.

My favourite part of the making process is… feeling a connection with the customer through the jewellery. When I create a personalised piece for a customer, I love that it’s a continuation of the story of that product. Knowing it has had a journey from creation, then having customer input in the final design and seeing the piece going on to make someone’s wedding day or birthday or celebration is very fulfilling and special. I love the thoughtful and heartfelt messages that people write to go with the jewellery – it makes me honoured to be a part of that story.

I work from… a studio attached to my home. I’m very blessed to have a beautiful view of the ocean and a quick stroll over the road to the beach where I can have a quick dip or be inspired by the gorgeous sunrises.

A typical day for me involves… I don’t particularly have ‘typical’ days! Each day brings with it new surprises and challenges. I am a mum of two young boys, so we’re all up at the crack of dawn and things are busy and noisy from the get-go. I make lunches and get them ready and drop them at school and preschool before I get near the studio. Thankfully, I work with my husband and by the time I’m home he’s usually got a coffee ready for me. After that it’s filling orders, taking calls, answering messages and emails and a constant stream of couriers. I often have a million errands to run and, at some point each day, I love to look at new design, find new exciting trends and think about how I can incorporate that into the Buena Vida brand. I often have a quick lunch on the run or while doing some chores. Then the afternoons involve picking up the kids, homework and dinner. If we have time we like to spend time as a family going for a walk around the lake or down at the beach. Once the little ones are in bed, it’s more work, emails, invoicing and designing and a little time to indulge in a good book and a cup of green tea.

My proudest business moment was… being approached by prestigious art galleries to sell my jewellery in their gift shops and having my jewellery worn by celebrities (I’ve even had one piece go down the Hollywood red carpet!).

When I started my business, I wish I’d known… that the risk was worth it. It’s quite stressful putting all of your time and efforts into a business when you don’t know if it’ll work. It’s really wonderful to look back on the path I’ve taken to get here and know that the years I spent learning this industry and learning to trust myself have really paid off.

I’d describe my personal style as… simple, classic, fine with a splash of sassy.

My last purchase was… a coffee. #butfirstcoffee

The first thing I do when I wake up is… cuddle with my boys.

The motto I live by is… put your hair up in a bun, have a coffee and handle it.

I’m hoping 2017 will bring… some new tools to make more beautiful personalised products. I am looking forward to creating an expanded range and growing my business. Goals!

Everything tastes better with… bacon.

 

1. Personalised Initials and Ampersand/Heart Necklace 2. Mother and Daughter Heart Necklace Set 3. Men’s Leather Wrist Wrap 4. Circle Shimmer Studs

 

PS. The husband and wife team behind Alphabet Bags and sit down for a cuppa with illustrator Adam Regester.

hardtofind.

Hardtofind is Australia’s leading online curated marketplace for gifts, fashion and homewares.

http://hardtofind.com.au
MAKERS + CREATORS

The HTF Hot Seat: Ellie Ellie

It’s always fun meeting new people, which is why we came up with the idea of The HTF Hot Seat – a regular post to introduce you to the creative dynamites behind some of your favourite hardtofind products. This week’s seller in the spotlight: Danielle Plowman, founder of Ellie Ellie.

 

I’m known on hardtofind for my… personalised gifts for one-of-a-kind people, our engraved bar cufflinks and personalised map location cufflinks are especially popular, as well as our new Personalised Pillow Case Set (made famous by our Ryan Gosling sample!).

Right now I’m inspired by… botanical prints and embroidery. We’re looking forward to spring and bringing more colour and playful detail into our collections.

My favourite part of the making process is… watching our map expert Lindsay effortlessly find a customer’s specific chosen location amongst our extensive collection of old maps – sometimes places I’ve never heard of!

I work from… an old converted soap factory in the quirky seaside town of Hove, UK. Our office is painted in our signature turquoise and navy stripes. The rooms in our HQ are named after the rooms from the classic Cluedo board game, including the conservatory, which is our meeting room and represents the conservatory where it all began back in 2012. It is the same size as the tiny conservatory from which I started the business and worked in for a year before we moved into our first office and is a nice reminder of where it all started!

A typical day for me could involves… a design meeting, talking through new ideas, liaising with suppliers, visiting a trade fair. Or even cooking up a feast for the whole team, I opened up café Ellie Ellie over Black Friday weekend to keep the team going, making some English classics such as Shepard’s Pie and bacon sarnies. There’s no typical day, really!

My proudest business moment was… being told that we’re one of the top UK partners on hardtofind! It’s exciting to see our products make it across to the other side of the world, especially since Australia is a place close to my heart – I lived in Melbourne for a year before I set up Ellie Ellie, and had the best time.

When I started my business, I wish I’d known… to stop and enjoy it more. I think as an entrepreneur it’s easy once you have reached one goal to simply move onto the next one and never stop and enjoy the moment. I now make sure we stop and smell the roses from time to time, to celebrate the achievements and success of Ellie Ellie, no matter how small or big it might be. I also wish I took more photos!

I’d describe my personal style as… vintage-inspired. I love prints from British designer Orla Kiely or nautical stripes layered under a denim pinafore dress – we have to layer up over here in the UK, its cold!

My last purchase was… an industrial embroidery machine, which I’m super excited about as we can expand our range of fashion products, with endless possibilities for personalisation!

The first thing I do when I wake up is… feel refreshed. In winter, I wake up to a light alarm clock, it mimics the sunrise so I wake up naturally and slowly – even if it’s still dark outside, I wake up feeling refreshed.

The motto I live by is… there’s no point worrying about the things you can’t do, just focus on the things you can! Once you allow yourself not to be perfect all the time, you then allow yourself to be great, which in turn allows yourself to put aside (and more importantly accept that you deserve) some time to have break every now and then.

I’m hoping 2017 will bring… more exciting times and business growth for Ellie Ellie. We have plans to move our manufacturing into a bigger warehouse and test out some pop-up shops in the local area – if all goes well we may bring a pop-up to Australia one day!

Everything tastes better with a little… Prosecco of course! Although I also have to say I’m a huge fan of cheese, any cheese. I even received a cheese box subscription for Christmas, which I look forward to receiving every month and sharing with the team.

 

1. Map Personalised Circle Cufflinks 2. Personalised Pillow Case Set 3. Personalised Travelling Holiday Money Box 4. Personalised Morse Code Bar Cufflinks

 

PS. This is your guy for pet portraits and the founder of In The Daylight.

hardtofind.

Hardtofind is Australia’s leading online curated marketplace for gifts, fashion and homewares.

http://hardtofind.com.au
MAKERS + CREATORS

The HTF Hot Seat: STMPDshop

It’s always fun meeting new people, which is why we came up with the idea of The HTF Hot Seat – a regular post to introduce you to the creative dynamites behind some of your favourite hardtofind products. This week’s seller in the spotlight: Prissilla Rademakers, owner of STMPDshop.

 

I’m known on hardtofind for my… personalised cuff bracelets.

Right now I’m inspired by… my creative customers.

My favourite part of the making process is… hammering the customer’s design into the metal blanks.

I work from… my living room in Sydney, Australia.

A typical day for me involves… getting a takeaway coffee to enjoy on the beach (always coffee first!), doing lots of fun activities with my toddler girl and working on orders while she sleeps.

My proudest business moment was… when my bracelets were promoted by huge fashion bloggers here in Australia only two months after launching my business.

When I started my business, I wish I’d known… about hardtofind straight away!

I’d describe my personal style as… classy and comfy.

My last purchase was… a wool brown hat. I absolutely love hats!

The first thing I do when I wake up is… listening to my toddler chatting away in her bedroom.

The motto I live by is… enjoy today.

I’m hoping 2017 will bring… a brand new personalised item in my product range that will be as successful as the cuff bracelets.

Everything tastes better with a little… dark chocolate.

 

1. Personalised Handmade Metal Stamped Bracelet 2. ‘Sisters’ Bracelets (Set of 2) 3. ‘Follow Your Bliss’ Bracelet 4. Personalised Handmade Coordinates Bracelet

 

PS. This guy does rad pet portraits and the French mum behind Merci Maman.

hardtofind.

Hardtofind is Australia’s leading online curated marketplace for gifts, fashion and homewares.

http://hardtofind.com.au
MAKERS + CREATORS

The HTF Hot Seat: Alphabet Bags

It’s always fun meeting new people, which is why we came up with the idea of The HTF Hot Seat – a regular post to introduce you to the creative dynamites behind some of your favourite hardtofind products. This week’s seller in the spotlight: husband and wife team Lucas and Hayley Lepola from Alphabet Bags.

 

We’re known on hardtofind for our… simple, fun and cheerful accessories!

Right now we’re inspired by… being parents of a toddler is giving us lots of ideas. Finding time to make them happen is a different matter!

Our favourite part of the making process is… developing ideas from an initial drawing and illustrating all of the lettering for our collections – it’s fun but challenging. Receiving samples in the post is the best! When you’ve spent ages sketching and imagining something, to be able to hold it in your hands is pretty awesome.

We work from… a fairly large office/warehouse setup in our hometown of Saffron Walden in the UK. Saffron Walden is a fairly small town but we like it. We feel very lucky to live near to our office and enjoy walking to work most days.

A typical day for us involves… getting up early and spending hours negotiating leaving the house with our two year old, June. She’s in nursery two days a week and spends some of the rest of the week in the office with us, which is really a home from home. We take turns playing with June and getting day-to-day work done. Emails, packing orders, shipping to stockists, and general admin takes up most of the day. If we have time we work on new collections, photograph new items and try to keep up with Instagram, Facebook, etc. The day goes pretty quickly and we’re always feeling like we’re months behind with our plans! Then it’s home to make June some dinner, maybe catch a movie, do a little more work, or spend some time planning our home renovation (which is also running waaaaay behind schedule.)

Our proudest business moment was… being asked to design a UT collection for Japanese brand Uniqlo. We have always been fans and customers of theirs. They were such a joy to work with and collaborating with them was a huge deal for our little brand.

When we started our business, we wish we’d known… if you work hard to make something that you’re proud of, chances are it will get copied, directly and indirectly. It would be nice to know how to prevent that from getting to you. We still don’t know.

We’d describe our personal style as… mid-century modern, with vintage and antique bits and bobs. Simple but not minimalist.

Our last purchase was… a potty training book and sticker chart!

The first thing we do when we wake up is… coffee, always.

The motto we live by is… you will never regret doing the nice thing.

We’re hoping 2017 will bring… a happy and healthy little brother or sister for our daughter. Hayley is due with our second in late July. At the same time we’re hoping to launch lots of new collections in 2017. Currently working hard to get our first embroidered patches and enamel pins produced.

Everything tastes better with a little… Ben and Jerry’s lately. Despite the cold weather, this seems to have become a habit!

 

1. ‘Mama, You Got This’ Canvas Pouch 2. ‘Bon Voyage’ Grey Wash Bag 3. ‘Get Out Of Town’ Oversized Travel Pouch 4. ‘To Have And To Hold’ Tote

 

PS. This illustrator is doing her bit to keep gents well-dressed and the woman behind Merci Maman.

hardtofind.

Hardtofind is Australia’s leading online curated marketplace for gifts, fashion and homewares.

http://hardtofind.com.au