Today we have the pleasure of getting to know Jules from Little Jewels Decor a little bit better, so Jules¦
Tell us about your business:
Little Jewels Décor specialises in childrens made to order bedding, lampshades, photoboards, buntings, girls necklaces and everything cute in between! We also stock some of Australias leading childrens brands.
What inspired you to start your business?
I absolutely LOVED decorating my babies rooms, then when they were 2 and so on. I live in a small town and found it hard to get everything I needed.. I would spend hours surfing the net and a lot in freight buying from different places.. I dont think it should be this hard..so I wanted to provide something for passionate people like myself, to be able to buy everything in the one place! I started making my own shades and collaborating to make the matching bedding to add uniqueness and give people the options to choose their own deisign and colours.
Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?
My name is Jules.. so I thought, of Little Jewels Décor.. Our kiddies are more precious than jewels! So I want to provide décor, for your precious little jewels!
What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
I have 3 beautiful kiddies and my middle girl is my hugest fan! She loves seeing what I come up with and even helps me to choose materials and design my necklaces and shades.. Hollin has the best taste and is so creative!! Also the lovely pics I get sent of customers rooms is a HUGE bonus too!
Have you tried something in business that didnt work as planned, or on the flip side “ worked out better than expected?
I started doing parties or more of a mobile shop. I live in a small town and it was the best way to offer great products to country ladies.. this took a lot of convincing wholesalers, but had a great thing going.. I never thought I woud have a shop, but ended up needing a base and it went from there! I now have built a great clientele that when I took my business home, I still have the same lovely ladies popping in for that special gift or to redecorate! Now that we have launched our website, www.littlejewelsdecor.com.au, we can offer our services to all of Australia J
What would be your best tip for someone thinking about selling their handcrafted goods?
Never underestimate your worth for the sake of selling your product. Think about the future, your product maybe awesome and wholesale could be on the cards, so when thinking of pricing think ahead and dont sell yourself short.
What is your favourite item you make?
I am so in LOVE with my lampshades, I could make a million different ones a day! I am always on the lookout for materials and thinking up ideas for new ones!! Each one is different and I never make 2 the same. I love making them to suit a décor or a little personality! I also enjoy the conversations I have with my kiddies when I ask their opinions.. Kids are honest!
Any personal or business highlights in the last year:
I had to close my little shop in the main street to move back home due to family commitments and have just celebrated our website launch!
3 things about you that people might not know:
- When I lived in NSW as a child, we lived next door to my (future) husband and his family! Our fathers worked together.. I moved to NZ and then to QLD only to find us living in the same small town!
- I was born in Papua New Guinea
- I have an uncontrollable addiction to drizzle biscuits!!!
Thank you Jules, it has been a pleasure meeting you, the maker!
