Posted on 13 October 2012

Meet The Maker ~ MOOPS and Hoops

Today we have the pleasure of getting to know Julie from MOOPS and Hoops a little bit better, so Julie¦.

Tell us about your business:

MOOPS and hoops is a Melbourne based business that specialises in a selection of stylish and cute accessories for toddlers, girls and home. We use 100% cotton fabrics, with individual felt and embroidered detail to enhance their uniqueness. Our novelty heat toys can even be personalised to add that special touch! They are popular as they can just be heated up in the microwave and enjoyed as a comfort toy and for snuggling up to, on cold nights. They contain wheat grains which are fragranced with lavender oil to help soothe, comfort and relax little ones to sleep!

What inspired you to start your business?

My daughter Alysse inspired me to take the next step to MOOPS and hoops. I have always been creative (in the blood!) and I needed a change in my life from the accounting world. I needed some colour! I want to make a difference to my family and provide a future for them. To show them anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?

The idea originated back in 2006; my daughter Alysse loved taking a cosy square wheat bag to bed. And this small comforting ritual led to me making a rabbit filled with wheat and lavender “ so much better looking than a square!

Alysse named the rabbit Moops and soon after, the family thought what a great name for a business. It just took off from there as I had also just decided to stop my Mortgage Finance business. I need more creativity in my world.

MOOPS the Rabbit became the first product of the label and part of the range of HEATmee„¢ comforters that has become very popular with little & big peeps!

What is the most satisfying part of what you do?

A simple thing like when I finally put the last lot of wheat in a Heatmee„¢ and a Moops the rabbit comes to life. I truly love creating them and when someone sends me a photo of their daughter holding one¦..thats fantastic.

Have you tried something in business that didnt work as planned, or on the flip side “ worked out better than expected?

I employed the services of a small marketing company that did some media releases for me. It worked much better than I thought and I received many orders and interest in my biz. I realized it can be its weight in gold to seek other professionals to help and it doesnt have to cost the earth.

What would be your best tip for someone thinking about selling their handcrafted goods?

Dont be afraid to step out there and showing your craft. Determine your edge of difference about why your handcraft is different to others.

What is your favourite item you make?

For me, it has to be MOOPS the rabbit. I make them in all sorts of fabric designs and it is unisex. By day a MOOPS is a cherished friend, but when tummy troubles, growing pains or cold nights strike, less than 2 minutes in the microwave turns my MOOPS into a hero that can warm away many troubles! Basically, I think they are just darn cute.

Any personal or business highlights in the last year:

A business highlight for me was Easter. My website ran hot with online orders and it was the first time I received several orders a day. It was a real humbling experience as I built the website and shopping cart. To see the process work without any hiccups was really rewarding.

3 things about you (not business related) that people might not know: