Tell us about your business:
Whale Spout creates handmade clothes and accessories for both girls and boys, in designs that allow and encourage kids to be kids, and not to dress them up as mini adults. Whale Spout encourages kids to embrace the essence of childhood in designs that let them be little fish.
What inspired you to start your business?
Whale Spout was created for two main reasons – firstly, I have huge concerns regarding the sexualisation of children in society and the media. This led me to create designs that allow and encourage kids to be kids, and not to dress them up as mini adults.
Also, I want to be a hands on Mum and able to help out at kinder and school whenever I can. I want to be able to drop my kids off, pick them up, and be home with them when they are home.
Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?
A ˜whale spout is the first hairstyle a baby girl has, where her hair is long enough to put into a pony tail on the top of her head, resembling a whale spouting water. My eldest daughter suggested the name to me and it was perfect!
What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
Seeing little girls and boys dressed in Whale Spout – bright, colourful clothing that is made for their age and is of a more traditional style. The designs are so versatile “ perfect to play in the sandpit or to wear to the Grandparents house for lunch.
Have you tried something in business that didnt work as planned, or on the flip side “ worked out better than expected?
My first winter range for girls was surprisingly unsuccessful, but I also discovered that parents are happy to dress their daughters in our bright, summer dresses all year round “ just throw on a pair of leggings and a long-sleeved tee and its a dress for all seasons!
What would be your best tip for someone thinking about selling their handcrafted goods?
You have to be passionate about the items you are selling or your customers simply wont buy them, and remember that not everyone is your target market “ people who choose to buy handmade goods have a large respect for the time and effort put into making something (as opposed to people seeking a bargain).
What is your favourite item you make?
My favourite and most popular item is the Grace twirly skirt in Paris. Sadly, this beautiful fabric has been discontinued and my stash of it is getting smaller and smaller.
Any personal or business highlights in the last year:
In May 2012, I won a market package competition from Forming Circles and Handmade HQ “ this included a $500 package to help get me to my first market. Whale Spout attended our first market as a stall holder in August 2012, and we recently attended our 11th market (at which our sales surpassed our 3 year business goal)!!
3 things about you that people might not know:
- Until I borrowed my Mums sewing machine in 2010, I hadnt actually sewn since high school (which was many years ago!).
- My pre-children career was in human resources in the travel industry “ no creativity required!
- I’m very lucky to have travelled widely, including “ living in SE Asia as a child, living and working in the UK, backpacking through Europe and the Middle East, driving from the east coast to west coast of North America, and visiting the gorillas in the wilds of East Africa.
