Today, meet Eleanor, a crafty mama who takes extra care as she works, as if she is making it for her own child. I’ve used her skills before to make a super Christmas bag for my son, with his name beautifully worked into the fabric. (To have a look, see this post here.)
- Tell us about yourself, a bit of background.
My name is Eleanor Douglas-Meyers, I’m the eldest of three siblings and also of all the cousins on both sides of my family so I can be a bit of a goody goody.
I’m a wife, mom and blogger (JustEllaBella) and get a huge kick out of making things.
My mom, late gran and late Godmother all sewed and taught me a few things. My dad is a big DIY fan so they all rubbed off on me I guess.
My business is basically making custom hand made kids items from rag dolls to pillows and beanies. I like to think of myself as a pinterest mom for hire.
- What were you doing before you started this business?
I’m a journalist by qualification – print, broadcast and photo to be exact – and I spent the last 11 years working for newspapers in various roles. Last year I decided I needed a change and launched my business, Oh!Boy Kids, making gifts for kids.
- Is your business full time or part time and why?
My business is part time because, well, bills.
I work for a newspaper doing layout and design Monday to Wednesday then sew and craft my butt off on Thursdays and Fridays.
How do you juggle the responsibilities of being a mom with your work?
I just try my best, sometimes I fail miserably and my soon to be three-year-old son asks me if all mommies work so much and other times I’m the best mom ever. He loves to make things so I try to involve him where I can. I set up a craft table and he can make something while I finish an order
- Do you have a business plan? If so, can you share a bit about your strategy to make it successful?
I don’t have a plan per say I just learnt that I need to not be rigid in what I do. I had a specific plan starting out but due to supply and demand I have had to change and adapt to give the client what they want within the confines of my vision.
- How do you get clients/ market yourself?
Social media and word of mouth for sure, I’ve also been featured on some awesome blogs which helped. I realised that if I place a picture of something I made on Facebook or instagram people will reach out, it’s a perfect platform for a small custom business like mine.
What’s your biggest challenge right now?
TIME!!!!!!!!!!!! Omw do I ever need a nap! but I’m loving it. I have someone working with me now when I get big orders so that helps a little.
- Did you need a lot of money to start off? And how long was it before you made a profit?
I started with about R2500 for a sewing machine (on sale) and materials – fabric, fabric paint, stuffing and so on. I was overwhelmed with the support I got right off the bat and I made a profit in my second month
What makes your business unique from other brands?
Almost every single item I make is custom and different. My little gifts are one of a kind and I pride myself on that. I’m not a big chain store I’m just a mom who loves making things for her son and who has branched out to make for other kid’s too. Dolls with your child’s characteristics or décor items with their names on… I make everything as if I’m making it for my own child.
- Share with us your social media links and website.
www.instagram.com/justellabella
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