FEATURING
Here at The Styled Child, we love featuring small businesses, especially run by moms! I have featured business in the past on the blog but wanted to feature more MOM created/run businesses as I know how difficult it is to raise a family and run a business. Our second feature is one from down under, Geobaby & Co! Here is my interview with the founder, Elissa.
Tell us about yourself and your shop. What do
you sell?
My name is Elissa and I am a new Mum to one little guy
named Parker. Now, when I say new, my
son is now nearly 2! But as most Mums would agree, time just zooms by after
kidlets enter your world...and somehow 2 years has passed by like 2 hours!
About 3 months ago I decided to take some time to start
creating! I’ve always enjoyed creating and crafting. I loved the idea of making different and
pretty décor pieces for little ones. That’s where Geobaby & Co began. Creating décor for little ones – what fun!! I started by sketching my ideas and
visualizing how these pieces would look in beautiful nurseries and
playrooms. Then from my drawings I
started to create. The creating happened
when P had his day time nap!
Geobaby & Co’s products consist of wall hangings,
dreamers, canvas art and garlands. The
materials used consist of Jersey Yarn, Stiffened Felt, Wood and Canvas. That is the range for now, but there’s more
to come.
What
was your situation before you started this business? Were you always a business owner, or did you
have a more traditional career?
Before starting Geobaby & Co I
was a Teacher. An Early Childhood Teacher
and I did this for about 10 years. I’m
dabbling in the idea of returning to relief teaching, however that may make things
far too busy. So for now, its just a thought.
How do you keep everything organized? Do you have a
workspace?
At the moment my work space is my entire house! Ha! I do
have a designated work area, which is lovely and my desk is by a big window
where I often sit and document new ideas...however somehow my house has turned
into a massive display room full of wall hangings, dreamers and garlands! I
think it’s time for a studio!
What has
been the most difficult aspect of being a Mommy with a Small Business?
I think the most difficult
aspect is just time. I love creating, my
ideas run wild and at times I get frustrated when I can’t just create
constantly! I have had to learn to be more patient and get things done when I
can.
At the moment my sales are directly through Instagram
and Facebook. My customers email me and
I deal directly with them to place and fill their orders. My website is in the making and I’m really
looking forward to allowing people to browse and buy very soon. My direct audiences are Mamas and Mamas to
be, Papas, family members and friends who want to purchase gorgeous goodies for
the little ones in their lives.
What
resources or tools did you find most helpful when you were getting started?
Social Media has been amazing. Its how I’m getting my brand out there,
meeting fellow business owners, supporting small and being a part of an amazing
online community. It’s my go to for
support, inspiration and marketing.
What
were your biggest mistakes, or biggest wastes of time or money?
There hasn’t been anything major yet. I think that is one of the lovely things about
being a small business and someone who creates handmade products. I make things to order and nothing
expires. So far so good!
What
kinds of content do you create to help you market your business?
Quality photos of my products. I like to showcase them individually as well
as using customers pictures of how they have styled my products in their
kidlets rooms! I’m always amazed at how creative people are at styling
different pieces. It excites me to see
people tagging my products.
As I mentioned earlier social networking is my go to at
this stage. It amazing! I use Instragram
and Facebook daily. They are really
great forums for marketing my products.
What
does your business look like today?
One Mama. Bold brights. Soft pastel. Lots of
shapes.
What’s
next for you? What are your next goals?
My main goal is to have my website ready to browse and
buy within the month. I'd like sales to
be more convenient for my customers.
However, I think I might miss the personal interactions I have with them
via email.
Go for it! It’s yours and you can make it what you
want. I do what I’m doing because I love
it.
Interested in a Geobaby & Co product?
Email Elissa at geobabyco@gmail.com
Or Shop the Etsy Store!
Stay tuned to Mia's Big Girl Room Reveal which will feature a Geobaby & Co Fringe!

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