Heck. It’s been a while since my last Ella Loves Local post. Apologies for that. I’ve been dealing with trying to get my little man to sleep more, and in turn, dealing with my own exhaustion. After a hospital stay, and lots of rest I’m raring to go, and this means that I can continue to support local businesses and the amazing Mums and Dads who have taken a risk to follow their passions.
Today I celebrate Jess from Gus Makes Three. I’m lucky enough to call her one of my ‘online mates’, and have seen Jess’ business evolve and flourish via her account on Instagram. Jess creates the most divine hand made cushions. What makes these different however is something very simple. She beautifully re creates milk bottles, lattes, forks and spoons, vegetables and baby bottles. Ready for any little one to cuddle. She also creates cuddle dolls – cute little doll cushions that can be hugged for hours on end. Jess’ idea is a great one. People love simplicity with a dash of cuteness. Whether its a baby shower, a new born or a toddler…they are the perfect gift. Being a fan, I was lucky enough to get a couple of her dolls for my Ella to meet. She simply loves them, and I’m sure your little ones will too. Here are a few snippets of her beautiful work…
So with that introduction, lets meet the brains behind Gus Makes Three – Jess:
1. What inspired you to start Gus Makes Three? The more I talk to women around my age the more I kept hearing them expressing the need for a change or somewhat of a change in there life, myself included. This is where ‘Gus makes three’ came about. I love my job but I also wanted something for me. I used to make these Cuddle Cushions for friends and family. I then gave birth to our third child Gus and made one for him and thoroughly enjoyed it. So I thought why not…maybe others might like them too.
2. How do you juggle business and family? Some days are harder than others but I tend to be a highly organised person (most of the time) and try not to let both over lap too often. My family will always come first. Mostly my creations happen at night when everyone is all happy and tucked up in bed.
3. What has been your proudest moment so far? I think the positive feedback I have received. It is always such an enlightening and surreal moment to hear that people and children really love what you have created. So thank you everybody!
4. What has been your biggest challenge? I suppose the guilt as a mother of wanting to do the best for my family and making sure that that side of things never comes second and at the same time wanting to achieve and succeed with ‘Gus makes three.’ I think this is something that will probably always be a challenge. It is not necessarily a negative point, more of a way to always keep me focused on what is most important.
5. What is your advice to others wanting to start their own business? Start small and don’t set your expectations too high to begin with. Also always be nice to other businesses we are all trying to achieve the same goal and there are so many people who will help and assist you out there.
6. Three words that describe Gus Makes Three?… Different, Practical and Cuddly
7. What’s your favourite current product in your line? My ‘milk bottle’ would be my favourite. I love creating this along with the others but I think it is just a perfect little gift for any bubs because it is unisex. I struggled with purchasing unisex items when having my babies as we never found out their gender. I was determined to have a few of these products when creating and as it turns out all of my designs are that way.
8. Pay it forward to another local business. Gus Makes Three loves… I would love to pay it forward to Captain + Co. (instagram: @captainco.tasmania) who is such a beautiful felt creator and a lovely mama. When I mentioned before about being kind to other businesses she has been such a lovely, positive support from the beginning.
You can check out and purchase your own little milk / doll cushions via her Etsy Store here.
PLEASE NOTE, JESS’ STORE IS CURRENTLY BEING RESTOCKED WITH NEW PRODUCTS, AND WILL REOPEN NEXT WEEK!
Remember, supporting local means supporting Mums and Dads, and their children. Local economy, local family.
