Everyone who follows Happy Ella After knows that I’m passionate about supporting local businesses, many of which are Mums and Dads who have discovered their passions or callings. They have taken a risk, stuck their neck out and tried something new. We should all support them. Supporting local puts food on someone’s table. It puts clothes on someone’s back. It keeps your local economy healthy and happy. Today’s Ella Loves Local profile is a little different. Not only does it support a local business, but it supports a local business, supporting a local community.
Kate from Postcode Kids is the definition of ‘paying it forward’. A question that I ask all of my profilees. Who do they love? Who do they want to support? Well Postcode Kids is different. Not only do they sell kids t-shirts with your chose postcode (very simple, very cute), but a preportion of the sales from those t-shirts goes towards a chosen charity in that postcode. Kate is passionate about developing community. Participation, support and love. Local Kids, Local Communities. We all have heard the phrase ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, and Postcode kids is an example of doing this. Giving something back. I was immediately taken away by her idea, and how passionate she was towards achieving her goal. This is truly one of my most favourite profiles to date.
Here is Ella & Hudson in thier 3182 (St Kilda) Post Code Kids t-shirts. They are soft, they are comfy, they are gorgeous. I’m proud to say that I gave Kate a donation towards the cost of our shirts, and Kate will be donating the proceeds to St Kilda Mums. An amazing local charity that supports underprivilaged families.
Let’s meet Kate form Postcode Kids…
1. What inspired you to start Postcode Kids?
I have three young children. My son, Harry, is almost 4 and my twin girls, Piper and Grace, are 20 months old. When my girls turned 1 I was ready to incorporate business back into my life. I needed to do it in a flexible way and so I decided to start my own little business and work at my own pace. I believe in working at what you’re passionate about and so I decided to incorporate two of my passions; kids and community.
2. How do you juggle business and family?
I certainly haven’t succeeded in compartmentalising my work and home lives. In a way, it’s one of the things I love about Postcode Kids, that there are aspects of the business that I can involve my kids in. We can spend half an hour constructing a lego postcode together or we can collect flowers for a postcode picture, while we’re in the garden. Don’t get me wrong, when the kids go to bed it’s work work work for me!
3. What has been your proudest moment so far?
It was the moment when The Monash Children’s Hospital agreed to become Postcode Kids’ principle charity. My daughter Piper spent time in the hospital when she was born. The doctors, surgeons and nurses were outstanding and I was thrilled to be able to give back with Postcode Kids’ ongoing support.
4. What has been your biggest challenge?
Getting the word out. Postcode Kids is such a new business and our marketing budget is nonexistent. Finding inventive ways to market Postcode Kids is challenging and exciting and is a full time job in itself.
5. What is your advice to others wanting to start their own business?
Don’t underestimate the work involved, when starting your own business. It can become all consuming because you enjoy what you’re doing. Build in time for yourself. A break clears and refocuses the mind.
6. Three words that describe Postcode Kids…
Kids, Community, Fun
7. What’s your favourite current product in your line?
Our 3186 and 3188 Postcode Kids T-shirts support Brighton South Playhouse. Funds raised will go towards upgrading the community house and making it safe and enjoyable for all. This is such a great example of the spirit of Postcode Kids.
8. Pay it forward to another local business. Postcode Kids loves…
I’d love to give a shout out to TopKnot Girl (@topknotgirl_), Holly is an inspiration to mums starting their own businesses. Also, Inkibabinki (@inkibabinki) for beautiful, geometric kids clothing and Mavara Edu. (@mavaraedu) for beautiful African community made products. You go girls!
Thanks Kate for your passion, and your beautiful product! You can visit Postcode Kids here. There just couldn’t be a more selfless, giving idea!
#supportlocal #supportsmallbusiness #ellaloveslocal
