On our journeys toward more sustainable lifestyles, it’s inevitable that we turn our gaze toward the world of children’s clothes and toys. No longer are we interested in supporting fast fashion – we are opting for natural fibres instead of synthetics, and we support ethical and sustainable practices. Slow Threads tick all of these boxes, with their organic and natural fibre children’s wear, and ethical and sustainable toys. We spoke to Sally Cziesla, owner of Slow Threads, to learn more about how she got started.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
During my second pregnancy, I had some complications and had to spend a period on bed rest. At the same time my one-year-old was transitioning into bigger clothes and sleeping in her own bed. I started perusing online stores looking for ethical, organic and natural fibre clothing, toys and bedding for her and soon realized there was a lot of options overseas, but I struggled to find the things I really wanted in Australia. I gathered most of the items I needed for her from international retailers and I was really happy with the quality, but it was costly paying for international postage and also challenging trying to buy items like practical warm clothes off season.
The Launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
Whilst staying at home with my girls I started dreaming up my own little retail store for families who wanted to make natural, ethical and sustainable purchases. I started contacting some manufactures and enough agreed to supply me, so I could start my own e-store. My husband took time off work, so I could focus on building a website and I launched in 2017.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
It didn’t take long for other parents and caregivers to start contacting me and wholeheartedly thanking me for the purchases they had made. Many customers soon opened up to me about their daily challenges, lifestyle choices and why they needed or wanted to purchase natural clothing and toys. I soon realized I was on the right path and felt grateful to be helping other families.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
I try to stick with a routine and when needed I arrange extra help. I mostly work in the afternoon when my girls are having quiet time and napping and of an evening when they are sleeping. I can’t say I get a lot of “me” time at the moment, but things ebb and flow and soon they will be in school, so I know things will balance out a little more.
