Recently, my local council organised a pop-up for makers and designers, giving me the opportunity to connect to an even wider audience who have responded extraordinarily to my products.
Lastly, online reviews: the sweet reviews I have received from my customers on Facebook, Google and via Instagram messages have been the ultimate validation of my vision and the products – the joy, empowerment and confidence they bring means everything.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
I’m not sure I do. It’s always a juggle/struggle. I do work really hard, but make sure the time I spend with my family is quality time. There is a lot of fitting working hours around the kids, and late nights tapping away on my laptop or phone when they’re asleep. Like any working mum, there are those days where they are sick or need me, and most things on my ‘to-do’ list end up remaining unticked – while I concentrate on giving all the cuddles.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
COVID-19! We launched at the end of 2020 (after months and months of delay) and live in the outskirts of Melbourne, so having two toddlers home, working from home and trying to successfully launch a business wasn’t ideal, but it didn’t stop me!
Another big thing is being a brand that focuses on sustainability: this comes with sacrifices like being unable to restock as quickly as other fast-fashion brands, which at times can feel frustrating. But the strong rationale behind creating a sustainable and ethical clothing brand outweigh these feelings.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
I believe that owning a business gives you the greatest flexibility, but the least freedom. Our little family consists of two business owners, so that makes it even more complicated – but we have never known any other way! Owning a small business actually runs on both sides of the family for multiple generations, and our own children have been involved from a very young age. They help me with packing orders, enjoy coming to trade shows and are wonderful brand ambassadors. OMM Label is like another baby of mine – it takes up a lot of time and space with its own needs, but also, is such a source of joy.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I plan to grow the OMM Label range into a timeless collection that covers all the basic pieces a woman could ever need – all completely breastfeeding friendly, without the fuss of layers and without the ‘frump’ factor.
My next pipe dream is to create a physical place – a cosy space for breastfeeding mums, somewhere offering full support, including services from professionals (eg. lactation consultants) and complementary products from local brands. I would also love the space to be available for use by local mum support groups.
Visit the OMM Label Website to shop their beautiful range and join their communities on Facebook and Instagram.
Love this brand, their mission and products. Go OMM Label