My Little L | gcmade

My Little L

My Little L is a clothing line catering for both baby girls AND baby boys. With a passion for natural fibres that feel + look great, creator Jade set about designing really comfy kids clothes that allow kids to be kids and for mums + dads to dress their little humans in style.

About My Little L

Tell us a little bit about yourself, who is behind My Little L?

My name is Jade, my Husband Dan and I have been married for 6 years and we have a beautiful 16mth old daughter named Elle, and two 6yr old Staffies Jett and Rokit.

What is your inspired you to start My Little L?

When I had Elle I thought I would make her some basic clothes as everything in the stores

was a bit boring and I wanted something different. I would get stopped in shopping centres

and one lady said to me ‘I would buy those, can I get you to make me a pair?’ I made them for

her and the seed was planted.

You have recently rebranded from Il & Elle to My Little L. Why the change?

iL & Elle is French for He & She and it also incorporates my daughters name. I loved the

meaning behind iL & Elle but it didn’t clearly represent where I want to take the brand. My

Little L is unisex and it links well with being a childrens brand. The L stands for anything you

like (our new range Organic Tees will have a few examples on them).

What is the creative process for My Little L from design through to creation?

Ha, this is a hrad one. It usually starts as some huge pie in the sky idea and then I have to get

realistic about it. Some ideas then make it onto the pattern making process, which involves

me drawing up patterns, cutting and sewing, cutting and sewing, so on and so forth untill I am happy with the final pattern. Some take longer than others.

Tell us about your product range?

Presently My Little L has an Organic Range and a Denim Range. I am super excited to release our Merino Range at the start of March at the Essential Baby Expo.

Why are orgainic and natural fibres important to you?

My Grandmother is one of those ladies that is always immaculately dressed. She introduced

me to sewing and made me aware of the feel and the wearability of natural fibres. I love

Merino as it is a natural insulator, It is so fine to the touch and yet works with your body to

maintain a comfortable temperature at all times. Great for babes.

If you could see your clothes on any celebrity child, who would it be?

If they were younger I would say the Beckham kids. Cute, famous and well dressed.

What is the best part about working on My Little L?

Being creative and having full control.

…..and the hardest?

The same as above – trying to be creative at 1am in the morning and being fully responsible.

You are a regular at the markets, what do you love about selling at the markets?

I am a social person and I love meeting my customers. I also have to say I really love hearing people tell me how cute my designs are ;-). Its also a gret place to meet Mums that are runnng their own businesses as well. We have a great group of us that do regualr meetings and its not ‘clicky’ or ‘bitchy’ its just a great support. At the end of the day we are all in a similar position with similar challenges and goals.

What are your dreams for My Little L? Where would you like to see My Little L in 12 months/ 5 years?

My dream for My Little L in this next 12 months is to grow as a Brand. I want people to recognise the brand and to recommend it. In 5 years time I want to be stocked in stores across Australia. I would like to have the opportunity to employ Mums and to keep it Australian made wherever possible. I would also like to be able to support come causes which are close to my heart and maybe even be able to sustain a charity linked to the business.

What advice do you have for others who are dreaming about starting their own small business?

Get your money sorted!! Whether its $50 or $5000 your willing to put in, make it work for you. Research research research.

Most importantly, how can people get their hands on your products?

Our online store is www.mylittleL.bigcartel.com and we will also be at The Essential Baby Expo in Brisbane March 4,5,6th. My Little Elle is also stocked at Flannerys in Paradise Point and Harper Lane Boutique in Chirn Park.

Social Media is so important these days, how can people connect with you?

We would love everyone to follow us. We post upcoming and Flash sales on social media, check out:

Facebook: www.facebook/ilandelleonline

Instagram: @mylittlel.com.au

About you

What is your work/life background?

I spent over 13 years in Telecommunications with my last role being a State Manager for one of the larger mobile handset brands. When I left i had some time off and then went back into Admin / Customer Service. I had Elle and now run My Little L and work part time for a Manufacturing company as a machinist.

What is your favourite thing about being a mum?

Often I look at Elle and just cant believe that she is here and shes half me. I love seeing

her learn new things and I adore seeing her personality shine through.

How do you manage family time/work time and time for yourself?

Family always comes first, my Husband is a great support and we definitely share the

responsibilities at home. But it is a major struggle still.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Whatever would allow me to provide a safe, and secure life for my family, which was my

Mum and my little sisters, and is now obviously Dan and Elle (and the puppies).

Who do you look up to? Who inspires you?

My husband Dan has an amazing work ethic. Everyday he gets up goes to work and is pumped about it, he manages close to 50 staff and then comes home and is straight into Dad mode - that’s inspirational.

There is also a group of Mums that own other awesome brands here on the coast. They are so supportive and offer help and guidance without any hestation. They have really supported and inspired me this past year.

When your not working on My Little L where would we find you?

Hanging with my family, Dan, Elle and my two dogs Jett and Rokit. We would be out

and about soaking up the sunshine.

Where is your favourite place to visit on the Gold Coast?

We go to Burleigh a lot, or we go down to Cabarita if we want a beautiful beach all

to oursleves.

Favourite place to eat on the Gold Coast?

Anywhere kid and dog friendly.

What are your favourite Gold Coast made businesses?

Love Wood n Beau – its such a unique product.

Favourite quote you live by?

Its cool to be kind