Lets meet Angela from Oh! Veronica ~
Tell us about your business:
I create party dresses, playsuits, embellished singlets & pantalettes for girls aged newborn up to 10 years. My theme is a blend of country vintage with some shabby chic & I use lots of vintage laces & heirloom sewing techniques in my new styles.
What inspired you to start your business?
I love to sew & have an interest in classic styling “ rustic farm houses, op shop things, laces & everything before it became plastic or stamped with corporate branding. My artistic/ creative side now comes out when the kids go to bed!
Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?
Veronica is my middle name. So pretty I think, but never used! When setting up an internet domain name the site told me that ˜Oh Veronica was available & I thought that fit well.
What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
Taking a piece of fabric & turning it into something wonderful that will be treasured by another family.
Have you tried something in business that didnt work as planned, or on the flip side “ worked out better than expected?
I found by chance, some shabby creamy bordered rose fabric which I turned into a dress & took some nice stylised shots of it on my daughter. I ended up buying all of this (out of print) fabric from all around Australia & overseas to keep up with demand for all of the orders I was receiving! I would have never predicted it would be such a hit over everything else.
What would be your best tip for someone thinking about selling their handcrafted goods?
Be confident to charge appropriately. You have 3 variables to play with I think “ final price, construction methods (Can you save a few mins here & there each item without compromising on quality or choose a design thats quicker to make?) & materials you use (Sourcing, bulk buying, cheaper one “ will it matter?). Tweak each one to achieve a margin that youre happy with for your time and material costs.
What is your favourite item you make?
It has to be my Vintage Kitten playsuit! The playsuit is a 1960s Enid Gilchrist pattern. Millions of Aussie mums used Enids patterns from the 1940s “ 1970s & I sought permission from the Gilchrist family last year to use her patterns so its special for me to offer it to mums again.
Any personal or business highlights in the last year:
I have been lucky to donate many dresses to some worthy causes including an orphanage in Uganda this year & will be continuing to make donations to those less fortunate than my family.
3 things about you that people might not know:
- I was the Motorsport Coordinator for Ralliart Australia before having children and built 3 high horsepower engines from scratch by myself.
- We have 3 pet millipedes, a Slater bug & a Marbled Gecko (Cheap pets for the kids)
- I have an MGP Team scooter & ride regularly at the local skate park down the ramps with my son & daughter.
