Tell us about your business:

My business is called Made With Love-Cards And Crafts and I specialise in creating unique and handmade invitations and cards suited to any theme! I have created over 2500 invitations to date and strive at creating invitations that will really give the wow factor and create excitement for your party. I started Made With Love back in 2011 and it has been an amazing  journey so far!

What inspired you to start your business?

I have always used creativity as an outlet to not only help express myself but to also help me go through adversities. I started Made With Love as I wanted something dynamic to keep me busy while I dealt with some major personal challenges and thought paper crafts would be perfect as it keeps my hands busy and mind occupied. I wanted to create handmade invitations as I believe every life is worth celebrating and through my unique range of invitations I really wanted to get people excited about celebrating birthdays.

Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?

I really wanted a name that was more than just a name and reflect on my passion and that each creation is made by my own two hands. Made With Love Cards And Crafts is perfect as it reflects on each item being made with a lot of love and meticulous attention to detail. Every design has been made with my love and passion.

What is the most satisfying part of what you do?

I love when I have finished a invitation or card order for a client and they have given the invitations to their intended recipients and comment on how so many people are just ˜wowed by the designs but are talking and excited about the party coming up. I really love it when the parents comment on how excited the birthday child is and how much they love them. It gives me a real sense of pride that people are proud and excited to hand out their unique and amazing invitations!

Have you tried something in business that didnt work as planned, or on the flip side “ worked out better than expected?

I must admit that it happens a lot. I find personally I have this amazing and awesome idea in my head and when it comes to creating it and nothing goes to plan, I start to feel a bit down on myself. But I refuse to give up and admit defeat and just keep perfecting the design until I can proudly say it is perfect. Never give up on yourself and practice really does make perfect!

What would be your best tip for someone thinking about selling their handcrafted goods?

My best advice would be firstly to really do your research before hand and know what competition there is, what sort of market or need there is for your product, but most importantly know who your target market or perfect customer is. If at first sales or interest is low dont ever become discouraged or give up just keep working and believe in yourself and your product. You need to be able to proudly stand behind your product no matter what.

What is your favourite item you make?

I really love my handmade invitations! I find a real excitement when creating and always try and add fun or interactive pieces to the designs and will sit there for hours just playing with the designs like the fox design his head actually swivels or moves from side to side. I try and make them as fun and exciting as possible!

Any personal or business highlights in the last year:

I have achieved some amazing milestones this past year such as:

• Reaching  12,500 likers
• Launching our website www.madewithlovecardsandcrafts.com.au
• Having had created over 2500 individual invitations to date!

3 things about you  that people might not know:

• That I was 19 when I started Made With Love just over 2 years ago.
• I am the oldest of 10 children.
• I have been on RPA the TV show before (for brain surgery when I was 18)