Meet the architects of childhood wonder! Olli Ella doesn't just create toys and homewares; they weave a little bit of magic for little ones the world over.
]]>Olli Ella doesn't just create toys and homewares; they weave a little bit of magic for little ones the world over. Using only sustainably sourced materials, they handcraft super playful and timeless pieces for your minis. Proudly sporting a B Corp Certification, Olli Ella is now a household name, made famous for their loveable Dinkum dolls, handcrafted rattan baskets and see-ya suitcases.
We sat down for a little chat with founders Chloe & Olivia, and stepped into the magical world of Olli Ella, where imagination always comes to play!
What inspired you to start Olli Ella?
As children, we dreamed of creating something magical together. From early inventions involving well-intentioned scrawls in notebooks, to setting up shops in our bedroom, we have been manifesting this dream our entire lives. We grew up to be designers and mothers, and Olli Ella was born.
As founders, what has been your proudest moment?
When Harrods picked Olli Ella up in our first year – they were one of our first retailers, in fact!
What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given?
Love what you do, the road will be rocky so you better enjoy it!
What’s a fun fact about Olli Ella that not many people know?
That we started off making nursing chairs! In fact, Olli Ella started because I couldn’t find a contemporary-looking nursing chair for our home when I was pregnant with my first child. So we designed one!
All time fave Olli Ella piece?
The Luggy will forever be a favourite of mine. I designed it when my eldest child Nika was 1 and she took it everywhere with her, always filled to the brim. It’s a product that has resonated with so many children and parents and I think will do so for many years to come - Olivia
the Dinky Dinkums – teeny tiny handfuls of delight! They are so small and cute! - Chloe
Describe Olli Ella in one word.
Playful!
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First things first. What’s a postpartum doula? We sat down with Mazz, postpartum doula, fellow small business owner and founder of The Bond Wellbeing to chat all things postpartum - in her words, the highs, the lows, the motherhood flows. The kind of girl I wish I’d had in my corner when my daughter was born - Mazz is the woman that has your back (and front for that matter) as you glide into your new role as parent.
]]>First things first. What’s a postpartum doula? We sat down with Mazz, postpartum doula, fellow mum, small business owner and founder of The Bond Wellbeing to chat all things postpartum - in her words, the highs, the lows, the motherhood flows. The kind of girl I wish I’d had in my corner when my daughter was born - Mazz is the woman that has your back (and front for that matter) as you glide into your new role as parent.
Where did the idea from The Bond Wellbeing come from?
My eyes were opened to the world of postpartum care when I had my daughter over four years ago in London. I read The First Forty Days by Helen Ou and my mind was blown by how traditional cultures have been supporting mothers to rest, recover and reintegrate into society for thousands of years. I'd never heard anything about this! As a woman living away from home and about to enter the fourth trimester I saw a distinct lack of support and in fact, life after the birth was barely mentioned by the medical team.
I had my parents fly over to London and stay for a month after my daughter was born. I enlisted my mum's help to cook me lots of nourishing postpartum foods and to help me enjoy a very slow few weeks to get my head around breastfeeding and focus on bonding with my daughter. I had a great start to motherhood applying the principles of traditional postpartum care and the seed of an idea for The Bond Wellbeing was born. It still felt like a bit of a pipe dream at that stage and it wasn't until I was back in Sydney and had my son that I started training to become a Postpartum Doula and Infant Massage Instructor.
I honestly believe that bonding is the most important aspect of the fourth trimester. My services are in place to ensure a mum has the time, space and energy to be enveloped by the oxytocin love bubble and to soak up the precious first moments laying the foundations for her lifelong relationship with her child.
I've heard of a doula in the lead up to and during the birth process, but haven’t really heard much around postpartum doula support. Can you tell us more?
Yes, when you hear the word 'doula', birth doulas are top of mind but there are more postpartum doulas popping up now. Mothers are starting to realise that birth is not the finish line but just the starting line of motherhood. With the rates of Postpartum Depression and Anxiety at one in five and consistently on the rise, there is a growing need for more education and support for Mums and their families postpartum.
Ideally, I start working with my clients in pregnancy so we can prepare them for their postpartum by talking through what to expect, setting up and activating their village of support, and educating them on my postpartum pillars of rest, nourishment, support, self-care and bonding. I can't stress how much value there is in being intentional about your postpartum vision and identifying challenges that might stand in the way of that vision before you get there.
Once the baby is born my in-home postpartum care visits begin and how they unfold depends on what is going on for the Mum. I have a buffet of services that I can provide and I help the Mum's pick and choose based on what they need on that given day. I provide emotional support, breastfeeding support and practical help around the home. Cooking is central to my visits and I always leave my clients with a hearty and delicious meal and snack to keep them going.
Some of the things that my Mums love are a healing foot soak and food rub, deep and uninterrupted listening so they can fully debrief on whatever is going on for them and process what they are experiencing, learning baby massage, time to rest and nap while I watch the baby and connecting them with my ever-growing network of holistic practitioners.
Was it your own journey into motherhood that inspired you to explore this space, or has it been something you’ve always naturally been interested in?
I'm a Psych undergrad and have always been curious about people - what makes us tick, how we can change, how we can thrive and specifically women's health. I've been deep diving into these topics mostly for myself but now I love that I can bring this wisdom to my community and the clients that I support.
I've experienced all sorts of challenges on my motherhood journey from fertility struggles, becoming a mother on the opposite side of the world to my family, postpartum after a loss, postpartum during a pandemic, postpartum with another little person at home to care for and everything in between.
I'm a living example of matrescence in action. Once I became a mother my thinking changed from 'me' to 'we'. I became more motivated than ever to have a positive impact in my community in an area that I'm so passionate about.
Thinking about your experience, what’s been your proudest moment in this space so far?
This whole experience has been a series of little steps forward from when the seed of an idea was first planted over 4 years ago. When I look back, I'd say my proudest moment would be allowing myself the opportunity to dream about this career change and taking action by signing up to train as a Postpartum Doula with Newborn Mothers.
I also can’t not mention the feeling I get after every in-home visit with a mum and baby. Walking away knowing that I've been of value to them in such a vulnerable and yet transformative time in their lives pretty quickly fills me with pride.
What is your favourite thing about being a doula?
My favourite thing has to be witnessing each mum blossom in confidence over time in their new role as a Mum, or Mum again. I see myself as their cheerleader and companion helping them to get to a point where they feel empowered to mother in their own way. This takes time and isn't always a straight forwards path but with the right encouragement I believe we can all get there. It's incredibly fulfilling to be a part of this amazing rite of passage for each woman.
We’re always told it “takes a village” how would we go about building this village?
I'm always conscious that the phrase 'it takes a village' could be a bit triggering for some. In reality we live in increasingly isolated nuclear families often away from our family and friends. We don't always feel part of a village or even know how to ask for help.
If there is ever a time in your life to question the value our society places on independence it's when you bring a baby home. We really weren't designed to do this alone.
The very first step is to sit down with your partner and list out all of the things that you will need help with to enable you to have an extended period of rest and recovery. You then start to map out who you can enlist to support you. Think of people in your personal network, professionals (that could range from health professionals to cleaners) and then your community. The hard part for some can be actually asking for help. When I work with my clients we look at what their own personal barriers might be around asking for and receiving help and find ways that feel comfortable for them.
You’ve talked about pillars of rest, support, nutrition, self care and bonding. Can you talk us through these?
I’d also urge you to check out any postpartum traditions that might be unique to your own cultural background. Chat to the women in your family or community and ask them how they approached their postpartum period and if there were any specific foods or rituals they incorporated. It’s such a special way for family and community wisdom to be passed on.
What’s your go to postpartum trick to best support ourselves after having a baby?
I believe the practice of self-compassion is what every mother needs in their toolbox. We can be our own worst critic and when the pressures of modern motherhood set in the inner critic can become really loud. That has certainly been my experience.
Self-compassion is a daily practice and doesn't always come easily. I like to apply the three steps developed by self-compassion master Kristen Neff:
I believe everyone deserves deep care and support in the postpartum period. I work with mothers who want to feel empowered, supported and connected in their fourth trimester and beyond. Who doesn't want that?
What surprised you the most about motherhood?
I don't think I could have possibly prepared for how much it would change me in a positive way. Don't get me wrong, change doesn't always come easily but I've found that through the challenges and with the right support from others around me, I've found the greatest self-growth.
Has becoming a mother changed your approach to work?
Big time. It prompted a career change! It really helped me to get perspective on what I stand for, what matters most to me and what kind of balance I want to strike between work and home life. What I struggle with is wanting to devote as much time as possible to my business but also wanting to be a very present mother in children's life, especially when they are still so young. I'm so aware of how quickly this time with them will pass! I need to accept that business growth may be slower at times because I'm also prioritising my days spent with them right now. That is my own personal choice and I like to think I'm playing a long game with my business and the relationship with my children.
What’s your best mum hack?
Scheduled non-negotiable time to yourself every week. Each Saturday morning I get a few hours to do whatever I want - a sleep-in, a walk around the park, coffee and brunch, a yoga class. My husband and I gift each other this time out each week and it really helps me to reconnect to myself and come back more present and available to my family.
Okay, consider us sold. Where can we find out more about your services?
You can find more information on my website and follow along on socials @thebondwellbeing
]]>We're obsessed with art in all its forms, it's such a powerful took for our little ones to learn how to express themselves, discover the world around them and develop their creativity. And so we wanted to take a moment to recognise all the wonderful artists we work with here at Hello Little Birdie, whose works help to create kids' spaces that spark imaginations and instil a sense of wonder every day!
We hope this little reminder inspires you to indulge your family's own creativity this weekend, maybe over some leftover choccy bunnies enjoying the last of that autumn sunshine.
We sat down for a cup of tea with Esther Schuivens, the female founder and creative mastermind behind Ted + Tone. Full of personality and character, Esther's work is printed in the Netherlands on recycled paper and adds a touch of charm to any space.
Tell us the story behind Ted + Tone...
This year marks my 20th anniversary of working for myself. I started back in 2003 by hand-making dolls, which I sold and hand delivered locally. The brand grew organically and after a few years we'd expanded our range to include music boxes, dummy holders and a whole collection of beautiful children's goods. After 14 years it felt like it was time for a change, I longed for more creativity and freedom. Paper has always been my biggest love, and this medium has given me carte blanche to explore. And so I founded Ted + Tone. To think that my work is now in Australia through Hello Little Birdie makes me feel very lucky.
What's been your proudest moment so far...
One of my prints is very special to me. 'Taking Care' was made when my girls were going through a difficult time, and all I could do was take care of them and have faith. Knowing that this piece has so much meaning adds a special layer to my work.
What is your favourite Ted + Tone product...
The Bear Moods print is my absolute favourite. It was so much fun to make and each face really surprised me as I was creating them. I laughed through the whole creative process.
]]>Working from home while juggling home learning during COVID 19 might seem too hard but it doesn’t have to be with Hello Little Birdie’s gorgeous new Pop Up Desks.
It’s 9:50 on a Monday morning.
The kids are still in their pyjamas, breakfast dishes are still on the table. Your partner has long disappeared to their “office” at the other end of the house.
Your eldest has decided that PE is the only subject they want to participate in. By PE, they mean the physical movement they get from Tik Tok dances.
The youngest has decided that they don’t like their teacher this year and refuses to do any learning until they can get a new one.
You’re desperately trying to finish your makeup and get a pretty shirt on so that at least your top half looks presentable in your 10am team Zoom call.
Your laptop has decided to update 5 minutes before that Zoom call is due to start.
Welcome to work and school life in 2020. Thanks to COVID 19, working from home and home- schooling or distance learning, has become the norm for many people.
It’s more than fair to say that not many of us were prepared to start juggling our careers, everyday life routines, and guiding the kids through distance learning, all from home!
Here’s the good news.
Even though it might seem chaotic at the best of times and that the madness will never end, a little organisation of your home office and learning spaces can go a long way towards helping you establish a new routine that appeases the entire household!
We think the perfect place to start is setting up a quiet and calm, dedicated space for each person, away from any distractions, where schoolwork can be focused on, deadlines can be met, and a daily schedule can be posted and followed.
What does every workspace need first? A desk, of course. And we’ve got you covered with our gorgeous range of pop up desks. Practical and stylish with a Scandi inspiration, our desks are suitable for both adults and children.
Available in a range of sizes and colours to suit any décor, all of our desks are made from high- quality materials that are easy to clean and the optional risers allow for a combination of shelves that give you plenty of storage while not compromising on space.
The best part is that these desks are designed to easily fold up and down, so if you need to move them around the house to have that Zoom call in private, you can easily do so! And, if you’re short on space, they are easy to assemble and disassemble to be stored away when school’s out.
They pair beautifully with our junior stools and bamboo bookcases too! Shop the links below and get working and learning from home during COVID 19, sorted in style!
How are you finding working and learning from home at this time? Drop us a comment below with any tips you might have!
View our full range of Pop Up Desks here.
Stylist: Mel @hellolittlebirdie
Photogarphy: Spurlo Style Photography
Who's loving the NEW Gathre Mini + World Maps illustrated by Mer Mag? We are in absolute awe! In lust. Heck, we are in love. That's right. Love love love.
We love everything about these versatile world maps from Gathre. They are so perfect for toting around for play or hanging above a bed or nursery.
Take a sneak-peek at our Gathre collection here. Beautiful, functional and luxurious leather playmats. Order your mat, gather your people and adventure in style today!
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