Rainbow Twirls Tutu Boutique

What inspired you to start your business? 

I saw a picture and made a tutu dress for my little baby girl's first birthday party. It took me ages to source the materials I needed but I really enjoyed the project and searching and figuring out how to do it. When my friends and family raved about Scarlett's little outfit, they all said I should make them and sell them. At the time I was suffering from quite severe depression, as I have done for most of my adult life, and was working with my psychologist on developing balance in my life. I was finding it hard to be interested in anything really. It took me 6 months before I opened this little business, during which time I researched and learned a lot about online selling and markets, and how to source materials at a price that would allow a profit etc. I finally got up enough courage to buy a bulk lot of tulle from overseas and put up a page and start offering my services. As I created I felt better and better, and people loved my dresses more and more. It's a hobby business, it's my sanity, my joy.

What is your handmade business all about?
I created colourful tutus and decorations to bring joy to little girls. I specialise in unique creations and working with customers on special designs. People love my design your own option, and I've built more and more options into my dresses over the year I've been in business. Recently I've branched out into making tulle pom pom decorations which are so so cute.

What do you enjoy most about your business?  
Playing with colour is a passion of mine. I love the never ending possibilities. I also love going to markets and talking to customers. The best thing is seeing girls from 0 - 90 years of age ooooing and ahhhing at the sight of all my dresses surrounding them and watching the years fall away as they delve back to childhood. Their joy is my joy. 

 
What is your favourite product to make? 
I love making my little tulle pom poms, I sit here with a big mess of tulle next to me and at the end of a session i'm left with a pile of perfect balls of colour.


How did you learn your craft?
A lot of trial and error, some reading online about how to do it.
What handy hints do you have for people who are starting up a hand-made business?
 Don't just sell products, sell a feeling, sell a lifestyle, sell something that means something else. Make things that you are passionate about and it will shine through. Try to build your range slowly and gather feedback as you go.


What plans do you have for your business in the next year?
I'm currently receiving a lot of orders and so I'm having to refine my business model to manage the increasing workload. Now that I've added tulle decorations to my range, my thoughts are also turning to what other party accessories I could make so one of my services may become a suite of party items that match.

Visit Rainbow Twirls Tutu Boutique