BEHIND THE BRAND with Bloom Sustainable Lifestyle
We are back with another amazing brand, this time we are talking to Jess from @bloomsustainablelifestyle
Her mission is to create a space that inspires a sustainable choice in an everyday product with style and the environment in mind.
WHAT INITIALLY DREW YOU TO THIS KIND OF WORK? HOW DID IT ALL START?
Jess: After 8 years of travelling the world and experiencing creativity, I was finally ready to create it myself. I remember truly looking forward to being able to design a space where I was able to “be”.
My very first purchase was a sewing machine and not long after that our scrunchie journey began. It all started using a large piece of leftover linen, Mustard in colour. I made a handful of scrunchies for my girlfriends and their beautiful children. As I was sitting there I had a thought “why not make something of this”. That thought turned into a plan, that plan has turned into reality & here we are today 🙂
WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU IN YOUR COMPANY?
Jess: Ooo great question. Sustainability. Hands down that is my biggest priority in this brand. The ability to maintain a stunning and quality product whilst considering the environment and supporting other small businesses first and foremost. We achieve this by using upcycled materials, recycled paper for all stationery needs, home compostable packaging, carbon-neutral shipping and sourcing local small businesses before purchasing from convenient and larger chains.
WHERE DO YOU SOURCE YOUR MATERIALS?
Jess: I am extremely proud to say that all of our scrunchies are made from upcycled fabrics! We take pride in our ability to not contribute to the mass production of new fabrics. We also have a DONATE FABRIC option on our website which allows you to upcycle any unwanted fabrics!
WHAT WAS THE FIRST PRODUCT YOU EVER MADE?
Jess: The first product I ever made was Reusable Produce bags. This was while I was living and working in a Ski Resort
in Canada. The idea sprung from a gift that was sent to me for Christmas and is a product I am working towards
bringing to my brand in the future, EXCITING THINGS AHEAD.
IN THE LIFE OF JESS: HOW TO YOU FIND TIME TO CREATE?
This is not my main source of income but a small business I operate around permanent employment as an Early Learning, Assistant Educator. When I’m not at work, you can find me working from my home studio creating and growing my own brand or standing between the red and yellow flags at Coolum Beach SLSC! (LOVE).
Finding time to create can be difficult sometimes but I find a good Netflix series, podcast or playlist really gets me knuckled down and time seems to fly. It can be truly rewarding to turn the machine off and marvel at all the scrunchies you’ve just created!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT BEING A STALLHOLDER IN THE SUNSHINE COAST COLLECTIVE MARKETS?
The vibe is unreal! I remember the first market I did in Coolum, I set up my stall then sat down and time just flew by. I felt at home in a space that was being admired by hundreds of people passing through. Everyone who came through those gates came because the vibe just PICKS YOU UP and says “Slow down, treat yourself, stay awhile.”
ADVICE FOR THOSE WHO ARE JUST STARTING OUT?
It doesnt matter where you start. Just start. Put yourself out there, believe in your brand and just keep chipping away at it. Sunshine Coast Collective Market is the perfect place to put yourself out there it gives you the encouragement and support you need to develop and grow your business. YOU’VE 100% GOT THIS.
THANK YOU JESS, THANK YOU JESS, THANK YOU JESS!
