What do you do when you have something special in mind, hunt everywhere for it, but can’t find anything close to it, anywhere? Well you make one yourself, of course! That’s exactly what Mel of Splash of Life Co. did, and we were lucky enough to catch up with her this week to find out more about this super-creative biz babe and her fab idea for “bringing back” the printed photograph, and making more of life’s little moments…
Tell us a bit about yourself?
Hello there I’m Mel. I am a happily married mummy to 2 little fellas (Jackson, 2 and Huddy, 4). I am also a primary school art teacher part time. Being a mum, friend, wife and teacher would keep me busy enough… but I am also a Creative. And that means I have to be CREATING AND DESIGNING otherwise I just don’t feel myself. Thats where my ‘Splash of Life’ Photography business and my new baby Splash of Life Co. comes into it all.
How did you get started with your biz?
Strange how when life is busy… it just gets busier! As I was about to return to work, and photography bookings were flowing in steadily… I had the burning desire to design a product. One that I could introduce to others through the exciting new world of Instagram and Facebook (well, they were new to me anyway).
I wanted to create a product that excited me… one which my children could enjoy also, and one that others could enjoy with their children, families and partners. I had always been attracted to timber home décor and children’s décor and had a huge personal passion for photographing and documenting real, raw and happy moments in life. So I wanted my product to encourage the use, love and value of printed photos and written memories… there the MEMORY BANK was born.
Do you experience mum guilt and how do you tackle that?
Mummy guilt…. umm hell yes! I suffered this badly… the split attention and busy constant mind. But not so much anymore. Jobs are a juggle at times but I did always and still do break all tasks up into tiny chunks so I can slot in where I can… but I just can’t get enough of my kids at the moment. They are only little, playful and crazy about Mum for such a short while… so I made the promise to myself to be present 100% when I’m with them. As soon as I made the decision to scrap the ‘multitask’ I pretty much kicked mummy guilt in the butt. I now do most my work when they go to bed at night (not the best as I love my sleep) but I know one day soon they will both be at school and I simply don’t want to be distracted when I’m with them. So late nights it is for now!
Oh and lucky for me… my little men love helping me sort, pack and post our products, so when they are happy to help I include them in the process.
If you could sum up your day in three words what would those words be?
Tiring, rewarding and full of cuddles.
What does your workstation look like?
I’m spread over 3 rooms, so its a little hectic at times. Being multipurpose rooms everything has to be packed back away so nothing much to show, but a juggle to say the least.
Give us your best kid distraction strategy:
Dress ups, puzzles and cubby houses (well, these keep my little men busy for a while!)
What are you most proud of achieving biz wise?
I designed a product that I hope will help to reignite the love, use and value of printed photos and written memories… so when I see posts and pics of customers sharing the love of printed photos with their kids and family, I just feel so happy. The message is spreading! YAY!
What are your big goals for the next 12 months?
I’d love to do a some collabs with a few inspiring businesses, and would love to get the Memory Bank into a few shop spaces this year.
Exclusive reader offer
Melissa has created secret code just for Nestling Collective readers, which will get you $10 off any Splash of Life Co. Memory Bank AND a free COLOUR POP upgrade… just use the code NESTLINGCOLLECTIVE (and don’t forget to specify your colour preference in the Notes section at checkout!)
www.splashoflifeco.bigcartel.com
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