Babe Behind the Biz: Lauren of Jack and Livi

Cards, invitations, gift tags and lolly bag tags, prints, tab blankies, rag dolls, zip bags, bibs, pram blankets, nappy holders, hair ties…. PHEW! This amazingly talented biz babe makes all of this AND MORE! Lauren of Jack and Livi chats with us about her family, her inspirations, mum guilt and toddler tantrums!

Tell us a bit about yourself:
My name is Lauren, originally from Scotland. I met my Australian husband Dan in Perth when traveling 12 years ago! I have 2 beautiful children named, yep you guessed it, Jack and Livi! Olivia (or Livi) is 7, and our little Jack is 1.

How did you get started with your biz?
I have always had a passion for drawing, painting and crafting, but through the years like many mums, I found it hard to squeeze in the time to do anything.

When pregnant with my son Jack, I became very ill. I spent nearly 4 months in hospital trying to recover, and found myself painting again, which worked as a kind of therapy. Someone at the hospital mentioned to me that I should really be making more of my passion and so on leaving the hospital, Jack and Livi was born!

What (or who) are your biggest influences?

I have so many influences in my life, and I think you need them all to keep you going through the hard times, and the good!
I am inspired by other makers, their stories and successes. I have to say that my family are my biggest influence and support as they give me support, pick me up when I feel like I’m not where I would like to be and keep me laughing!

Olivia is definitely an influence when it comes to product as she will always give me honest feedback 😉 even if its not always positive!

Do you experience mum guilt and how do you tackle that?
Of course! don’t we all? Its super hard trying to juggle school runs, homework, babies, schedules, husbands, social media and building a business! Sometimes there really doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day!!! I try my best to prioritise but its not always easy or effective.

If you could sum up your day in three words what would those words be?
Organised craziness – Fast – Fun

What does your workstation look like? (share a photo if you’re brave enough!)
OMG, such a mess! I am definitely the creative one and not the tidy one! I call my sister Hayley for organisation and logistics! If i am left to it, its fabric everywhere, glitters and paper flying around and pins all over the floor!

Give me your best kid distraction strategy:
I’m sure I shouldn’t say this out loud but honestly technology! I think anyone who says that’s not okay, probably doesn’t have children 😉

Most embarrassing moment as a mum, or in your biz?
I think the most embarrassing moment I can remember as a mum is watching Olivia tip an entire stand full of chocolates over in a store, at the checkouts, whilst everyone watched on. She was throwing a tantrum as I said she couldn’t have any. I remember the young boy on the checkout coming to assist but I said ‘no, she tipped them out so she can put them back in’. We stood in that store for another 30 minutes watching Olivia pick them up, very slowly, one by one. I had to resist the urge to help but she has never done it again!

What are you most proud of achieving biz wise?
My proudest achievements are starting the business, whilst still going through a challenging time. Also, doing everything on my own, such as building the website, making and photographing the products and putting myself out there, which is not easy when its your own! I tend to be quite self critical so its hard when you only have your family to give you feedback.

What are your big goals for the next 12 months?
I would love to see some of Jack and Livi’s products in retail stores!