Artist of the week - Jodie from Poss Bloss

Jodie from "Poss Bloss" is my featured artist of the week. I first spoke to Jodie on a forum quite a while ago, and she mentioned she was going to be attending the Yarra Glen Market in Melbourne. I thought I would seek her out and introduce myself, as I was attending too. Not only do I think her products are fantastic, but wow what a lovely person, so willing to help and super friendly. I remember asking her a million questions about business related topics, and not once did she mind and gave me a few pointers here and there.

Poss Bloss is in the business of Children's Accessories. The innovative range includes, Art Smocks, Aprons, Splat Mats & Change Mats, Bibs, Nappy wallets, Library Bags, Gift Sets and more. The extensive range covers ages 0 - 9 years and caters for both boys and girls. Jodie obviously felt there was a gap in the market and decided to give these items a design overhaul by producing high quality custom made items in both PVC and fabric.

Make sure to visit her website, so you can see what I mean. Before you do though have a read below to find out about herself, and some business insight.

1)Tell us a bit about yourself?
I am nearer to 40 than I would like to be, married to my best friend of more than 20 years and we have 2 girls, 6 & 10.
Having a background in Commercial Industrial Property Management, I longed to make a living out of being creative! Being at home with my girls has given me this wonderful opportunity and I fully appreciate the fortunate situation that I am in.

2)Where did your business name come from?
It's from the traditional tale of the wide- mouthed frog. I would call my girls Poss and they would reply "I'm not a Possum, I don't eat blossom", Poss Bloss is just Possum Blossom shortened.

3)Tell us a bit about your business?
The purpose of Poss Bloss is to create products that are practical and useful but also inspire little people to create too . The art smock developed from the needs of my own daughter when she started school. Most Poss Bloss products have a PVC component teamed with quality fabrics. Children are not the only ones in mind when I create a product, it needs to help out mums too!!!

4)What inspires you to create what you make?
Fabric, colour and other women designers, but positive feedback that I receive from customers one on one at markets is also inspiring.
5)What do you think is the key to achieving successful sales?
I love person to person contact with my customers but this can be very difficult when you are shopping online. I really try to add a personalised touch to my online service so people are comfortable purchasing. I also treat each sale individually and make sure that I am satisfying all the customers needs.

6)What is your favourite music/artist/movie/book/website?
I don't really watch much television but I love to blog surf!!! I can lose hours going from link to link, reading amazing stories, watching projects evolve and applauding their achievements. I love reading children's books, having a 10 year old I am always next in line to read what she has just finished.
7)If you could interview anybody in the world who would it be?
I am inspired by people who pick themselves up, dust themselves off and start again so probably Poppy King. I think she has an amazing story to tell.

8)Where is your next holiday destination?
We have a holiday house on the Gippsland coast so Easter will be spent there with friends, family and our 14 yo dog Bonnie. They're the best kind of holidays!

Don't forget there are other ways to hear about new products and news from Poss Bloss, follow her blog I do!!

http://possblossnews.blogspot.com/

Thanks again Jodie for your time.

Kylie xo