We just turned 2 years old. Woohoo! 🍾

I can't help but smile and feel grateful for reaching another milestone. Thank you for keeping up with all What Tess Makes and reading my stories as Tita Tess of Melbourne.

In the beginning of 2020, there was no news about Covid-19, only rumours. But I still forged on with my online journey. I am a stay-at-home mum trying to get back to the workforce. While waiting for that opportunity, I started blogging, baking, crafting, designing, sharing travel pictures and supporting local businesses I love on social media. I thought this could be the live portfolio I just needed to support what’s written on my CV. Some people say “You’re just good on paper.” So, I said to myself going through this internet path - “This should be worthwhile, otherwise, I’m doomed.”

The Third Door

Two years on, this is what going through a THIRD DOOR been like:

• Launched my own website and e-Commerce store

• Maintained 3 virtual stalls on Etsy, Madeit and Finders Keepers

• Dipped my toes in the craft market scene

• Two brick-and-mortar stores considered stocking my products

• Included in Vistaprint’s global campaign for International Women’s Day

• Featured on an article for SBS Filipino website about my story and artworks

• Did my ever-first local radio interview

• Won the Adaptability Award from the Melton City Council’s Hot House Project ( A mentorship program)

• Got 4 articles published in Smart Parenting PH website

• Collaborated with other makers and small businesses with their branding merchandise

• Sold hundreds of reusable fabric facemasks

• Evolved from being a paper crafter into a digital illustrator

I won’t be able to focus on the business and get all these opportunities, if not for my husband’s help in managing the fort, my family and friends who have been cheering me on. There should be open conversations about change. The choice in venturing into business was mine, but it has an effect on the family dynamics. So, be open about it to everyone you live with, especially the work from home situation.

From Paper To Digital

So excited to share all the JOY with you. It was an amazing ride on my own. All these positive exposures, despite the odds, were great experiences, but the business is just getting there and needs more attention strategically. At least, I have past the stage of awareness. There’s a long way to go for me. Some businesses may succeed quite fast, while others would have to see it through for more than that. Realistically, I am giving myself 5 years, until I open my swanky gift shop. Allow yourselves to dream, Mama. You’ll never know where your potential may lead. Meanwhile, I am still keeping my handmade cards collection long enough as needed. I love designing gift wrappers, but the ultimate dream is to become a surface designer. Fingers crossed.

It is not a race, as they say. It is a marathon.

So HUGE THANKS to all the support because without you supporting ME, MY BRAND and MY SHOP, I won’t be celebrating today. Continue to share the love of handmade. We need more advocates to shop consciously and locally by supporting artists within the community. It is all up to me and you on how we are going to bring forward the handmade advocacy into the future. So please, please stick around.

❤❤❤

Tess xx