When looking for clothing for your precious miracles, don’t you love finding handmade items that are unique & beautiful? Don’t you love knowing that these have been designed by a fellow parent & that they come from a place of passion for only the very best for your mini-me?
I know that when I have a child this is what I will look for, & that when I am getting something special for a friend’s little one, this is what I love to find! I was so thrilled to discover Ella & Jo, & as I found out more about why she started this business, & why she loves what she does, I knew that she deserves all our love & support.
Your name: Kelsea Jade Versfeld
Business name: Ella & Jo
Social media handles: Facebook & Instagram
Website to be launching very soon!
More about what you do: I am 24 years old turning 25 in January.
I am almost 7 months pregnant with a little girl due on the 3rd January. Still working hard as ever running Ella & Jo and also working a half day job in Real Estates
(For Ella & Jo I do everything myself from pattern making, garment making, fabric buying, thread cutting, invoicing, liaising with clients, packaging and arranging daily deliveries).
I have recently gotten sales marketing agents on board and also 1 lady to assist me with sewing once or twice a week and 1 lady to assist with the crocheting of our new rugs to be launched very soon).
Why did you decide to start a children’s clothing brand: I became interested in sewing at the age 6 years old as my mom used to make clothing for my brothers and I. My mom and I always used to comment on baby clothing when we were at the shops and suggest better idea’s. (She is a very huge inspiration to me).
At the Age of 6 I was begging to sew by myself but my mom always bought me plastic sewing machine toy and tools instead.
At the age of 9 is when I actually started sewing my own dolls clothes and odd projects on my own with her machine and also by hand.
What makes your goodies different to others: All the Ella & Jo products are uniquely designed by me and made by me too..
You will not find our garments anywhere else.
What is also new is our hand made printing that we have recently started.
Our items are all hand made and a lot of time and effort is put into each garment.
Who taught you to sew: My mom – as I got older I got better than her though and now she asks me to take in and adjust her items when needed. 🙂
How can people order from you: Our website is to be launched in the next month or two. In the meantime if people are wanting to place an order they can email us on ellaandjokids@gmail.com or comment or inbox our Facebook page or Instagram feed.
We are stocked in a few boutiques and stores and are branching out to Vredendal JHB slowly and Ballito Durban next week.
What is your favourite product: I don’t really have one favourite, I have a few…
Aurora Jumper
New Summer frilly bloomer and my hand made print inspired for my little daughter for her summer closet.
Our boys car “daddys little classic vest” Which was hand drawn by my brother especially for the Ella & Jo range. (The first one to wear the item was his 3 year old son – Who mom and I now help take care of).
Quote you live by: Work Hard, Dream Big, Stay Humble.
(My brother that has just passed away less than a year ago – This is the message he left for me on our kitchen chalk board so it is now what I follow and I wont give up pursuing my dreams)
Anything else you want to add: Starting up a business is extremely hard especially when doing it all by yourself. (started up with no funds or investors).
It can be completely challenging/ frustrating and lots of late nights and hard hard work! Luckily I have a loving and very supportive partner that understands the late night hours I put in and having to sacrifice most weekends by working.
Main key is to never let anyone run you down, never give up and keep pushing for your dream because you can make it happen!
Hard work, Dedication, Motivation and Persistence.
Of course the unicorn cushions are my absolute favourite, but I know that if I had a child of my own to love & spoil then I wouldn’t be able to choose what I love the most. I love how these are proper little kids clothing & decor, & they truly make me so happy just to look at!
Wishing you all the very best Kelsea, & we can’t wait to see pics of your little girl when she arrives 🙂
