Frills Factory was created by Jess Roche, a digital marketer who wanted to jazz up her sisters hospital work shoes by creating handmade re-purposed footwear accessories.
“I started Frills Factory when I was considering what to gift my sister for her birthday. She is a nurse who wears Frankie4 shoes for their orthopaedic benefit over long shifts. Because they're so comfortable and quite a nice looking casual shoe, she wanted to wear them on her days off too. However, they were a bit tainted with the work vibe. So I made her some Frills to accessories her Frankie4's with to fully enjoy wearing them and celebrate her own style, whilst reaping the benefits of their supportive nature.” Jess Roche.
TVM – Do you have a creative background?
FF - I have a double degree in Commerce (majoring in Marketing) and Sports Management and have 15 years digital experience in marketing. As most of it has been in the digital space where there is nothing tangible to show for it, I yearned for something more hands on where I could see and feel the fruits of my labour.
Is Frills Factory a side hustle or a full-time gig?
I have a full-time gig, working from home as a digital marketer for a UK based company.
Tell us about your brand name, how did this come about?
Frills Factory was born out of a play on the word 'Thrills' meaning to suddenly feel excitement (aka a rush) and together with 'Factory', it's the place where rip snorting good times originate. The fun starts here. 'Frills' describe my footwear accessory product to a T and the brand name lends itself quite nicely to an expansion into other product lines.
Tell us more about your products?
My handmade re-purposed leather footwear accessories, Frills, are available in two sizes: Long: 6.5cm wide x 16cm long (best suited to high tops and boots) and Short: 6.5cm wide x 15cm long. There is something for everyone's colour palette from plain bold block colours, to snake-skin-esque designs, leopard-print, chain link and glittery, 'smack you in the face' shimmery numbers.
What inspires you creatively?
I like natural fibres and I love the idea of re-purposing things to give them a new life. I'd love to live in a world where nothing 'new' is created but rather, sourced from something old and innovated. I'm inspired by items that have duel function and a side benefit, whether that be environmental, health, community etc.
I enjoy minimalism so it agrees with me that Frills are quite literally two parts meaning pretty much nothing can go wrong or break.
Do you work from home, an office or creative workspace?
I work from my home office. Thankfully my craft doesn't take up a whole lot of space!
Do you implement any sustainable practices within your company, if so tell us about this?
I only use leather offcuts to make Frills. This ensures there is no waste - every scrap serves a purpose.
Do you collaborate with any other local businesses?
Not yet but I would love to!
Why did you choose TVM as a platform for your business?
I researched many of the different markets on offer and decided TVM best suited my customer. Frill Seekers are sneakily bold. Not necessarily loud personalities but they like to buck tradition and do things a little differently. They are conscious consumers who think twice about just buying more and consider maximising what they already have to create additional looks. They don't conform to the norm. From what I've seen of TVM, Frill Seekers hang out here!
Where’s your favourite local coffee haunt?
The Edge
Favourite book?
The Power of Now
Favourite podcasts?
The Jack Delosa Podcast
Favourite way to unwind?
Cutting Frills whilst playing records.
Websites or profiles you’re loving for business inspiration right now?
Like Minded Bitches Drinking Wine
What’s your favourite TVM stall, if you have one?
KJH Surf
Connect with Jess and Frills Factory in person at TVM this Sunday 22 December at Stones Corner, or online here:
Website: https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/FrillsFactoryStore
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frillsfactory/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrillsFactoryAU/