There were no rules, and nothing had to be perfect. I just wanted to flex my creative muscle!
I encouraged our fabulous community to join in, and there was a great response! Because of this, I wanted to give you a little update on how I went...
If you can't tell, I highly recommend it!
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Though she's acclaimed as an actor, her most cherished role is brightening the lives of children confined to hospital beds as a Captain Starlight.
A role she takes super seriously.
"I've witnessed their struggles, their pain, but also their remarkable resilience and strength" Brigitte shares. "And if I can bring just a little bit of joy into their lives, it's all worth it.”
When we needed a model to showcase our amazing new collection, we knew exactly who we wanted. She lent us her radiant smile and kind spirit to model products that support a cause close to all of our hearts.
Through our new Wild River collection, we're rallying support for Canteen, an organization dedicated to supporting those impacted by cancer.
"I've seen firsthand the struggles these kids and their families face when battling cancer. Every smile, every moment of joy we can bring them, it means the world. And being able to support organizations like Canteen, it's my way of giving back and making a difference."
This stunning new collection features artwork by Victorian based artist Deb McNaughton and includes lanyards, totes, pouches, towels lens cloths.
]]>We're oh-so-proud to introduce you to our Term 2 #TeacherFeature... the vibrant and passionate Sommer from @stayclassyclassrooms! Sommer is not just a dedicated teacher, but also a proud mum, business owner, RO lover, and a neurodivergent who brings a unique perspective to her teaching. Sommer's journey of creating educational resources that promote hands-on learning, inclusion, and differentiation is nothing short of inspiring.
Get comfy and join us as we dive into Sommer's story, and her infectious enthusiasm for teaching!
SB: Hi! My name is Sommer and I am a mum, a wife, a teacher and the owner and creator behind Stay Classy Classrooms. I make educational resources that encourage hands-on learning, inclusion and differentiation! I am neurodivergent, getting my ADHD confirmation (it’s not a diagnosis when you know!!) at 41. This meant that it finally all made sense to me as to why I could procrastinate on report cards even knowing that every year it would have the same result of panic BUT be able to name random plants by the proper name from a vague description of the leaf!! I am also a creative, an out of the box thinker, a plant lover and dopamine dresser!
RO: As a full time teacher, how did you find the time and inspiration to start Stay Classy Classrooms and create all of these wonderful resources for other teachers?
SB: When my first born was diagnosed with albinism at 10 weeks old I wanted to ensure that I could have for him or make for him ANYTHING that he needed to make learning easier for him. When he was then diagnosed with autism at 2, Stay Classy became our way to pay for some of the therapies that he needed. At this point I started to take it more seriously as a business and had such amazing support from friends, colleagues and my husband. I still have the notebook that my amazing friend and teaching partner gave me to write down all the ideas for resources that I would make!!
Stay Classy has continued to grow from there. I’ve made resources with two more newborns on my lap, more diagnoses in our neurodiverse household, changes of roles and schools! My husband is now part of the team and he creates all of our ready made acrylic and story stone resources! The 3 kids love earning pocket money by peeling acrylic letters!
RO: What do you find most rewarding about being in education?
SB: The ‘lightbulb’ moments for the kids. The realisation that they can do something that they couldn’t do before is such an amazing part of my job.
RO: We would love to hear a funny/touching story from your career, what is one of your favourite stories about all the kids you have taught?
SB: When I was pregnant and my teaching partner and I convinced 52 Year 1 children that they had turned myself and the baby into toy frogs with a spell that they had made up!!
RO: Tell us something we’d never guess about you?
SB: I almost didn’t go through to my internship. My second last prac was in Year 1 and the mentor teacher told me I didn’t have the enthusiasm to teach junior years. My internship I was placed in Year 2 and I almost walked away because of what she said. Turns out I just needed an amazing mentor, which I got, and Junior years are now my absolute passion and I enthusiastically teach them, make resources for them and advocate for age-appropriate pedagogies.
RO: Have you always wanted to be in the education field?
SB: In high school I clearly remember telling my accounting teacher that I wanted to be a teacher and she told me I was ‘wasting my brains’. I listened to her (I don’t know why!) and applied to study law. I walked into my first tutorial, listened to the people around me and realised in that moment that I wasn’t going to be a lawyer so I transferred to primary education. It proves the influence we have as teachers... good and bad.
RO: We love talented and amazing women (like yourself) here at RO. If you could only teach your students one skill or life lesson, what would it be?
SB: Always be yourself, embrace the things that are unique about you and learn how to use them as a strength!
RO: What are your top 3 Ruby Olive pieces?
And what fabulous rules to live by! Thank you, Sommer, for taking the time to chat with us and share your story.
Sommer is a true embodiment of the joy and dedication that teachers bring to their classrooms. From being driven by the desire to support her own children's educational journey, Sommer has grown Stay Classy Classrooms into a thriving business that benefits countless educators and students alike. Sommer's unwavering commitment to her craft, coupled with her gorgeous personality, has made her a cherished figure in the education community. As Sommer continues to empower her students with the gift of knowledge and self-acceptance, we are reminded of the transformative power of teaching. Let's celebrate Sommer's passion, creativity, and the extraordinary impact she has on shaping young minds. #celebratingamazingwomen #TeacherFeature
CONNECT WITH SOMMER
Instagram - @stayclassyclassrooms
Resources - Stay Classy Classrooms
Facebook - @stayclassyclassrooms
AG: Hi! I am an artist who enjoys living my best creative life with my family in Brisbane. I left a career in law in search of adventure, and now I am doing what I love - being creative every day. Like most of the population, I discovered my green thumb during the pandemic and started painting terracotta pots to house my growing indoor jungle collection. I started painting pots for friends and family and before long, for fellow plant lovers all around Australia! I really enjoy using bright colours, shiny metallics and bold shapes in my artworks.
RO: Use three words to describe your art.
AG: Colourful, bright and happy!
RO: What was the first piece of artwork you connected with? How did it make you feel?
AG: The first artwork I fell in love with was ‘Muse’ by Australian artist David Laity. It’s a figurative painting of a woman with black hair taking off her coat. I just loved the colours, the texture and the lovely curvy lines of the woman. I adore all of David Laity’s paintings but I loved ‘Muse’ so much that I spent my first law paycheck on a limited edition print. It still hangs in my bedroom to this day, fifteen years on.
RO: As an artist, have you ever struggled with inspiration and creativity? If so, how did you get that spark back?
AG: I’m inspired all the time, but creativity doesn’t always come out in a constant stream for me. I have learnt to ride the wave when it comes. When my creativity flows - I write it down, make notes, start drawing. When it stops and I feel creatively blocked, I go back to my idea bank to see if something jumps out at me. I try not to force creativity when I’m not feeling it, but I have found that a simple walk or a day out exploring new places with family and friends can spark inspiration.
RO: Is there a particular impression or feeling that you want to leave people with when they view your pieces?
AG: I enjoy art that makes me feel good, or leaves me with a feeling of wonder. So I hope people who see my art feel like that. Maybe they wonder whether the colours I chose were planned or just a happy accident. Or maybe they feel happy because the artwork takes them back to a happy childhood memory.
RO: We love talented and amazing women (like yourself) here at RO. What’s the best and worst thing about working for yourself?
AG: The best thing about working for myself is the unlimited pet cuddles! My three studio supervisors are very hairy (and one is an extremely loud snorer) but they are also my biggest supporters. The worst thing is that I talk to myself a lot.
RO: Tell us something we’d never guess about you?
AG: I got to go behind the scenes for one of the episodes of The Bachelor a few years ago - the seventh season when Matt Agnew was the bachelor. The company I worked for at the time provided one of the group date activities - it was painting! I remember ironing a painting apron next to Matt and Osher while they were getting their makeup done.
RO: You work with a few different mediums from canvas to terracotta to ceramics. Do you have any fun stories that you can share with us about your creative process?
AG: The Artful Grimmer really is a family affair. The kids help with lots of aspects of the business - from sanding and prepping the pots to packing everything safely and securely for shipping. They help with the naming of the pots and artworks too.
RO: How do you find inspiration when creating your gorgeous artworks?
AG: I’m sure it comes as no surprise that my favourite thing to do is paint pots. It’s often the first thing I think about when I wake up, and the last thought on my mind when I go to sleep. Sometimes I might be inspired by a pattern in the concrete of a sidewalk. Or the colours of a swimsuit in a store window. The other day I stopped to snap a photo of some gift wrap in a shop because I saw a shape I liked. I love exploring new places and things because it sparks all kinds of inspiration and creativity for me. The more I see, the more inspired I am.
Ann's journey as an artist is truly inspiring, and we're so grateful to learn more about this incredible woman! Ann's art is a reflection of her joyful personality, and she aims to bring a sense of wonder and happiness to those who view her pieces. We hope Ann's story inspires you to pursue your passion, no matter where it may lead you. Thanks so much for chatting with us Ann!
CONNECT WITH ANN:
Website - theartfulgrimmer.com.au
Instagram - @theartfulgrimmer
Facebook - @theartfulgrimmer
SC: I’m an abstract artist based in Geelong, Australia. I paint vibrant statement pieces, usually speckled in bright abstract botanicals.
I actually work full-time in communications (writing and editing). I love weaving words in my day job and spending my spare time immersed in colour!
I only discovered painting a few years ago. I was diagnosed with a complicated heart condition in early 2019. It was a bit of a dark era. My psychologist suggested I explore a hobby – a healthy distraction, so I bought some cheap ‘n nasty paint gear and had a go! Very quickly, art pulled me from the grips of depression and anxiety. Painting became my creative saviour and a life-changing obsession. (Side note, two cardiac procedures later, my heart issue is fixed.)
I live an all-round life of crazy colour and creativity. I’m usually dressed in clashing colours head to toe. Most furniture in my house is pink. I’m a not-so-secret fan of the ‘ban the beige’ policy.
I truly believe surrounding yourself with colour that calls to you is good for the soul. I encourage everyone to embrace colour.
RO: Use three words to describe your art.
SC: Out there. Floral. Romantic.
RO: What was the first piece of artwork you connected with? How did it make you feel?
SC: I have a Samantha Thompson mixed media original. It’s ‘music’ for my eyes. It gives me an appreciation for the immense creative talent in this world.
RO: As an artist, have you ever struggled with inspiration and creativity? If so, how did you get that spark back?
SC: I never force my art. If I get the ‘creative itch’, I create. If I don’t feel called to paint, I fill my time with other loves – my boyfriend, my family, singing, spending money on delightfully frivolous things.
RO: Is there a particular impression or feeling that you want to leave people with when they view your pieces?
SC: I wouldn’t say I create art to leave an impression on others. I make art because the process of creating is fun and anxiety-thwarting. If the fruits of my explorations happen to spark joy in another, that’s really just a bonus.
RO: We love talented and amazing women (like yourself) here at RO. What’s the best and worst thing about working for yourself?
SC: I love that my creations have ended up around the globe, in people’s homes, bringing comfort and colourful joy. That’s pretty cool.
I don’t love the paperwork that goes with owning a business.
RO: Tell us something we’d never guess about you?
SC: I live in a one-bedroom apartment. In summer, my studio is a small semi-waterproof back patio. In winter, my studio is my kitchen. Fun times!
Thanks so much for allowing us into your beautifully colourful world, Steph! We are SO thrilled to be featuring your incredibly bright and stunning artwork on some of our most loved RO goodies. We'd love to know, which piece has caught your eye?!
CONNECT WITH STEPH:
Website - stephchapmanart.com.au
Instagram - @stephchapmanart
Facebook - @stephchapmanart
It's been 6 years since we launched our last collaboration with the gorgeous Dee of Maiocchi. In fact, it was our very first Collaboration we had ever done.
We are SO incredibly excited to do it all again and finally share with you our totally LOVE-ly heart collaboration. Dee has created a beautiful Summer collection, featuring the prettiest heart print - and we've put together pieces that perfectly match!
We had lots of fun coming up with these sweet enamel studs and pins in pink/red/blue combinations. And every single piece is available either silver or gold so it's even easier for you to find your perfect set! We've even got adorable hand fans this time round.
Get ready because today marks the launch of this fabulous RO x Maiocchi Hearts Collection – let’s get those hearts racing 💖
Dee's stunning dresses will be available on her website https://www.maiocchi.com.au/ on Sunday 7pm.
Check out the full collection here!
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Cheryl's dainty, pretty and oh so intricate illustrations have come to life in our new enamel pins and fabulous hand fans. Did someone say teacups and finger buns?! My nostalgic heart is bursting at the seams! I have a sneaking suspicion you'll love these as much as we do.
Let's go and have a chit chat with Cheryl...
RO: So Cheryl, tell us a little bit about yourself?
CO: Well, I’m an illustrator and picture books are my true joy. I’m pleased as punch to have illustrated over 60 books and counting, working with some of Australia’s best publishers. I also paint a great many peg dolls, portraits, murals, maps and just about every item in my pantry.
I long to be thought of as ‘controversial and edgy’ but I’m more often described as a good egg with a frightfully keen eye for a straight line.
RO: Wowzers, 60 books! That's impressive. We are so thrilled for this collaboration - moving from books into products. Which product are you most excited to see?
CO: I'm in love with the little picnic basket pin, I’m totally obsessed with miniatures. I love nothing better than dabbling with modelling clay and making tiny things - some would call it procrastination, I call it research.
RO: So where do you find your inspiration for all your gorgeous illustrations?
CO: Lately I’ve been inspired by the most ordinary things. Lockdown taught us a lot about making the most of what we have to hand. In my case it was the contents of my pantry. On a recent trip to New York I took some fantastic photos of supermarket shelves and the wonders that they hold.
RO: Do you ever struggle with finding that inspiration and igniting that creativity? And if so, how did you get that spark back?
CO: Argh, all the time. It’s a solitary pursuit to illustrate all day and it certainly can be hard to focus up and get the job done. I do three things, in no particular order:
Dance it out - something jazzy will do the job.
Model it out - bust out the clay / peg dolls and get to making miniatures.
Walk it out - with a notebook and a couple of coloured pencils.
RO: You've worked on A LOT of wonderful projects. We won't ask which one was your favourite, but do you have any fun stories that you can share with us about your collaborations and creative process?
CO: I don’t know if it’s funny but it’s quite peculiar that as a picture book illustrator you may not meet or even talk to the author. In one case, I had illustrated six books with an author before we had our first phone conversation.
RO: Lastly Cheryl, tell us something we’d never guess about you?
CO: I have one hand that is significantly smaller than the other - like a clock!
Thanks so much Cheryl for having a little chat with us! We've absolutely LOVED getting to know you a little better and collaborating to create these gorgeous new goodies.
YOU CAN CONNECT WITH CHERYL HERE:
Website - cherylorsini.com
Instagram - @cherylorsini
RO: As a Relieving Deputy Principal in the first half of this year, and now Assistant Principal, how do you find the time and inspiration to keep creating wonderful resources and inspire others via your platform?
SW: To be honest, the Gifted and Talented Teacher has always been a hobby, a creative outlet and a safe space to share the rollercoaster ride that is the teaching profession. Since the beginning, my online presence in the teaching community has been woven into the fabric of my life. It has never been an “add on” or a “burden” and has come naturally to me.
I enjoy using my creativity as a release from a busy day and challenge myself to learn a new skill. Again, these tasks aren’t stressors – they honour my wellbeing by engaging a range of pillars that define the concept of thriving.
The role of the Deputy Principal is pre-empting, preventing and pivoting. If things are running smoothly, if casual staff know exactly what they’re doing and teachers feel organised… then you’re doing your job.
Through my platform I continue to share my lows [minus the tears] with the hope that it normalises TOUGH DAYS! I love my job. My gosh I love the kids and the relationships. HOWEVER — I am human. I stuff up. I struggle. I’m learning. I’m trying. I care. I am me.
RO: It sounds like you not only support your community, but they in turn support you through your journey. Congratulations on creating a generous, kind and inspiring community. You mentioned your role as Deputy Principal, what do you find most rewarding about working in education?
SW: The fact that teachers are a “chance card” in the life of young people.
It is one of the coolest things to have the opportunity to influence and shape young minds to be kind, to think critically and learn how to be curious about our world.
The way we engage kids in learning can result in a HUGE change in their life and the lives of others: locally or globally.
Every day is a new opportunity to inspire and carry our kids from A to B. It’s a blessing to be able to walk into a classroom and be trusted with that role – and to do it with passion!
RO: You’re a Ronald McDonald House ambassador, tell us a bit more about the work that you do for this wonderful charity.
SW: I am so honoured to be a part of the Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Western Sydney (RMHC GWS) family. RMHC supports the ever-changing needs of seriously ill kids and their families. They rely on staff and a network of volunteers to run programs and provide care to families in need.
My role as an ambassador has meant raising awareness and funds (I’m sure you’ve seen the Dance for Sick Kids instagram campaign), as well as sharing the programs on offer at RMHC.
My role is to listen, to learn and use my voice to share what we can do to support the families at RMHC. In short, it’s to be an active ambassador and to motivate others to look beyond their world and into that of others, to step up and help out.
The Learning Program is one program I am passionate about. It supports seriously ill children catching up on missed education. From improving numeracy and literacy skills, to identifying learning strengths and weaknesses, the program aims to make the journey back to school as soon as possible, while also providing a much needed confidence boost.
RO: What are the top three 'rules' you choose to live by?
*The simple notion of kindness is inclusive, it doesn’t discriminate, nor does it cost a cent. The little old saying, ‘be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about’, resonates with me. There are nothing but positives that come from injecting a little bit of kindness into your life and the lives of others.
RO: What are your favourite Ruby Olive pieces?
Thanks so much for chatting with us Sarah, it has been an absolute pleasure. Find out how you can connect with Sarah, download her resources, and learn more about the Ronald McDonald House programs below!
CONNECT WITH SARAH
Instagram - @giftedandtalentedteacher
Resources - Gifted and Talented Teacher
Ronald McDonald House - @RMHCgws
Right from the start when I started this little business many moons ago one of my core values (which certainly hasn’t changed) was supporting the world around us.
Doing our bit for the environment is something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately.
Over the last few years we’ve massively increased our product categories, which to be honest, was a silver lining of the pandemic.
You see, many of our artisans who made our products had to instantly stop making, which meant we couldn’t get our
usual products or the products we had been designing and working on for months.
We couldn’t get ANY stock…nothing…nada…zilch!
The reality was, we needed to do something…fast…otherwise this little business I had worked so hard to build would be no longer.
AND…there was no way I was going to let that happen.
My team and I hustled hard and we spent hours brainstorming and researching other areas where we could bring our colourful vibes and core values to the world.
Over time we tested a bunch of new product categories and since 2020 we have launched Lanyards, Puzzles, ID-Zingers, Glasses Chains, Shopper Bags, Silk Eye Masks, Silk Face Masks, Silk Scarves and Scrunchies, even Dog Products.
Two years on I’m now looking at all our gorgeous new categories and all the incredible products we’ve launched.
I’m SO super proud that we’ve not only done this, but we’re still here and going stronger than ever!
A few months back I started pondering about our gorgeous products…and how we could make them BETTER.
I went back to one of our core values that have been there since day 1…supporting the world around us.
I started thinking about how we could tweak these new products in order to make them more sustainably conscious.
After hours of research and MANY months of sampling we are so thrilled to share that more of our products will now be made using RPET a.k.a recycled water bottles.
With 60 million bottles being added to landfill each and every day (gulp!) this is a small but important step for us.
We are SO excited to now say that all of our lanyards, dog collars and leashes (including our existing RPET shopper bags) from this moment forward will be made from recycled water bottles.
Now THIS gets me excited!
Sure, these do cost us more to produce but we feel so strongly about it that we will be absorbing these costs and our retail prices (for the moment) will stay the same.
Our first collection of RPET dog collars and leashes will be launching TOMORROW…and we couldn’t be more excited.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below and if there’s anything else you think we should be looking at in terms of products made from RPET…I’m all ears!
Live Boldly!
Skye xx
Tess is the ULTIMATE animal lover! Tess is a Vet Nurse and Practice Manager who lives on the Gold Coast, right near the beach with Daphne. Daphne has an extraordinarily long tongue, and comes to work at least twice a week to supervise! They both love the sun and their daily ice latte walks.
Tess is incredibly passionate about educating owners on the importance of pet health and well being. She is also a strong believer in having an SUPER positive outlook on life, and supports and influences fellow vet industry workers through her business, the Vet Nurse School.
We caught up with Tess to chat about her love for all animals, particularly Daphne, and her inspiration behind the Vet Nurse School. #celebratingamazingwomen
RO: Tell us a little bit about yourself?
TN: I'm a 27 year old Veterinary Nurse & Vet clinic Practice Manager on the Gold Coast. I have been in the vet industry for over 10 years now and cannot see myself doing anything else!
I'm very passionate about animal health and providing a high level of care to those who cannot help or speak for themselves. I've always been surrounded by animals, my parents are avid animal lovers, I cannot think of a time in my life when we haven't had less than 2-3 pets at one time!
I have a real soft spot for brachycephalic (squishy-faced) breeds and a passion for educating others on animal care.
RO: What do you find most rewarding about your role as a Vet Nurse?
TN: I love the ability to help others, essentially it gives me a huge sense of accomplishment. Going home at the end of the day after being able to help a selfless and defenceless animal is both heartwarming and super rewarding.
RO: What are the biggest issues surrounding the pet industry, and how are you trying to combat this through your day-to-day role, social media platforms and the Vet Nurse School.
TN: The biggest challenge is the decreasing number of vet industry workers. Burnout and compassion fatigue are on the rise. As you can imagine it can be a very mentally and emotionally tolling career. Plus with the increase in pet ownership post-COVID, there are simply not enough vet industry workers to treat all the sick pets. We are outnumbered!
This is the main reason why I launched Vet Nurse School earlier this year, as a way to easily guide people into and healthily navigate a career working with animals. It provides short, fun and easy-to-digest courses and online resources for aspiring, studying and qualified Veterinary Nurses.
RO: If you could only share one skill or life lesson with young people wanting to kick-start their Vet Nursing career, what would it be?
TN: Get out there and get some work experience with animals before committing to the career path. Do a week of unpaid work in a vet clinic, this will help you confirm whether it is something you can see yourself doing long term.
RO: Daphne is the name of your adorable Boston Terrier pup who is never far from your side, always flashing her big baby blue eyes and a gorgeous smile!! Tell us a little about Daphne’s start in life and how you came to adopt her as your own.
TN: Daphne is my spirit animal. When I went to adopt her I had originally gone to adopt her brother. When I arrived at the breeder, she was there and she was half the size of him.
I asked the breeder, what's her story? She told me that no one wanted her because she is the runt and her eyes were quite scary to them. I left with "Daphne," my special girl 10 minutes later. She is such a great companion and apartment dog. Bostonians are quite underrated, and are very smart.
Daphne has had bilateral luxating patella surgery, and is the sweetest and most affectionate little girl ever. You can watch her surgery and recovery vlog on my YouTube channel.
RO: What is the most common mistake pet owners make when purchasing a new puppy?
TN: That people think if they buy from a good breeder they will have no ailments. Every and any dog can have illnesses. My advice is ALWAYS get Pet Insurance!
What are your top 3 tips for ensuring your pooch is happy and healthy this winter?
TN: Cute sweaters, a super comfy bed and try adding a joint supplement to your older dogs diet who suffer from arthritis.
RO: What's the most popular animal name you've heard at work?
TN: Definitely Coco or Bella!
What are your top 3 Ruby Olive pieces?
TN: I absolutely LOVE all of your pet products. They are so stunning!
I have the RO x Deb McNaughton Mighty Jungle collar, leash and waste bag and am excited about the restock and new stock launching soon!
Thanks so much for chatting with us Tess. We’ve loved getting to know you and Daphne and learning more about the wonderful world of animals. Although we don't directly work with animals, all of our team members LOVE animals and between us we have multiple cats and dogs, two horses and a guinea pig!
Find out how you can connect with Tess and download her resources below!
CONNECT WITH TESS
Instagram: @tessnolan @vetnurseschool
Tik Tok: @tessnolan
YouTube: @VetNurseSchool
Resources: Vet Nurse School
Nathan is a learning specialist, plant and dog-loving, grade two Primary Teacher living in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. When he’s not teaching his students, he’s a busy dad and husband, who creates hilariously engaging reels to inspire, encourage and advocate for his growing online teaching community (check out his #DanceForSickKids moves!!)
Nathan has been a long time supporter of RO and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed chatting with him about his career highlights (and mishaps), his creative pursuits and his gorgeous pup, Tully.
RO: Tell us a little bit about yourself?
NATHAN: I am a deeply philosophical, creative, outgoing, and passionate educator and learner who has been teaching for over 12 years. I grew up in South Eastern Melbourne in an underprivileged area and school was always a haven for me, which I believe was the impetus for me to go on and study Education at Monash University later on.
I started my career teaching at a secondary level, predominantly Year 11 and 12 English, but have taught all levels of high school including Year 7 and 8 High Achievers English, Years 7-10 Humanities, and Year 9 and 10 Darkroom Photography (which I love and did all the way through to Year 12).
I believe that education and a thirst for knowledge is the key to success in everything you do. Whether that be the formalised education system that I now am heavily involved in, or through autodidactic learning. I am currently a leading teacher at a primary school, and absolutely love my job, especially teaching in the classroom.
I live in the Yarra Ranges area of Melbourne which is nestled in between the beautiful Dandenong Ranges and the Yarra Valley wine region. Not complaining! I’m an avid reader, amateur painter, fervent gardener, and enjoy fossicking about in antique shops for vintage finds. I love a good beer or G&T, so I’m spoilt for choice out where we are and love visiting new breweries and distilleries.
RO: As a full time teacher, how did you find the time and inspiration to start Mr Van Der Monde social media accounts and create all of these wonderful resources for other teachers?
NATHAN: I’ve always valued the teaching community and I thought being a part of an online version would be both fun and helpful. Since starting my Instagram account I have been rewarded with supportive colleagues from all over the world, a plethora of teaching ideas and classroom hacks, and many good friends. I have had so many wonderful collaboration and educational opportunities including being involved in a TV commercial for a Victorian teacher recruitment campaign!
My attention and enthusiasm comes in waves, as life can get busy with two children under four. However, I always find that the online community is a space for me to be inspired, encouraged, listened to, and where I can better advocate and share the thoughts and feelings of teachers everywhere, which is rewarding.
RO: What do you find most rewarding about being in education?
NATHAN: Seeing the very real impact you have on others’ lives. You get to positively influence so many young people, connecting with their families and the community, and making a real difference. Very few vocations allow you to impact so many people in such a personal way. I love that I can bring my passion for reading and literature, plants, history, nature, and art to young people. I can offer them a different perspective or interest that may become part of their identity as they grow up. Also, it is so satisfying to watch and track a student's growth, seeing them master new understanding and skills.
RO: We would love to hear a funny story from your career, what is one of your favourite stories about all the kids you have taught?
NATHAN: I taught at secondary school for six years before going into primary. In my first year I had several classes of Year 9 and 10 English and Humanities. In one class I had really challenging behaviour, so I used lots of engaging PowerPoints and interactive lessons to keep them engaged as much as humanly possible.
On this particular day I had the projector on the desk plugged into the wall behind it. My laptop was charging and there was a plethora of cables going to and from each piece of technology. It was an old room, and I’d also filled a whiteboard with notes for them to copy or refer to.
As I get into the lesson, I’m gesturing wildly and paying no attention to where I’m putting my feet. So I step through the knot of cables between the desk and the wall. I realise my error, attempt to step backwards out of the labyrinthine cords, only to hook another one on the front of my foot.
Now I’m panicking and students are smirking, as I try one more time to extract my feet.
It’s a mess.
I’m completely tied up, and lose my balance, falling forwards.
In desperation I reach out for the only thing within distance (a perfectly smooth whiteboard). I wipe a significant amount of notes off the board as I fall inelegantly to the floor, feet still tied together.
My last ditch effort of recovering whatever shred of dignity I had, was to grip onto those the metal edge at the bottom of the whiteboard. I successfully grabbed them, flipped myself around to face the ceiling, and promptly snapped them off hitting myself in the face!
The class erupted into hysterical laughter! Literally throwing themselves out of their chairs and writhing on the floor. I completely lost control of the class for the remainder of the lesson, and students left that day with tears of laughter in their eyes and a searing memory of “Mr V making an absolute fool of himself”.
The moral is, if I can recover from this and ultimately get control of the learning environment, you can literally recover from anything!!
RO: That is GOLD Nathan! If only we could have been there to see it!! Seriously though (other than this EXCELLENT teaching moment) if you could only teach your students one skill or life lesson, what would it be?
NATHAN: I would wish for all students to know that they were only limited by their own beliefs about themselves and the world around them.
RO: Tell us something we’d never guess about you?
NATHAN: Something people often don’t realise about me is that I am also a deeply spiritual person. I read obsessively about different spiritual belief structures and love researching the history of various spiritual systems throughout human history.
It is such a fascinating subject. I believe that faith in mathematically improbable events is as much of a leap of faith, as faith in a scientifically unprovable spiritual belief.
People often see “Science and Religion” as non-compatible or mutually exclusive, but Science supports so much of what religion purports, and various spiritual beliefs give insights into ancient understanding of these matters eg. consciousness, the soul, the beginning of time and space, the origins of life from lifeless matter etc.
I don’t profess to have gnostic understanding, but I just love having an open, soft-gaze as I learn from those that came before me.
RO: We bet you've had a lot of time since the events of 2020 to be more introspective and spiritual!
RO: With the introduction of remote learning, what did you find the most challenging about adapting to teaching your students from your home (apart from looking after your own two of course)? Can you also tell us about a win during this time?
NATHAN: This was a horrendous time for teachers, particularly in areas where lockdowns and school closures went for long periods of time - like here in Melbourne. Students were home more than they were onsite at school, students’ emotional wellness took a huge hit, motivation levels dribbled down to almost non existent, and teachers were balancing home life, work life, the inability to teach and assess properly, their own children’s learning at home. Coupled with the barrage of parent communication - some of which came from a place of fear and was very demoralising and hurtful.
However, despite this, there were some huge wins. Overall, schools became more connected to their parent community. And when they listened and sought feedback, they were able to cater for parents and students, building an environment of respect and support. Teachers adapted quickly (as we knew they would) and brought rich learning online. They showed up, kept smiling, and carried the emotional worry of their classes. Teachers learnt new IT skills, built websites and made vlogs. There was a lot of learning happening, despite the challenge!
RO: As you may know, many of us here at RO have kids at school....and honestly, we think teachers are just super special humans. Remote learning was a huge (and often thankless) undertaking and that’s why we are thrilled to share your story with our community.
What are the top three things, or 'rules' you choose to live by?
NATHAN:
1 - The more you know, the more you realise you don’t know. That’s a good thing!
2 - Every day is the best day of your life.
3 - There are no obstacles, only the path.
We're taking a leaf out of Nathan’s book and implementing the above rules, stat! Finally, as a long time supporter of Ruby Olive, what pieces are you loving at the moment?
NATHAN: Ruby Olive makes so many colourful and fun pieces, and I have a few favourites. My top pick is my Monstera Lanyard, which I wear all the time. I am known for having a classroom jungle of sorts, full to the brim with indoor plants, so the Monstera Lanyard suits both me and my teaching environment perfectly.
I also love a good puzzle with a glass of beer at the dining table, and the RO x Brook Gossen Rainbow Room Puzzle is a brilliant one! I am also a massive dog lover (sorry cat people) and my gorgeous, Kelpie cross, Tully loves her Licorice Dog Collar and Leash. People always comment on it, and I think she loves the attention.
Thanks so much for chatting with us Nathan, it has been an absolute pleasure.
Find out how you can connect with Nathan and download his resources below!
CONNECT WITH NATHAN:
Instagram - @mrvandermonde
Resources - Mr V's workshop of Resources
We were immediately struck by Andrea's choice of bold colours, pattern, texture and detail. We know her gorgeous designs will surprise and delight, and we can't wait to share the first collaborative pieces with you this weekend!
We sat down with Andrea to discuss her creative process, inspiration and our upcoming collaboration below.
RO: Tell us a little bit about yourself?
AS: I create vibrant handmade collages that are assembled from my collection of hand painted papers. I’ve studied both fashion and design and worked for a variety of clients from home decor to editorial and textile prints.
I am inspired by the colours of the Australian landscape, particularly the flora and fauna. Our unique animals and beautiful wildflowers feature heavily in my work. Bold colours, pattern, texture & detail are important elements that inspire me. I also take inspiration from traditional folk art. The decorative element combined with the storytelling inspires my own practice.
RO: We are so thrilled for this collaboration. What product are you most excited to see your designs on?
AS: I’m SO excited about our collaboration as well. I love all the products, but I’m thrilled to see my designs on the jigsaw puzzles. We really got into jigsaws as a family during lockdown so I can’t wait to do these with my son.
RO: Use three words to describe your art.
AS: Colourful, detailed, bold.
RO: Is there a particular impression or feeling that you want to leave people with when they view your pieces?
AS: Happiness! I want to showcase the beauty in the world and hope my art leaves the viewer with a smile and brings some joy to their day.
AS: I’ve struggled with finding inspiration and creativity during times of burn out or even recently since having my second baby. I find things that help get the spark back are making time for personal projects. When I am flat out working on client jobs, I find it easy to forget to work on art just for the fun of it, so focusing on doing what I love really helps get the inspiration flowing again. I find being in nature is also really inspiring and I often come up with new ideas while out on a walk. Short courses have also helped me get the spark back by learning a new skill or technique.
RO: Tell us something we’d never guess about you?
AS: I have a fear of magpies. I think it comes from being swooped too many times as a kid. It still doesn’t stop me from loving them though and they are one of my favourite birds to draw.
RO: We love talented and amazing women (like yourself) here at RO. What’s the best and worst thing about working for yourself?
AS: The best thing is being able to be flexible with my work time and getting to collaborate with amazing brands such as yourself.
Currently as I have a new baby the worst things are the juggle and often having to work weekends and late nights to meet deadlines.
RO: As an artist who is skilled in both digital and traditional art, do you have a preference for either or do you use both a physical and digital medium during your creative process?
AS: I tend to use both traditional and digital mediums in my creative process. The majority of my work starts out as a hand cut paper collage. It’s a technique that involves painting all the paper to create colour and texture and then cutting, layering, and glueing the elements by hand to create the artwork.
I love working with paper collage as it gives you the freedom to move elements around and create happy accidents along the way. I also love the tactile element the texture from the hand painted paper creates. This gives the artwork a lovely warmth and dimension. I then scan my artwork into the computer and finish it off in photoshop so that it can be used for lots of different purposes like print or on products.
View a short video of Andrea's creative process below!
Thanks so much for chatting with us Andrea, it has been an absolute pleasure collaborating and I have truly enjoyed getting to know you better. If you want to see more and shop the RO x Andrea Smith collection, click here (launching Saturday 23rd April).
CONNECT WITH ANDREA:
Instagram - @andreasmith_illustration
Website - AndreaSmithShoppe
BG: I’m Brook, an artist and designer living on Yuggera Country and working from home in my creatively very messy studio. I am a mum to 3 teenagers and a cat, and pretty much just love creating art with the intention of brightening people’s day. I have a twin sister, and an awesome husband and both are my biggest cheerleaders… aside from my mum haha!
I create fun and colourful patterns and illustrations for textiles, homewares, stationery, giftware, jewellery and packaging. I love working with brands, big and small, to bring their wonderful products to life!
RO: Use three words to describe your art?
BG: Colourful, feel-good, and fun.
RO: As an artist, have you ever struggled with inspiration and creativity? If so, how did you get that spark back?
BG: Yes! I’ve been going through a bit of that recently actually. Doing short courses or art challenges are a great way to reconnect that spark. It gets you out of your comfort zone and gives you some direction, so you aren’t focussing on the loss of your mojo, but instead about trying and learning new things. Also, just creating with the sole purpose of enjoying the process and not worrying about the outcome takes the pressure off too.
RO: We are so thrilled for our collaboration. What product are you most excited to see your designs on?
BG: I am so thrilled too! It’s a dream come true. I’m most excited for the puzzles (we always do one on the school holidays) and the jewellery range. So exciting!
RO: Is there a particular impression or feeling that you want to leave people with when they view your designs?
BG: I really want people to feel a moment of joy in their day when they see my work. Hopefully it makes them smile. It’s really that simple.
RO: We love talented and amazing women (like yourself) here at RO. What’s the best and worst thing about working for yourself?
BG: The best thing is that I work from my home studio, which definitely suits my hermit tendencies. I love that I am always around when the kids get home from school and can chat to them about their days before we all get back to work/homework. The worst part is feeling like I should also be keeping up with the washing and tidying etc during the day, even though I am working full time. I need to remind myself regularly to just leave it and get to work and focus, it will still be there when I’m done unfortunately haha!
RO: Tell us something we’d never guess about you?
BG: I can write backwards, just as quickly as I can write forwards. It’s my party trick ;)
RO: You have worked with A LOT of wonderful brands. We won't ask which one was your favourite, but do you have any fun stories that you can share with us about the collaborations and creative process?
BG: One of my earliest collabs happened thanks to my lovely sister Mandie. And that collaboration led to many more. We were chatting to a couple of lovely ladies with an amazing fashion brand at a market and Mandie pretty much said to them (while I was there, mind you!), “Did you know my sister is an artist? You should work with her”. So right then and there, they scrolled through my instagram and decided they wanted to work with me. I am forever grateful to my proud sister for believing in me.
RO: As an artist who is skilled in both digital and traditional art, do you have a preference for either, or do you use both a physical and digital medium during your creative process?
BG: I use both. I largely work digitally as it streamlines my design process and makes my time more efficient. In saying that though, there is nothing like getting out the paints and paper and playing and many of my ideas come from that process.
RO: How do you find inspiration?
BG: I try to take the time to enjoy the little things in life as often as I can, and they inspire my practice. Since having 3 kids, time just seems to fly; and over time I have realised that what makes me truly happy is moments, and experiences rather than things. It can be as simple as enjoying the clouds in the sky, or picking a flower on my morning walk. I then take those moments and experiences and try my best to express them in my art.
Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us Brook! We have loved getting to know you better, and showcasing your gorgeous artwork.
Sooooo, what do you think?! Are you looking forward to the fabulous new RO x Brook Gossen goodies? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below!
CONNECT WITH BROOK:
Instagram - @brookgossen
Facebook - @hellobrookgossen
Website - brookgossen.com
Haven't read 'No Hearts Of Gold' yet? Let's find out a little bit more about the book, and the fabulous author Jackie French in our Q&A below. #celebratingamazingwomen
"In this magnificent and broad-sweeping saga, award-winning author Jackie French defies the myth of colonial women as merely wives, servants or petty thieves. Instead, in this masterful storyteller's hands, these three women will be arbiters of a destiny far richer than the bewitching glitter and lure of gold." (Harper Collins)
JF: I’m a writer, Mum, Grandma, wife, friend, wombat negotiator, historian, cook, dyslexic, gardener, ecologist, not necessarily in that order, and every one of them combines to make me an author.
I burrow a lot: into old books, ancient manuscripts, faded diaries; into wombat holes to see how they live; into the soil to plant new trees or just more zucchini; into past times and people’s stories to work out what we were, who we are, and what we might be.
I can’t spell, make excellent soup, often forget to comb my hair, can build a house or use a chainsaw or comfort a baby, and spend too much time hunting for my glasses.
RO: What do you find most rewarding about being an Author?
JF: The shock each time someone says ‘I loved it’, ‘I stayed up till 2 am’, ‘I’ve read it ten times now’. Writing is the most solitary career – you not only work alone, but temporarily live in the new universe you create. Suddenly you find out not only that others have shared it, but long to spend more time there, too.
JF: Two small boys in a small rural school pooled their pocket money to buy me a Mars Bar to thank me for the books. But it was a long drive in on the school bus, so they ate half of it. ‘We knew you wouldn’t mind sharing.’
RO: Tell us something we’d never guess about you?
JF: I can milk an echidna. (Do not try this).
RO: We love talented and amazing women (like yourself) here at RO. If you could only share one skill or life lesson, what would it be?
JF: Do the next right thing. It may not be the easiest, or the one you expected, or what others expect, nor will you always get it right. But the more moments you spend thinking ’What should I do now?’ then following the answer, the richer life will become.
RO: What was the first book that you really connected with?
JF: Diary of a Wombat was published twenty years ago. Books had been a major part of my life as reader, writer, daydreamer and storyteller since I was three years old, but this was my first book created as a team: with Lisa Berryman as editor, Bruce Whatley as artist, and Mothball, the very real wombat whose story it is.
It is the first book I actually worked at, as we solved impossible problems: how do you illustrate a brown wombat in a black night? What would a wombats’ writing look like – and still be legible? How do you make the week an adventure when a wombat’s nights are mostly all the same? How can you find a voice for an animal who communicates by smells, droppings, shrieks or ripping up a doormat? It is the shortest book I’ve ever written, but the one where Lisa, Bruce and Mothball truly taught me how to be a writer.
RO: Your FAQ on your webpage is hilarious, we love your point form of answers: over 200 books, Wombat Tamer, Favourite book = Lots, etc. You yourself are an open book, thank you for sharing so much! What sparked your passion for books and writing?
JF: My great grandmother read me books, taught me to read, and told me stories – and stories became a refuge when things became hard. I was a kid who couldn’t form her letters, or spell, or get arithmetic correct, but because I could tell and write stories, no one thought I was stupid, back in the days when no one had heard of dyslexia.
RO: I just finished reading your latest book “No Hearts of Gold” and found I could not put it down. I was delighted to find out that this book was based on the history of the valley where you live. For those that have not read the book yet, can you give us an insight into what it is about?
JF: Kat is impulsive and indulged, until sudden tragedy means she is ‘sold’ into an arranged marriage across the world. Viola is the dark-skinned secret of an aristocratic family, but a woman born to be loved. Titania Boot is as solid as a carthorse, and as useful. Each is seeking a new life in the colony of Australia. As the discovery of gold transforms both land and people, one woman will brew illegal but intoxicating liquor with a bushranger, one will build a business empire, and one will vanish at her wedding, in a mystery that will scandalise Society across the world. It is a book about the strength of friendship and the many kinds of love, but also shows colonial women as more than wives or victims, but as people who forged extraordinary lives and controlled their destiny.
Wow! The rest of the team certainly can't wait to read the book. Spoil yourself with your choice of 'Date With A Book' Gift Pack HERE. Thanks so much for being involved and taking the time to chat with us, Jackie!
CONNECT WITH JACKIE FRENCH + HARPER COLLINS:
No Hearts of Gold and other books by Jackie French are available here.
]]>If you have the means, why not send a posy of flowers, a bottle of wine or some choccies to someone close to you 'just because you can'? Giving a gift for no underlying reason, with nothing expected in return is such a selfless and kind thing to do.
This is only a small selection of ways to help celebrate Random Acts Of Kindness Day/Week. There are SO many ways that you could spread joy. We'd love to know, what are your favourite ways to spread kindness? Let us know in the comments below!
Here's what our team are all doing this Random Acts Of Kindness Day...
If you haven't come across the name Deb McNaughton before, it's your lucky day my friend... prepare yourself for a visual feast! Deb is a fabulous Australian Artist, and we absolutely ADORE her gorgeously bright and playful work.
One of Deb's driving forces and main motivators to create her pieces, is hearing how happy they make people. Being a brand that exists to put smiles on faces, RO + Deb seemed like a match made in heaven! We've collaborated to bring you a stunning range with 3 different artworks across our most loved products, PLUS brand spankin' new pieces - all COMING SOON.
A little birdy tells me that the first round of goodies may just land online next week. Shhhhh, you didn't hear that from me! Until then, let's get to know Deb better and find out more about her work.
RO: Tell us a little bit about yourself?
DEB: I am a lover of life and definite go getter, determined to enjoy my time on Earth doing the things I love to inspire happiness - with people who make me shine. I love spending time with my family and look forward to our holiday adventures to dream destinations.
I am creative at heart, both on and off the canvas! I also love planning and hosting fun events for others - anything to bring more happiness into the world! My artwork is a reflection of my personality and my love for life. It’s bright, happy, and playful!
RO: You said that you never planned to be an artist and even had dreams of being a “banana selling lady” when you were younger. What was the catalyst that made you start to explore your creativity through different mediums?
DEB: Funnily enough, I studied Fine Art for three years at Ballarat University. At the time, it was purely a stepping stone to get into a diploma of education and ultimately, become a teacher.
It wasn’t until I was home on maternity leave with two babies that I started dabbling with paints, and created an abstract piece for our dining room. To my surprise, it wasn’t terrible! I shared a pic on facebook and within 3 months of starting a couple of social media accounts as an ‘artist’, I had a contract in New York and another in London. That’s when it hit me that I could reconsider my ‘banana selling lady’ childhood goals, and decided to aim a little bit higher.
RO: We are so thrilled for our collaboration! What RO product are you most excited to see your designs on?
DEB: I am equally as excited and SO keen to see the round puzzles. I am drawn to unique, unusual and quirky ‘things’ so these puzzles are right up my alley.
RO: Is there a particular impression or feeling that you want to leave people with when they view your pieces?
DEB: Happiness. I paint when I am happy and I put a lot of happy energy into my work. I hope that people are drawn to the colours and obscure shapes and I hope the playfulness of my pieces takes people back to their childhood.
RO: As a busy artist, business woman and mum - what does a typical day in your life look like?
DEB: Woah! HUGE question! For a start, no two days are ever the same and secondly, no day ever goes to plan.
My day generally starts with a run or a dip in the bay - both of these are important for my own mental health and my body (thanks me). Then it’s home in time for the morning mayhem with the boys and attempting to get to school on time. THEN my work day officially starts.
Since hiring a personal assistant this year, Stef has taken care of the majority of the business admin while I concentrate on the creative stuff, whether it be painting artwork for clients, meetings about my current sculpture being fabricated, designing artwork for licenses or working on my next collaboration. There's always something to do!
I generally ‘clock off’ about 3pm and try to spend my afternoon being present with my family. That doesn’t always go to plan depending how many orders have come through or how long the work list gets throughout the day.
We sit as a family at the dinner table each night and share stories about our days. I am passionate about maintaining strong relationships with my boys as they grow older and this family time is so important to me. I’m usually in bed by 8pm and I’m not even joking.
RO: We love talented and amazing women (like yourself) here at RO. What’s the best and worst thing about working for yourself?
DEB: The best thing is definitely having the flexibility to choose my own hours and manage my time with work and family in a way that suits our lifestyle.
The worst thing is having to figure out everything by myself. There's nobody to back you up if you have a question or to help with a technological glitch. Thank goodness for YouTube! The amount of youtube tutorials I have watched while running this business has been off the charts.
RO: Tell us something we’d never guess about you?
DEB: I have been known to cry if I see a plastic bag floating around in the wind and being hit by car after car at a busy intersection. I also felt sorry for a drain that appeared to be struggling to swallow so much water after flash flooding. Yep, bet you wouldn’t have guessed those two.
RO: Tell us a little bit about yourself?
TAM: I am a former Kindergarten teacher and Assistant Principal based in Sydney, Australia. I’ve been a teacher since 2010, with the majority of my experience in K-2 classrooms. My teaching passions include synthetic phonics and writing, play-based learning activities, classroom management, kindness and social-emotional learning.
I recently quit my job to pursue Miss Learning Bee full-time, which I’m super excited about! I love to help teachers by creating engaging, research-based learning activities that support K-2 students in developing strong foundational skills and a love of learning, as well as resilient minds and kind hearts.
RO: What do you find most rewarding about being in education?
TAM: In those early years of school, I love getting to see a love of learning in its purest form. Watching the sheer joy in children as they learn how to read and write for the very first time is so special to watch, and so incredibly rewarding!
The other thing that I find rewarding is seeing students apply the ‘life’ lessons that I try to embed into my teaching practice – whether it’s reminding their classmates that it’s ‘okay to make mistakes’, or choosing to act with kindness in a situation, or recognising when they need to calm their bodies down with one of the strategies that I’ve taught them. Those moments, for me, are the most rewarding thing of all.
RO: Your phonics handbook, ‘#frothinonphonics’ is such a useful resource for teachers helping kids with phonics and spelling. Why do you think it’s so important to have resources like this available for everyone?
TAM: Thank you! Phonics is hands down one of my favourite subjects to teach. There is something so magical about witnessing the ‘ah ha’ moments that kids have as they unlock the mystery of the English language.
The #frothinonphonics handbook is essentially a guide of how to effectively and systematically teach spelling and phonics in K-6 classrooms. I have received such lovely feedback from teachers all around the world and I am really proud that it has become such a support to so many teachers. I feel very passionate about ensuring that all teachers can have access to the best research-based practices and training, even if they or their schools can’t afford expensive professional development. That’s why this handbook is, and will always remain, free. I’m so glad that it has helped teachers to feel more equipped to confidently approach such an important part of the curriculum- and I LOVE seeing hearing stories from teachers who have seen enormous improvements in their students’ learning as a result!
RO: We would love to hear a funny/touching story from your educational career, what is one of your favourite stories about all the kids you have taught?
TAM: I once taught a beautiful Year 2 boy, who struggled with incredible anxiety. I worked very closely with him and his family throughout that year to help him achieve goals that he hadn’t been able to reach in previous years of school, such as getting up to receive an award in assembly and taking part in our class performance. The following year, his Mum had told me that he was really struggling in the lead-up to NAPLAN assessments, and so I wrote him a letter that included a Dr Seuss quote: “Kid, you’ll move mountains! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!”
Fast forward to a couple of years later when I very nervously took a huge leap of faith and left my beloved school mid-year to pursue a leadership role at a new school. This little boy knew how hard I’d found the decision, and on my last day, he gave me a letter quoting me back to myself : “As a wise person told me, don’t forget how strong you are, even when you have big mountains to climb!”
Needless to say, I’m still in touch with that child and his family, and they hold a very special place in my heart!
RO: Have you always wanted to be in the education field?
TAM: Absolutely! My poor long-suffering siblings can confirm that, after they endured many, many rounds of “schools” while we were growing up! Those school sessions even involved parent-teacher interviews with my Mum, and permission notes for excursions into our back garden…!
RO: With remote learning introduced in 2020, the teaching world had to adapt to teaching their students from home. What was a challenge for you during this time, and can you tell us a win?
TAM: Wow, what a huge couple of years it’s been for educators! And yet, teachers have well and truly risen to the occasion, time and time again! Our entire profession was flipped on its head, and we’ve been required to show incredible flexibility, resilience, and a willingness to learn a whole new skillset! But – we did it! Digital classrooms were established, resources were created, kids and families were supported, and we survived!
The biggest challenge was probably the way the situation just constantly evolved and changed, as did the expectations of us as teachers. I have had three stints of remote-learning throughout 2020 and 2021, and each time it looked very different!
There were many wins too, though. I adored our Kindergarten Zoom lessons, in all their messy chaos! They were so full of laughs and learning. I really enjoyed getting to share the experience with all of the parents - I feel like it really bonded us together. I also loved working with my Kindergarten dream team. We all have similar teaching philosophies but also approach things in slightly different ways, and so I really love that our kids got to experience all of our approaches. Our kids got five teachers for the price of one during remote learning!
RO: Has there ever been a time where your students have taught you something special?
TAM: I feel like they remind you constantly to not take life too seriously. I read somewhere that six-year-old laughs an average of 300 times a day, whereas adults only laugh 15-100 times a day. We need to channel our inner six-year-olds more often!
RO: We love talented and amazing women (like yourself) here at RO. If you could only teach your students one skill or life lesson, what would it be?
TAM: No matter how busy our classrooms schedules are, our job extends well beyond the curriculum that we report on. We teach kids how to read, write and work with numbers. We teach them to create, innovate and dream! BUT – we also have the opportunity to help the next generation learn to cope with the many curve balls that life will throw at them. I believe that we must teach kids to practise kindness and empathy, to learn to disagree with respect and grace, to own their mistakes, to make sustainable, healthy choices and regulate their emotions.
As Abraham Lincoln said, “the philosophy of the school room in one generation will be the philosophy of the government in the next”. As educators, we have the incredible privilege of equipping the next generation – but it is also an enormous responsibility. It’s so important that we prioritise those less tangible but far more important social/emotional life skills- I know it’s certainly something that I wish my own teachers/school had dedicated more time to when I was growing up!
RO: What are the top three things, or 'rules' you choose to live by?
TAM: 1) Choose kindness, always
2) Laugh lots
3) Spend less time worrying and more time being grateful. As a chronic over-thinker, this one is definitely a work in progress... ;-)
We're taking a leaf out of Tam's book and implementing those rules, stat! Thanks so much for chatting with us Tam, it has been an absolute pleasure. Find out how you can connect with Tam and download her free Phonics Handbook below.
CONNECT WITH TAM:
Instagram - @misslearningbee
Website - misslearningbee.com
Phonics Handbook - #frothinonphonics
Name: Cash
Breed: German Shepherd
Age: 7 weeks old
Likes: Naps
Good boy rating: A very small good boy ❤️
Ummmmm, did anyone else's heart just melt too? How sweet is this little face! I must admit, Cash isn't *technically* part of our RO fam, but he is still looking for his fur-ever home. We are so lucky to have had cuddles with Cash and his litter-mates while they're reared for their new families by our office neighbours, Flour and Bloom.
Bringing home a new fur baby is such an exciting time, and we know first-hand that picking collars and leashes that reflect their individual little personalities is a special part of the process. This is part of the reason why we've added our signature colourful designs to our new range of pet products - it should be a time filled with joy! Our gorgeous little model Cash shows that RO Collars and Leashes are perfect for pups of any size! Cash wears the RO Liquorice Dog Collar and Leash.
We are over the moon to have launched our brand spankin' new RO Dog Range, and we truly hope that you love it just as much as we've loved creating it for your furry best friends! Want to have a better look at all of the pieces? Click HERE to browse the full range.
It is our absolute pleasure to introduce you to Ceri (of @ourcreativeclassroom on Instagram). We ADORE Ceri's bubbly and friendly disposition - she is seriously just like a human ray of sunshine! Ceri is a Teacher / Creator / Writer / Editor / Podcaster / Mental Health Advocate / Lanyard Lover / Jack (or Jill) of all trades!
Ceri's very own podcast and magazine 'Wine With Teacher' are incredible and we highly recommend you check them out. We were also super excited to have Ceri as one of our very first guest lanyard designers last year. We recently sat back down with Ceri and had a little chat about what she's been up to in the two years since launching her business.
RO: Tell us a bit about yourself?
CERI: I am a colourful and creative teacher who started a teaching Instagram account in my third year of teaching as a way to share resources, find ideas and connect with other educators around the world. I shared whatever I wanted without any social media strategy or motive.
Each time I danced or lip-synced to music in the kitchen to get motivated before the school day, I shared it. Each time I laughed or cried about a heart-warming or funny moment with a student, I shared it. I kept receiving messages of support and kindness from other teachers who related to each experience. They appreciated my positive personality and honest reflections about the rollercoaster of highs and lows that comes with being a teacher. I spoke openly about daily wins, challenges and frustrations. And eventually, more than 42,000 teachers followed along to find out what was happening in my life.
Find my daily Instagram posts on Our Creative Classroom.
RO: Was there a defining moment that made you realise your passion had moved outside of the classroom? Did something just click one day?
CERI: I finally earned a permanent position as a middle primary classroom teacher at the school that I loved - And I quit. It was my fifth year of teaching and I had developed severe anxiety. Did you know that on average, teachers spend more than 47.5 hours per week on school-related activities? How about that 30% to 50% of teachers are leaving the profession in the first five years? These statistics are from countries like Australia, United States and the United Kingdom.
I love teaching and making a difference in the lives of my students, but not at the expense of my mental health. After having a panic attack while at school, I came home and made a list of golden ideas. I still have that A4 page with almost 100 ideas for projects that I could pursue in 2020. It was in that moment that I decided to use my creative passions for income and my platform for advocacy of mental health, in particular teacher wellbeing.
This community of teachers has changed my life. They have listened, supported and cheered for every idea. They have downloaded educational resources from my website, Wine with Teacher, and joined my Wine with Teacher Wellbeing Club. They have shared hundreds of photographs of the resources I’ve created being used in classrooms and teachers' homes all over Australia. It’s because of them that I can keep reaching for my dream goals!
https://theconversation.com/
RO: Can you tell us more about your passion for neurodiversity?
CERI: I received an unexpected late-in-life diagnosis of ADHD *Inattentive Type*. As a teacher, I felt embarrassed that I had missed these traits, which were overlooked as personality quirks. Since then I’ve been on a long learning journey to discover more about my strengths and struggles. I had to accept that despite all of my systems and accommodations already in place, there was no way to “fix” myself because I wasn’t broken. I just work differently from others - which has always been a significant strength of mine for most of my life, especially now as a teacher-creator-podcaster-
I’m now working in an ambassador role for ADHD Australia, raising awareness for neurodiverse children and adults. I’m advocating for a teaching profession that differentiates not only for neurodivergent students - but also for the neurodivergent staff who work within the education system. Most of our issues can be resolved and supported through compassionate conversations. Learn more about ADHD via my infographic posts on my Instagram @ourcreativeclassroom.
RO: Can you give us a little more insight into your podcast and magazine?
CERI: My podcast and magazine are both striving to build a supportive teaching community that values conversation and connection. This digital staffroom is a space where we can make a difference by openly sharing our collective experiences.
The podcast Wine with Teacher was created to help teachers unwind on a Friday afternoon. It has now evolved into a platform where I can elevate the voices of the diverse people who are drawn into teaching with a passion to make a difference. The first episodes were made up of four funny segments - Grinding My Gears, Toot or Boot, Resource Review, and Down the Rabbit Hole. Since then, Season 4 and 5 have been full of teacher interviews with some incredibly inspiring people like Gabbie Stroud (author of 'Teacher' and 'Dear Parents') and many of the teachers who I've met up with IRL (in real life) on my Golden Tour around Australia. So far, I've organised meets in SA, VIC, WA. Next on the list is TAS or NSW - depending on where I can get into during a worldwide pandemic.
The magazine Wine with Teacher was created to shine a light on the community of educators who come from all walks of life with an innate desire to help their students. It’s interesting to read about how each teacher brings their own set of skills, life experience and personality to the job. Every journey is different and there is so much that we can learn from each other. There have been ten issues published online so far, and nine available for purchase in hard copy. Each magazine is more than 45 pages worth of real teacher talk and real teacher life lessons. I feel incredibly proud to edit and produce such a meaningful magazine. We are uplifting, advocating, and empowering each other through storytelling.
Listen to Ceri's podcast Wine with Teacher and follow her Instagram, @ourcreativeclassroom.
RO: How is your tour going? What has been your favourite place to visit so far?
CERI: Ruby Olive is one of the many teacher-loving businesses who made this tour possible. I’ve had such deep and enriching conversations with teachers from all walks of life. So far, I’ve driven around South Australia and Victoria, as well as a quick trip over to Western Australia for the first time. Covid-19 isn’t getting in the way as many teachers are reaching out for virtual meet-ups via zoom. I listen in awe of the teachers who share their heart and soul on this tour. It’s hard to be vulnerable… but even more so with a person that you’re meeting for the first time. Teachers are currently facing some of the toughest working conditions, jumping through hoops due to last minute pandemic changes, while simultaneously caring for family and upskilling for new online apps.
See how I dodged the question there. You can’t expect me to choose a favourite destination. Haha.
RO: Tell us something we’d never guess about you?
CERI: I feel as though I’m an open book. You might be surprised to know that I struggle with misophonia. I cannot stand the sound of someone chewing, any noises involving nails, specific scraping sounds… The list goes on. For some reason, I can’t tune these sounds out and I usually react pretty obviously. Thankfully I have explained this to my loved ones and they all understand when I reach for my emergency noise-cancelling headphones.
RO: What (or who) is your biggest inspiration?CERI: My fiancé and my parents are all currently working in schools. They are all lifelong learners who positively impact the lives of others, especially my own.
I am inspired by my mum’s passion and curiosity for finding and sharing new information. She is always learning, creating, sharing and helping others.
I am inspired by my dad’s empathy and compassion for others.
He is always understanding of challenges and working hard to advocate for others.
I am inspired by my partner’s knowledge and humour.
He can always fix a problem and explain it to anyone, no matter their level of understanding. He also makes me laugh every single day.
RO: One of your funniest moments from the classroom?
CERI: There are countless funny moments that teachers collect over time. Memories of inside jokes, silly facial expressions and childhood laughter. There is nothing more beautiful than a shared moment with a class of 30 children. My classroom is usually filled with music when students are working and during an art afternoon, the song from the previous year’s school concert came on. One by one, the students smiled and began to sing. Each child stared around in amusement as more and more students joined in. Soon the whole class were belting the tune to the Greatest Showman, with dance moves that hadn’t been dusted off in months. There is a buzz of pure joy when every child in the class agrees to push their differences aside and come together for a once-off performance.
This is the funniest and most treasured memory of my teaching career.
RO: We have something exciting in the works with Dahlia, your dog. We would love for you to introduce your dog to us all.
CERI: In 2015, I met the love of my life. My first love and soulmate Dahlia, a loving border collie puppy from a local farm. She was the runt of the litter and particularly needy. In other words, perfection. I scooped her into my arms and we hightailed home. I told my dad (who was driving) that I wasn’t sure what to name her. He asked me who my favourite author was.
“Roald Dahl.... Dahlia.”
This energetic puppy needed daily walks. It was during those walks that I met my second love and soulmate of 2015, my team-teaching colleague, Will. Just last year in 2020, Dahlia was the ring bearer at our colourful and magical pandemic wedding. For just a moment in time all of the state restrictions had been lifted. This meant that we could dance, sing, and be merry with our fifty closest family and friends.
Dahlia may be a mostly black border collie, but she is golden to us.
A huge big thank you to Ceri for chatting with us!
CONNECT WITH CERI:
Instagram - @ourcreativeclassroom / @winewithteacher
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/ourcreativeclassroom
Wine With Teacher Podcast - Apple / Spotify
Wine With Teacher Magazine - HERE
Click here to check out Ceri's Lanyard
RO: Tell us a little bit about yourself?
ZP: I’m a Melburian who couldn’t handle the cold weather any longer, so ten years ago my husband and I moved to sunny Brisbane and we’ve never looked back. In that time we’ve had two beautiful girls, Mila 8 and Violet 4, started an e-comm stationery business plus run our already established printing business. Life is full of fun, hard-work and happiness but it all evens out. I wouldn't know what to do with myself if there weren't 100 things happening at once!
A few more fun facts: I’m an Aquarius, I’m left handed, I love black coffee and I can drink it all day and all night without it affecting my sleep (although I try not to have more than 2 or 3 cups a day). My Grandfather was from Calabria in Italy and I love cooking and eating Italian food. My favourite celebrity chef is Genaro Contaldo.
RO: What an interesting career you've had in the publishing design industry. Can you tell us a bit about your career journey?
ZP: When leaving school I had no idea what I wanted to do. I went to uni and studied media and marketing and did a tafe course in business at the same time. After two years, I finished the business tafe course and was halfway through the uni degree but I wasn’t motivated by it. I wanted to be creative so I decided to study graphic design. I did another tafe course in graphic design and finished a uni degree in communication design, then embarked on a career in design with a couple of different ad agencies.
I soon realised that as much as I loved being the person doing the design I was better as the person working with the clients liaising closely between the designers and the clients as an account manager. By this stage I had a strong skillset of design and marketing so it was perfect and I loved it, but advertising agency life is a full-on life and it wasn’t something I wanted to do after having children.
When Mila was one I started working at Peppermint Magazine as the National Advertising Manager and I loved every second of it. I met the most incredible people while working there, the amazing staff and lots of business owners (this is where I met Skye as the RO office was next to the Peppermint office!) I was working alongside lots of small business owners and I fell in love with the idea of creating something for myself.
What I haven’t mentioned is that throughout this entire time, I was also very close to my husband’s work as his family owned a printing business in Melbourne. Dave started working for his family’s business when we were 16 which is also the year that we started seeing each other. Our careers have always complemented each other (him being a printer and I being a designer) and I have been completely fascinated by the world of traditional print and colour ever since. Honestly, how do those four inks (cyan, magenta, yellow and black) create so many stunning colours?
Fast forward several more years and Dave and I had purchased the printing business from his dad, who was ready to retire, and I knew it was my time to combine my love for print, design, sustainability and business. That was when Saturnery was born. It’s a combination of four elements that I am passionate about.
RO: What sparked your love of stationery?
ZP: I’ve always been an avid notetaker and notebook keeper. I still have some notebooks and journals from when I was a teenager, plus another I kept when Dave and I travelled Europe in 2010. It’s so nice to have a gorgeous, high-quality notebook to keep precious memories and thoughts. But on the other hand, I also love to have a pretty notebook - something I can throw in my handbag, that still looks cute but I’m not precious about - to write to-do lists, shopping lists, jot quick notes and things I need to remember.
It was this idea of creating stunning notebooks that were perfect for everyday use that was really the driving force behind Saturnery. I knew I could create notebooks and stationery that are Australian owned and made, looked beautiful and didn’t cost the earth - financially or sustainably. Notebooks that are affordable enough to keep one in all the spots you need one - next to your bed, in the car, on your desk, in your work bag or nappy bag, just about anywhere. Being the manufacturer and the brand owner ensures I am 100% across the supply chain and because there is no middle man I am able to keep costs as low as possible.
RO: What inspires the beautiful cover artwork for your notebooks?
ZP: As a small business owner I quickly discovered that I can’t do everything myself, I’m also super critical of my own designs so I enlisted the help of a close friend and fellow graphic designer to help with the cover artwork. I come up with the ideas and themes based on something I’ve seen or heard or like. I’ll create a mood board to show the style I’m envisaging and we'll have a discussion about it. She then has a magical way of reading my mind and translating my thoughts into beautiful designs. We have 5 more sets of notebooks we’ve created ready to be released next year, which is really exciting.
I have a cosmic/Saturn theme that runs through the brand. I love space and the idea that a notebook is ‘space for your thoughts’. The name Saturnery comes from the original name I had for the brand which was Saturn Stationery. This is what we originally launched with back in 2018 but I couldn’t Trademark the name so I decided to combine the two words Saturn and Stationery and voila the name Saturnery was born.
RO: You were recently one of our RO models, and we just love your style! How would you describe your style and was there a defining moment that helped shape it?
ZP: I don’t really know what I’d call my style, it’s a bit boho, a bit casual, a bit colourful. I like to be casually overdressed. Working at Peppermint Magazine I was introduced to lots of wonderful Australian designers, and I love to support Australian and New Zealand fashion. My current favourite dresses are from Ukiyo (Brisbane) and Frank and Dolly’s (Byron Bay) but I also have a good splash of Gorman, Country Road and Seed Heritage too. I also love to cruise the op shops when I can, there are so many treasures to be found!
RO: What’s something interesting, or cool that we don’t know about you?
ZP: Okay, I haven’t told many people this but I feel like it’s time to stop hiding it…. I am a huge Formula One fan. I don’t know how and I don’t know why, but I’m totally fascinated by it. I love nothing more than staying up late watching the Grand Prix in Spain, Monaco, Italy or anywhere really. I don’t have a special Formula One outfit or getup that I wear or anything like that, I just love the intensity of it, the history and the bitchiness between the drivers. Ok, there I’ve said. Don’t tell anyone...
RO: What are some of your favourite hobbies or pastimes to do as a family?
ZP: We’re a day-trip family. When we have no plans on the weekend we seem to jump in the car (stopping along the way for coffee and snacks) and end up on an adventure exploring somewhere wonderful. We tend to end up on some mountainous trail or at the beach. Fish and chips on the beach is definitely something we all love. If it was up to the kids though we’d spend the day at home playing hide and seek and painting or putting makeup on Dad, they love doing that!
ZP: Rule one: Eighteen months ago I discovered the amazing author Genevieve Davis and her books and mentoring sessions have had an incredible effect on the way I think. It all boils down to one very simple rule, which is: Let everything be okay. It sounds simple and totally basic but it’s actually an extremely difficult thing to do when applying it to every single situation and aspect of life, because we are not really taught to think that way. We grow up worrying about school, work, money, relationships and life, but by allowing life to happen and genuinely being okay with the outcome makes magic happen. This doesn't mean sit around and watch life go by, quite the opposite. You still have to chase your dreams and work hard (if that’s what you want to do), but by taking the worry out of the outcome by letting everything be okay, it automatically stops that awful feeling of stress and anxiety - because I am genuinely okay with whatever happens.
Rule two: Don’t complain. Complaining takes a lot of negative energy and I prefer not to do it. (Note: Don’t complain doesn’t mean don’t stand up for yourself)
Rule Three: Have fun, be kind and only drink French Champaign
RO: We are big believers in colours affecting our moods and frame of mind. What colour do you find yourself drawn to, and what colour is your all time favourite?
ZP: I love the colour green in all its glorious variations. Whenever someone asks me my favourite colour I always say green, but it recently occurred to me that I also naturally gravitate towards purple. Both of my businesses have a purple colour palette for their branding and I named one of my daughters Violet, so I guess I need to include purple as one of my favourites. (Mila’s middle name is Ivy which is a gorgeous dark green so I’ve unintentionally covered my fave colour bases with my children’s names!)
RO: You certainly have had an amazing and diverse career, from marketing to a writer for magazines, to children’s entertainer. Our sense is that you love to connect with people and help them achieve their best through experiences or advice. What was your natural career evolution driver?
NF: I think my natural career evolution driver is entertaining people and being creative. All my jobs have been a combination of both, even in my professional career choices. I am very social and a little bit out there at times, so everything seems to have a common theme. I love to help people get the best out of their day if I can.
RO: We are big fans of your blog and social media. Where do you pull inspiration from for your TikToks/reels?
NF: Oh I am a big fan of yours!! You are amazing! I often think of silly things and think, yep I am going to film that. I love quoting movies so pulling my favourite quotes and adding them to different situations that are relatable is something I like to do too. Basically, I like making fun of myself and being silly to make others laugh. I also pull inspo from crazy motherhood experiences - but make them funny.
RO: What is your favourite family activity to do together?
NF: We love to go camping together. We have a camper trailer and love going on adventures. I never was very good at camping when I was younger - but now I add all my little touches to make it more of a glamping experience and we have a ball! We love scootering and bike riding too. The outdoors is our favourite!
RO: What does your average day look like?
NF: I am up early most days to jam everything in. 5.30am I'm up and ready, drop kids to school/ kindy. Then work day doing marketing for clients, creating content etc. (I juggle both jobs across different days of the week), and try to squeeze in a midday walk if I can. Then pick up kids, dinner, homework, clean up and do some more work if my kids go to bed on time. Then I try to relax for 5 mins with my husband and go to bed. Hahaha! I feel like it's all a bit nuts lately. I am still getting used to school hours and fitting things in.
RO: You only hung up your glass slippers and fairy wings (being a children’s entertainer for over 20 years) just last year. Do you have a favourite story to share from one of the parties you have hosted? And we have to know, how many princess costumes do you have?
NF: Oh gosh I have so many special stories! Working with kids as a princess certainly has some very rewarding moments bringing magic into their lives. I have over 19 wigs and about 35 princess or fairy costumes. They are so fun!
My favourite story is extremely precious and was one of the most incredible and heartbreaking things I have done. I was hired as Elsa to grant one final wish to a terminally ill, little 5-year-old darling girl. She wanted a holiday to the Gold Coast with her family, to go to the beach, theme parks and to have a picnic with princess Elsa. I came to the picnic and apparently she hadn’t spoken to people for days, but she sat there and sang 'Let It Go' with me. I was in the moment singing and smiling with her, and I looked up and saw her mum, dad, grandparents and aunties all crying and I suddenly became aware of the traumatic situation they were all in. We had a fabulous afternoon and when I left the mum hugged me crying and said ‘Natalie, you have no idea how much this memory means to us’.
I cried the whole way home. In fact I am crying now writing this story. Sadly she passed away a few weeks later. It was a very precious day. I feel very honoured to have been a part of it.
RO: We have to ask about your theme park career, which characters did you get to dress up as and which one was your favourite?
NF: Oh it was the coolest job!! I played Marilyn Monroe, Velma from Scooby Doo, Dorothy from Oz and some Harry Potter characters when the old attraction was there. Marilyn was my favourite, I think! Her outfits were glam!
RO: We are totally in love with your work as Captain Starlight, what an amazing feeling bringing smiles to seriously ill children and their families. How did you come to be Captain Starlight for the Starlight Foundation Australia? Do you have any memorable story you can share of this time?
NF: I have a million memorable moments from Starlight days! After working at Movie World for 5 years, my show at the time was made redundant and I was a bit lost in what I wanted to do. My friend shared my details with the manager of the Starlight Foundation in Brisbane and I was invited up to meet the crew and audition. I then went through a long strict process of psych testing and checks, and I was offered the role. There were only 6 of us at the time and we were very close friends. We ran the TV station in the hospital at the time, and we got to bring so many smiles to the kids faces bringing celebrities in to meet them. It was incredible. Giving out presents to the kids at Christmas was the best!
RO: We are big believers in colours affecting our moods and frame of mind. What colour do you find yourself drawn too and what colour is your all time favourite?
NF: I am so drawn to all pinks, pastel purples and blues. Pink is definitely my favourite. Although if I wear red, I feel like it is such a confidence-boosting colour!
Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us Natty, it has truly been a pleasure! I got a little teary-eyed at some of your stories, what beautiful memories they are. Thank you again for sharing your incredible story with us and the RO community.
CONNECT WITH NATTY:
Instagram - @nattyfaulks
Facebook - @Natalie Faulkner - Loved By Natty
Photos by @lxocreativestudio
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Big fat ‘VIRTUAL’ hugs,
Keep smiling and remember to live boldly.
RO: Tell us a little bit about yourself?
CD: I’m a mama of two littlies (6 and 2), an artist and a creative entrepreneur based in the Sunshine Coast, QLD. I started my creative endeavour as a side hustle 8 years ago and it’s organically grown to an incredible design business that I’m so proud of. My focus is on watercolour illustration, and surface pattern design for beautiful brands. As well as surface design, I create watercolour fine art and offer mentoring for other creatives. Life is definitely full and fun with business and family life.
RO: We are SUPER excited about your stunning patterns in the Beach Life Collection (and our collaboration with these beauties!) Can you give us a little more insight into these fine art pieces?
CD: The Beach Life Collection is a series of watercolour paintings that are very close to my heart. The inspiration for this collection stemmed from my childhood memories of summer holidays in Noosa. We grew up in Brisbane, and every January, just before school went back, we would holiday in Noosa for 3 weeks with our family. I didn’t know it then, but those three weeks of the year have been the inspiration for my entire creative journey so far. The feeling that I wanted to evoke with this collection are summed up in these words:
I can feel the sand between my toes, the sun kissing my skin, and a beautiful sense of calm.
I can hear the waves, crashing to the most meditative rhythm.
I can see an ocean of colour. A crowded shoreline, yet blissfully spacious.
The ocean is calling me.
RO: What was the first artwork that you really connected with?
CD: I love this question, because when I think of artwork that I personally connected with, it was artwork on swimwear. As strange as that might sound, I remember window shopping in summer holidays and seeing bright bikini designs in the window. A seed was planted way back then and it’s quite surreal that I get to design artwork like that for swimwear and other beautiful products.
RO: You are an incredibly accomplished artist. What made you step out from being an artist only to being a mentor and helping other creatives to realise their full potential?
CD: Mentoring other creatives is something that truly lights me up. My nature has always been to guide and help others. I remember when I was studying Graphic Design, I was always the one to finish my work and then try to help others who needed it. I feel like I’ve spent so long learning Surface Pattern Design (the hard way) that I want to share my knowledge and help other designers build a creative business that they love. I see so many incredibly talented artists and designers who could easily make an amazing living from their talents, and they are being held back by old limiting beliefs and society telling them that art isn’t a career. I want to turn that narrative around and show other creatives that they can absolutely build a thriving creative business from their talents.
RO: You have worked with A LOT of wonderful brands. We won't ask which one was your favourite, but do you have any fun stories that you can share with us about the collaborations and creative process?
CD: Haha yes, don’t ask me to pick a favourite client, it’s like picking a favourite child haha. I truly value every one of the clients and collaborations I’ve worked on, I’ve had so many amazing opportunities and experiences that I am so grateful for. To be honest, I’m having the most fun when I’m painting, so the murals that I’ve painted really stand out in my mind. I only take on about one mural commission per year as they are so time consuming. The most recent mural I painted was for Peregian Beach Hotel, and was one of my favourite collabs to date. When I get to physically transform a space, and have the community watching on, and enjoying the space for years to come, that’s such a special experience.
RO: Can you tell us your favourite family pastime or activity to do together with your young children?
CD: Taking the kids to the beach has to be our favourite thing to do as a family. It’s something that we didn’t have available to us daily growing up, so we try to take the kids to the beach at least 3 times a week. It’s surreal to us that we can walk 25 minutes down the road and be at the ocean, we never take that for granted. The kids are too little to surf the waves just yet, so playing in the sand and rock pools are their favourite things to do, it’s always so hard to tell them it’s time to go home, haha.
RO: What are some of your favourite hobbies or pastimes for when you get a spare moment to yourself?
CD: Haha I don’t think many mums get to have hobbies, do they? Haha. Luckily I turned my hobby into my business, so I’m very thankful that I’m able to paint, play and create for a living. I try to mix my own passion projects in with my client work so that it doesn’t always feel like work. As boring as it might sound, going for walks whilst listening to podcasts or audio books is one of my favourite things to do. That is my true definition of ‘me time’.
RO: We are big believers in colours affecting our moods and frame of mind. What colour do you find yourself drawn to, and what colour is your all time favourite?
CD: Yes, I completely agree. I’ve always just allowed colour to come to me really organically. I’m naturally drawn to feminine and coastal colours. I love strong colour in other artists' work, however when I paint in watercolour I tend to be drawn more to pastels and lighter tones. Like many artists I’m always toggling between a natural palette and a brighter one. I find that when we’re coming into summer and the weather is getting warmer, I lean towards bright pinks and aquas, however in the cooler months I like warm tones like peaches and mustards.
Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us Cass, it has been an absolute pleasure! We have LOVED celebrating you and your artwork with this collaboration #celebratingamazingwomen
CONNECT WITH CASS:
Instagram - @cassdellerdesign
Facebook - @cassdellerdesign
Website - cassdeller.com.au
Photography: Valeria Ramirez - @valeriaramirezphotography
DEE: My name is Dee (short for Debbie) and I am a passionate full time educator and small business owner. I am 31 years old and I have been in the education industry for over ten years and have taught classes from kindergarten to the sixth grade. My current classroom is year four! I always make time in my day (generally at 5am) to focus on my mental health. To me, this is in the form of coffee and exercise. I rely heavily on exercise to ensure my mental health is in check and that I am focused, sharp and ready to tackle the day.
RO: What sparked the idea to start your brand The Teaching Tools? How do you balance running your business with full time teaching?
DEE: I truly felt there was something missing in the education industry - especially when it came to providing feedback to our students. As educators, our feedback can leave such a deep footprint on our students, so shifting the way we present feedback is my main inspiration. I truly value a teaching methodology that brings an uplifting, positive and empowering feeling to my students’ learning journey. This is why all my products are intentionally created to connect, empower and grow the young resilient minds of our future generations. I found the time by setting boundaries, prioritising and being focused on doing what I love which now supports thousands of teachers and students around the world. That is my driving force which keeps me on track and headed in the right direction.
DEE: The inspiration comes from being in the classroom and identifying the needs of both the students and teachers. I focus my thoughts on the needs of the students and how I can better their progress by uplifting and positively inspiring them to be the best version of themselves. Inspiration also comes from creating feedback that is relevant and truly supports teachers by saving them endless amounts of time. Instead of having to write specific feedback over and over, I love the idea that there can be a stamp for just about anything which helps them cut back marking time and focus on their connection with their students. My stamps are all backed by research and statistics which have a true impact of almost doubling student growth over a school year. A lot of people don’t know that all my stamps go through months of testing in the classroom before they ever get released. This allows me to gage feedback from different educators from around Australia and make any amendments before releasing them to the incredible teaching community.
RO: We would love to hear a funny story from your educational career, what is one of your favourite stories?
DEE: There are way too many stories to limit to just one however there is one that just makes me laugh every time. A few years back I asked my students if you could be invisible for one day and go anywhere you like - where would it be? To my surprise, my student in the 3rd grade insisted she’d love to go to an over-18's nightclub to see what everyone in there gets up to. Yes - I was absolutely speechless as all the other students asked me to explain what actually goes on in those clubs.
RO: What are some of your favourite hobbies or pastimes?
DEE: I find it hard these days to make time for my hobbies but when I do get the chance, I love to read, exercise and watch documentaries. I am also a huge fan of art and spend a lot of time discovering new artists who continue to push the envelope. Pre-lockdown, I used to enjoy trying new coffee bars around Sydney as I am a huge coffee enthusiast.
RO: What does your average day look like?
DEE: An average day starts when the alarm goes off at 5am. I start in the kitchen and make myself a filter coffee and read for 15 minutes before starting a 45 minute workout (which is generally in the form of a walk or light jog). After this, I shower and prepare myself for school while enjoying another cup of coffee. Once the school day is over, it’s straight home (with another coffee) to respond to emails, interact with my community on social media and pack all the day’s orders. At times, this could go anywhere up to 1am depending on how busy it is. A quick little meditation (or debrief on Tiktok) followed by bed. Wake up and repeat!
RO: Tell us something we’d never guess about you?
DEE: I am a proud Aunt of 14 nieces and nephews. They are one of the main sources of inspiration for creating The Teaching Tools and watching them grow and use my stamps is something I can’t even explain. It makes my heart SO full.
We have absolutely LOVED getting to know you a little better Dee, and have truly enjoyed collaborating with your fabulous brand. It's our shared hope that YOU all love these beautiful lanyards as much as we have loved collaborating together and creating them for you! So, what are you waiting for?! CHECK OUT THE LANYARDS! >>>
CONNECT WITH THE TEACHING TOOLS:
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Website - theteachingtools.com
TB: I grew up in a bayside suburb of Queensland, Australia. There I had a special garden. My story garden. It wasn’t much of a garden, botanically speaking but it’s where I learnt the joy of story-telling and the power of story to transport us. I told stories to my little sister, my chihuahua and all the ferns and weeds. But more importantly, I gave myself something to hope in that was bigger than I was.
Eventually, I left that garden and did unexpected things like growing up and teaching primary school in Hong Kong and the USA and becoming a mother. When my own children came along I read stories with gumption and wild joy but my dreams of storytelling were long buried with my past trauma. It wasn’t until I sat down with a wise counsellor that I remembered who I wanted to be. I worked hard to heal the things that had once kept me hidden. As I began to write I found not only my voice but also the way to my heart.
The first whispering of a story that I heard was from that forgotten child that lived in that long-ago garden. I began to write as if my life depended on it and to this day I am quite sure that lives do depend on stories and stories on lives.
Together with my family, I moved to Boonah in rural Australia in 2013 where both my novels are set. My books are heavily dusted with magical realism because I am a big believer in the impossible and the power of our imaginations to heal what hurts us. My Chihuahua, husband and three sons are all the reason I need to believe there is magic in this world.
My debut novel A Lifetime of Impossible Days was published in Australia, New Zealand and Italy in 2019. It went on to win the Queensland Literary Award- People’s Choice Book of The Year in 2020. It is also currently number 17 in the Better Readings / Big W top 100 books as voted by Australians. My second novel, The Emporium of Imagination is also heavily dusted with magic.
RO: We are super excited for your new book, "The Emporium of Imagination". Can you give us a little more insight into what it is about?
TB: The Emporium of Imagination is a fantastical shop that arrives in the small township of Boonah in the early hours of one morning. The shop offers vintage wares to repair broken dreams and extraordinary phones that offer people one last call with a lost loved one.
The store travels the world but always settles where it is needed most.
On arrival in the township of Boonah, the store’s long-time custodian, Earlatidge discovers that he is dying and that the clock is ticking to find his replacement.
What he doesn’t know is that he too needs the restorative magic of the shop to face up to his own tragedy.
Ten-year-old Enoch Rayne is also in desperate need of The Emporium’s help because he feels responsible for the recent death of his dad. Ann Harlow is a woman with her own guilt and secrets who also needs the shop. The Emporium is about to bring not only the township of Boonah together but also Ann, Enoch and Earlatidge in a way they never expected.
RO: What is your favourite childhood book? Did reading as a child have any bearing on your decision to become a writer?
TB: As a child, I was this tiny thing hiding under my covers, making a blanket-tent so I could read by torch light with my chihuahua. I was so taken with the way the children in THE FARAWAY TREE were free to explore and have fun. My home looked so different to this and it made me teary. My chihuahua and I spent many happy moments tucked up together having adventures in Faraway Trees and flying through the skies on Wishing Chairs. I read stories to my little dog and she snacked on my cheese and crackers. Thanks to stories, we’d found our place in the world. I think this early experience of how powerful having hope and believing in the impossible was, naturally shaped me into a writer who loved telling stories with an other-worldy twist.
RO: What are some of your favourite hobbies or pastimes outside of writing?
TB: I adore anything creative but am particularly attracted to drawing and painting. One of my other dreams is to become an author illustrator of children’s picture books.. When I’m not creating other worlds with words or paints then I can be found gardening. This pastime has also been profoundly healing after the passing of my beloved grandmother last year. With the help of my little Chihuahua who dug around in the dirt with me, we created a memory garden where I go to be close to my Nannie.
RO: We love that you spotlight your local neighbourhood! How long have you lived in the rural township of Boonah? What do you love about living in a country town?
TB: Rural towns are gorgeous places to allow yourself to breathe and dream. I’ve lived in Boonah for eight years and discovered that this place has what I call an ‘ordinary magic.’ The kind that can be seen with the human eye more readily. The townsfolk are an eclectic community where people care and stop and talk to you on the street. Our whole family has been embraced out here. Boonah performed the magic of not only giving us a place to live but so much more than that- this is now a place we call home. It takes a special township to muster up such magic. It seemed natural to me that extraordinary things might happen out here and so I set both my books in the town that I love and live in.
RO: Where do you normally write? Is it in the same place every day or are you an all over the place writer?
TB: I’m one of those messy writers who works all over the house and leaves her papers here, there and everywhere!
I work at the dining room table, from the comfort of bed, on the couch, even out in the garden. Wherever I am writing at home, I have had a small furry dog curled up on my lap, her head in the crook of my arm as I write. My husband gave me this tiny handful of fur when I was first dealing with the trauma of my past. I named the chihuahua, Lion. Her name is very fitting. She taught me that bravery was not is size of body but in size of heart. She also knows the value of simply staying close by and staying and staying and staying. And I love her for it.
RO: Where do you draw your inspiration from? How do you fill up that creativity well?
TB: I’m a big believer in giving out of a full tank. Since I work with words, constantly pouring them out into story, I believe in reading. Other people’s works fill me up, their stories letting me see how other creatives experience the world and what’s important to them.
I also love to draw or paint when I feel stuck for words. Moving to visual expression is another way for me to discover what I think but it’s also a break from having to define storytelling in word form. It’s another way of filling my tank with joy and creativity so I have something to give when faced with the blank computer screen.
Another equally important way to refill my creative well is to go and enjoy mother nature. Being outside in the fresh country air is immensely helpful. I think some of my best writing actually happens when I’m not writing at all. When I’m away from the page and have space to let my mind wander and make random connections. Some of my best ideas have come while gardening or taking my dog for a walk around Boonah. In the silence of just being I usually come up with all sorts of magic and mayhem!
RO: We are all about colour and how it can positively impact your mood and your life. What is your favourite colour, and how do you find it brings you joy?
TB: As an artist I find myself very moved by the power of colour. I think the one that most calls my name is BLUE! I love all the shades, from cornflowers to ocean mist to deep navy. From moody sky to the colour of mountains in the distance. To me it represents open spaces, freshness but also depth. Blue can be thought of as moody, cool, light, new but also bruised or sad. I find it a colour full of emotion and expression. It is after all the language that our sky and our seas like to speak in. A calming colour but also one that is volatile. Blue is used by mother nature to express everything from storms to the power of waves, from the proud peacock’s feathers to the sweetness of berries and the precious nature of sapphires. To me blue most closely represents the fickleness, richness and joy of being human.
Wow! What a fabulous read. Thanks so much for sitting down and chatting with us Tabitha, we can't wait to settle in with a cuppa and read The Emporium Of Imagination. Which Gift Box will YOU choose?
CONNECT WITH TABITHA:
Instagram - @birdtabitha
Facebook - @tabithaannbird
Website - tabithaannbird.com
'The Cat Lady Of Porto'
'Island Of The Gods' and
'The River Of Contentment'
Check them out HERE and keep reading to find out more about Tracy below! #celebratingamazingwomen
RO: What sparked your love of art? Was there a defining ‘aha!’ moment, or have you always wanted to be an artist?
TV: I wanted to be a dancer and a singer and a movie star but somehow thought that “art” was a magic gift only bestowed upon a select few. In my family it was my brother who had the gift so I never even tried. It was only when I attended my first art class at 33 that I felt like some kind of veil had been lifted from my eyes, like the world was somehow shinier, more alive and in focus and I knew, almost immediately that my beliefs around art were all wrong and that “EVERYONE” could access this “special gift”.
RO: Do you have a most memorable, or meaningful piece? If so, why is it so special?
TV: In 2016 I taught a three day workshop in Florida with a group of amazing women. I had just been diagnosed with breast cancer and I honestly am so grateful for the way these women held space for me. My demo painting that weekend unfolded spontaneously and surprised all of us as it seemed to magically encompass our connection and our shared stories. I called it She Tribe.
RO: What are you most proud of?
TV: I am most proud of our family and the way that my husband and I have been able to rewrite our childhood scripts to intentionally and lovingly raise two gorgeous, strong, compassionate, independent young women who in turn have inspired me to live my fullest life. The icing on the cake is our new granddaughter Nora Luz!
RO: Here at RO, we are big believers in the power of colour and how it can positively impact us. Your artworks feature lots of gorgeous colours, which is part of why we were so drawn to you, and your work. What is it about colour that you love?
TV: At the age of 20 I took my first trip overseas and fell in love with the color, vibrancy and creative spirit of Mexico and the Mexican culture! It was like that scene in the movie Pleasantville where suddenly the whole world switches from black and white to color! Something just sparked in me and has been with me ever since! I love everything pattern, color and texture!!
RO: What are the top three things or ‘rules’ you live by?
Thank you SO much to Tracy for having a chit chat with us, and being a part of our RO world. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with this fabulous woman, and we hope YOU love her artwork as much as we do!
CONNECT WITH TRACY:
Instagram - @tracyverdugo
Facebook - @tracyverdugoart
Website - tracyverdugo.com
We're putting our focus right towards our own backyard, AKA the beautiful state of Queensland. The Reef Restoration Foundation, based in Cairns, does AMAZING restoration and conversation work with coral nurseries and the Great Barrier Reef.
$5 FROM EACH KASEY RAINBOW REEF PUZZLE GOES TOWARDS REEF RESTORATION FOUNDATION FOR EARTH DAY!
Every RO x Kasey Rainbow Reef Puzzle sold from the 20th - 22nd April at 11:59pm (AEST) will be put towards the Reef Restoration Foundation and the incredible regeneration work they are doing. Click HERE to show your support!
RO: Tell us a little bit about yourself?
KR: I have always been creative at heart, but reignited my passion for it after the birth of my only daughter. I suffered extreme PND and art was my therapy. Since then, I have continued to grow my self taught skills into digital art and textile design, which is where I have found my true calling. I do a lot of work with small businesses, which I love, but have recently been lucky enough to work with some of the big name brands and wake up every day feeling like the luckiest person in the world, knowing that I get to do what I love for a living.
RO: What (or who) is your biggest inspiration when creating your stunning designs?
KR: My daughter. My goal was always to show her that you could be whatever you wanted when you grew up, and as a child all I ever wanted was to be an artist. I never thought I could do it, but after having her, I became determined to show her that I could. So it is her that inspires me on a daily basis to keep going and to keep growing.
Shop the Kasey Rainbow Collection >
RO: Why do you think your Reef design and Ruby Olive work well together?
KR: Well, we both love colour! So I think it is safe to say that we were always going to work well together. I think my Reef design encompasses one of the most beautiful parts of QLD, and both being Brisbane based businesses, I think it makes it that little bit extra special to us both.
RO: What was your biggest motivator to pursue your creative passion and focus on your own business full time?
KR: My goal was always to be self employed by the time my daughter started school, as I wanted to be able to walk her to and from school everyday and have that extra bit of quality time with her.
Pssst... here's a sneak peek of goodies to come!
RO: Tell us a little bit about yourself?
BA: I am the author of nine bestselling novels and a non-fiction book about cats. My work has been published in a variety of languages including Spanish, German, Turkish and Hungarian. Born to a Russian mother and an Australian father I have both a fascination with other cultures and a passion for my own country that I explore in my writing. An animal lover, I am patron of the World League for the Protection of Animals, Australia, and I live in Sydney with my three rescue cats – Valentino, Versace and Gucci – and a garden full of interesting wildlife.
RO: What sparked your passion for books and writing?
BA: Me becoming a writer was definitely my mother’s influence. She had a rich family history and lots of exotic friends. I used to sit for hours listening to their stories of growing up in China (They were Russians and Poles). As soon as I could hold a pencil and form a few words my mother encouraged me to write. My own life experience was a bit limited and most of my early stories were about my cat, Snuggy.
RO: What was the first book that you really connected with?
BA: I loved Snugglepot and Cuddlepie when I was small but it was reading Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations when I was a teenager that gave me that ‘aha’ moment that I wanted to be a writer.
RO: Where do you pull inspiration from for your books?
BA: I enjoy reading about history and learning about people’s life stories. I’m also very much inspired by places and nature. I have a lot of hobbies including music and dancing, which are rich sources of inspiration too.
RO: What are some of your favourite hobbies or pastimes?
BA: At the moment I’m enjoying learning to belly dance. I’ve always been attracted to world music. I play the piano. I’m also clicker training my naughtiest cat, Gucci, which is quite delightful for both of us.
RO: We are super excited for the re-releasing of your books, with gorgeous new artworks "White Gardenia", “Tuscan Rose” and “Wild Lavender”. Can you give us a little more insight into what these books are about?
BA: These are books about women facing personal upheaval due to world events. In White Gardenia, a White Russian mother and daughter are separated during the communist takeover in China, and the daughter, Anya then spends her adult life trying to find out what happened to her mother. In Wild Lavender, a French music hall dancer joins the Resistance when her country is invaded by German soldiers during the Second World War, and in Tuscan Rose, a child, Rosa, is left at a convent in mysterious circumstances. When she grows up she makes some astonishing discoveries about her family background.
We can't wait to bring you these PRE-ORDER Date With A Book Gift Packs, due to be shipped at the start of April. Thank you so much Belinda for being a part of such a special pack, and for your time chatting with us. See Belinda's latest non-fiction release: The Divine Feline: A Chic Cat Lady’s Guide to Woman’s Best Friend online now and connect with her below.
WEBSITE >>> https://www.belinda-alexandra.com/
FACEBOOK >>> https://www.facebook.com/BelindaAlexandraAuthor
INSTAGRAM >>> https://www.instagram.com/belinda_alexandra_author/