Moo Clip Set

Just Us Kids Online, loves the accessories from EllaBella BOO! and that’s why we decided to stock them in our E-Shop. We loved the unique button covered fabrics that have been chosen to grace the cute hair clips and hair ties. The moment our founder laid eyes on them, she knew she had to have them in the E-Shop. We also decided to find out a little bit more about the creator of EllaBella BOO!

The creator of EllaBella BOO! is Amalia Prokupets, a mother of two beautiful children, Isabella 5, and Ari 3. She is a Melbourne mum who loves crafting and this is the story behind EllaBella BOO! Thank you Amalia for sharing this with us.

Tell me a little bit more about EllaBella BOO! – what’s the story behind the name?

I have an old school friend who I talk about and do everything crafty with. I had been making hair clips etc and asked her if she’d like to join me in doing something ‘formal’. EllaBella came from a combination of Isabella and Eleanor, and I call Isabella ‘Bella Boo’. Working formally did not work for us, but I still have a wonderful friend who was kind enough to let me keep her daughter’s name.

When did you start  and how long have you been in this business?

I started making hairclips in 2006, started thinking about a business in 2007, started being a business in 2008 (markets, logos etc) and started stocking in shops in 2009. In the meantime I have sold my products at various markets where they have been greeted with great enthusiasm. Next step is a website.

Why did you decide on making fabric covered button hair accessories as a business?

A really short concentration span??? Well a bit of that and I have a love of fabric, of searching for fabric and buying fabric. Too often it sat in my cupboard waiting for a project for it to be fully appreciated. When I had Isabella I noticed that there were lots of Chinese made plastic hairclips available but nothing made in Australia. So I had a play, got some great feedback, did lots of research into finding the right materials and took it from there.

How did you get your products out there, when you first started?

Markets and presents for friends. It’s amazing what happy word of mouth does.

What makes your accessories special from others out there?

As I said earlier, all my products are handmade and made in Melbourne. I use gorgeous fabrics and high quality materials. And lastly, I test my products on those who will be using them –the children and their parents.

How do select the fabrics? Was it based on a theme you came up with?

I have a loose ballet theme, as there is so much beautiful ballet fabric and such an enthusiastic audience. Other than that I choose beautiful patterns and pictures that will fit onto a 23mm button – which I always carry in my bag just in case.

Have you always loved crafting?

Absolutely! Mum made me learn to sew by hand before being allowed to use a machine, then I went to a school that insisted that girls should sew and cook (do they still have those?). While I whinged and moaned I developed some great skills and have made some great things over my time, ranging from kiddie toys and jumpers to formal dresses for every ball I’ve ever been to.

What other craft do you do?

I love knitting and sewing anything, but have less and less time for these, as the kids get older and busier. I also love a hot glue or a staple gun!

What other products does EllaBella BOO! carry?

At the moment it’s bibs, library/ballet bags and embellished t-shirts – girls’ and boys’.

What are your plans for EllaBella BOO! for the next 5 years?

I always want EllaBella BOO! to be something I enjoy. There are plenty of other things I HAVE to do so EllaBella BOO! will always have to be something I take pleasure in and do in my time. Having said that in 5 years time I’d love to have EllaBella BOO! known by everyone and for every little Australian girl or boy to have something made by me in his or her closet.