Chat with the Creator: Lola&Me
Karola from Lola&Me is a mother of one (soon to be two!) and quickly found her niche though her love for beautiful organic fabrics.
She lives in Ohope with her family on a unique lifestyle block situated on a small island in the Ohiwa harbour. The property has been in the family for 20 years, and going anywhere involves a 5 minute boat ride in a small dinghy to get across to the mainland!
As well as growing her business Lola&Me, Karola works part time as a high school teacher as well as caring for her beautiful daughter.
We asked Karola some questions about her NZ made creations:
How did Lola&Me come about?
The idea came about after my daughter was born and I was eager to get back into my passion for sewing after studying this at university.
What made you choose to use only organic materials for your creations?
I have always been passionate about trying to live a healthier lifestyle and using only organic material made sense as I knew I needed a point of difference to my competitors.
What is your favourite piece you make?
My favourite piece to make is the kids flap sunhat which I designed and released last summer. I just love the cute slightly vintage look of it.
What is your most popular piece?
Over summer it is our sunhats and over winter our stay-on booties.
What inspires you and your creations?
The fabric! I love and spend too much time finding and sourcing the perfect organic fabric prints, but also get frustrated when I don’t find exactly what I am after. So a few months back I had my first hand-drawn Kiwiana fabric printed. My sister designed the print, I choose the colours and we had it printed on organic cotton. This was very exciting process and feels great having an exclusive Lola&me fabric.
What would you say is your must have for winter?
Must have for winter would be one of our merino lined slouch beanies available in four different fabric options – they are so versatile and my daughter wears hers all the time on our boat trips across to the mainland.
What’s can we expect from Lola&me for the rest of 2018?
I always have plenty of ideas in my head and need to restrict myself to what is achievable in the time I have available. The focus this year is to get into more retail stores across New Zealand which is slowly happening. So keep your eyes out for Lola&me products in a town near you!
What was the last handmade item you purchased and why?
Last item was a portable nursing sleeve off Two Doors Down for baby number 2!
What would your advice be to someone looking at starting their own craft business?
Find your focus and point of difference in the market – don’t have too many products available, focus on doing a few things really well. It’s hard work but the exciting part is that your effort will be rewarded.
