I love discovering how other makers have started and grown their businesses. Surprisingly, there’s not a lot of good information available online. 

During my summer break, I hiked the Kepler Track in the South Island of New Zealand. After a big year for Mr. Draper, the time away gave me the space to clear my mind, reflect on what I achieved in 2016, and really focus my thoughts on what I want for 2017. 

Starting a new business can be daunting, with so many decisions to make upfront. Selling methods, payment processing, accounting, website, marketing... the list goes on.

For the past year, I’ve been keen to share more of the behind-the-scenes and how-tos of the business. I’m kicking it off today with a post on photoshoots. I’ve done a few of these – with  varying degrees of success – so I thought I would share some of the things I’ve learned.

Sheeting is something I've dreamed of doing since beginning Mr. Draper just over a year and half ago. While it doesn't seem that long ago, I have learned so much already, mostly through a bunch of trial and error but also through getting out there and talking to folks about what makes good bedding.

Things have been as busy as ever, the year is rocketing by and it’s getting colder. I’m remembering what a Melbourne winter is like. I started Mr Draper just over six months ago and I’m having a little bit of a reality check as to how the business is growing.

This new fabric is a shift in direction and strategy for me. I originally aimed to use locally sourced fabrics (jobs ends - the left over fabric from a larger production run). Using this leftover fabric worked (in theory) in that it was sourced locally and ‘should’ have been of a good quality and price point.

It's nearly February and 2015 is well and truly upon us. I’ve been meaning to write this post for a few weeks, to share my vision for what I want to achieve this year.