When I launched Wovenwood, I always knew I wanted to create our own products. The idea of building an exclusive collection from scratch—pieces that were truly ours—felt like the natural next step. But as I quickly learned, knowing you want to make something and actually bringing it to life are two very different things.

In the beginning, my ideas were all over the place. I was dreaming about textiles, décor, furniture… the whole lot. It was overwhelming trying to figure out where to start. So, I returned to the brands that first inspired me—classic American makers known for their considered, enduring designs. I put together an initial wishlist, but I also knew I needed to be guided by more than just my personal taste. So I turned to you—my community—to find out what you were craving but couldn’t source locally.

Turns out, I was on the right track. Many of you were searching for lighting, rugs, mirrors, and an array of specific décor pieces—simple, beautiful things that weren’t overly trendy or mass-produced. That feedback gave me the confidence to keep going, and helped shape a more focused vision: to create a collection of foundational styling pieces that stylists, designers, and home lovers could turn to again and again.

But like I said—dreaming is one thing, producing is another. In the world of manufacturing, it’s nearly impossible to get very far without an agent. Luckily, I have some incredible friends in the US retail and manufacturing space who were willing to help. One introduction led to another, and eventually I met the amazing agent who would help bring this dream to life. He coached me on feasibility, helped refine the product list, and—most importantly—connected me with manufacturers who were willing to work with smaller MOQs (minimum order quantities). That was a game-changer.

Once we had our shortlist, we moved into sampling. It was exciting… and also daunting. Getting samples to Australia isn’t exactly straightforward. Air freight is quick but incredibly costly, so we opted for sea freight and waited (very patiently) for almost two months.

The day that first shipment arrived was surreal. Exhilarating, absolutely—but also terrifying. It made everything real. With samples in hand, I began tweaking and adjusting each piece until it matched the original vision. And if I’m honest, this is where the anxiety really kicked in—because now I had to commit. Financially. Fully.

Let’s pause for a moment of raw honesty, because you all know I like to keep it real: If you're a small business looking to manufacture your own line, this is the moment. Very few people have the capital just lying around to cover a full container of product. In my experience, Australian banks are incredibly conservative when it comes to supporting small businesses. Getting a line of credit without a long track record of profitability? Nearly impossible.

Thankfully, Shopify—our eCommerce platform—recognised this gap in funding and became an invaluable partner. Their support allowed us to confidently step into this next chapter.

Five months later, our first exclusive collection arrived. And since launching, I’ve been overwhelmed (in the best way) by the response. It’s been so rewarding to see these pieces styled in your homes. Every time someone sends a photo of their new piece in place, I get that little buzz of excitement all over again—please keep them coming!

That said, the work is far from over. We’ve got about 1,250 pieces in stock right now, and we need to clear at least half before we can green-light production for our next range.

Yes—there’s a next collection in the works! We’re already deep in sampling (think: mirrors, stools, marble décor, and lots of bobbins), and I can’t wait to share more with you soon.

In the meantime, I’m taking a moment to pause. To be present. Creating this first range has been one of the most challenging and fulfilling things I’ve ever done—not just at Wovenwood, but in my life. I’m proud of the fears and self-doubt I’ve had to push through to get here. And I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve made.

None of it would have been possible without this community. Thank you to everyone who has supported this collection—and for coming on the journey with me.

PS - If you haven't had the opportunity to explore the collection, take a minute to do so now!