OH EMM GEE.... we won!!!
I am flying high today to find out we were awarded the PLATINUM prize at this year's Junior Design Awards 2017 within the category "Best children's tableware design".
I am actually pinching myself. The awards are hosted by Junior Magazine UK and judged by a panel of esteemed judges within 55 individual categories in fashion, travel, books, toys, interiors & lifestyle and food & dining.
This is the first design award I've ever won so I'm feeling completely blown away and very proud of where this little business has come in just two short years.
I designed the concept for the bear, bunny and cat placies in my lounge room using a few pieces of A4 paper sticky-taped together and a pair of trusty scissors.
It all started when I was on maternity leave in 2015 with my first son, Fredrik. After 15 years of full-time corporate work – as much as I loved being at home, doting after a newborn – I was desperate to get my brain active again. So I started my MBA (Master of Business Administration) and was inspired to start a business when asked to write a marketing plan as my first assignment. Why waste an assignment on a fake business when I could take the opportunity to start my own?
Fredrik had also just started eating solids and learning the art of throwing. My poor French oak dinner table was not coping well with receiving cutlery and bowls hurled at it, so I knew something had to be done to protect it. It was not easy finding something that suited my interior style and that was also practical for babies and kids.
So the idea of our “placies” was born. Little did I know there would be so much interest from around the world. We are now sold in 35 countries! Pinching myself again!!
Thank you to each and every one of you who have purchased one of our placies. We love hearing your feedback and seeing your beautiful photos.
I'd also love to shout-out to the other finalists and award winners in this year's children's tableware design category: Bamboo Bamboo, Buddy + Bear, Doidy Cup and Nanas Matters. I am in awe of these brands and designs and so proud to be aligned with them.
Read more about how we were judged by the panel as part of the Junior Design Awards 2017.
Congratulations Elle! Well deserved xx