Hi Fabiola, please tell us about your stall.

Here at Smallprint Mornington Peninsula, we handcraft a range of precious silver jewelry that captures special moments in time for your loved ones using their prints. All the jewelry is uniquely handmade and hand engraved. Making every pendant unique and precious. Let us help you preserve your memories.

Our fingerprint range is uniquely precious as we take your loved ones’ prints directly into silver – so what they touch is your pendant.

Hand/footprints are taken on paper, resized to fit the pendant size you choose, and, therefore, are a replica of your loved ones’ hand/footprints.

We also can transfer your loved ones’ drawings/writings onto silver – we can design these together!

Choose from a range of charms, pendants, cufflinks, key rings, or earrings with your loved ones’ fingerprints, hand or footprints, children’s drawings, words, or names.

How did you begin your business, and why?

Smallprint is a franchise. I was lucky to have been able to purchase my Smallprint Mornington Peninsula business 6.5 years ago from Danielle Peebles. At the time, I was looking for a way to be at home and earn an income working around my kids. My corporate job at ANZ required me back full time – 66 am6 pm, five days a week (including travel) – which was not ideal with two kids under 3. So, being in the right place at the right time, Danielle offered me this amazing business. I. I did the maths to see if I could afford the purchase, and I have been running it ever since.

I have absolutely loved the journey. It is definitely the best job I have ever had. I get to create some very unique, precious jewelry that my customers treasure forever. I make all the jewelry from start to finish. Seeing the customer’s faces on the pick up of their jewelry is the highlight of my job!!

Having this business has also meant that I have been able to be available to my kids for drop offs, pick ups, and all of their school and activity needs. It has been a fabulous journey, and I look forward to making more jewelry pieces for families as time goes on.

Where and how did you learn to create such pieces, and what drives you?

Smallprint is a fantastic franchise to be a part of, as they give you the tools to run as soon as you purchase it a business. Full training on how to make the jewelry and all tools and materials are a part of the purchase cost. I was very nervous taking those first few prbuts, and as time w,ent on learnedlearned how to make each piece and quality control my wbecameme very proficient at my jofeltfeltel so confident in wwastwas am able to do.

What is even more fabulous is that not only have I learned to make the ,jewelry, but I have also learned to run my own business – running social media advertising, taking photos, answering customer inquiries, working the markets, taking appointments, and so much more. It has been an amazing journey and has taught me so much more than just working a PAYG job.

Learning to budget for business materials while still earning an income to support my family has been incredible, too. I have absolutely loved running this little business, and thanks to the support of family and friends, it has given my family and Imethe lifestyle we could only dream about.

Can you elaborate on your creative process? How do you make your items, and what sets you apart from other stalls?

I hand-make every pendant from start to finish. We use sterling silver clay and mold fingerprints, hand/footprints, etc., into the clay. Once dried, I hand engrave it – it took me ages to learn to get my writing neat and even!! The clay is then fired in a kiln, and incredibly, the clay burns away, and you are just left with the silver. From there, the jewelry is polished and boxed into a small print box and bag.

Polishing jewelry is so much more than I envisioned! I have learned the process of using a Dremel after the jewelry comes out of the kiln to buff the jewelry and make it look pretty and shiny! The confidence I have now in making each piece is incredible. I have had the privilege of making bracelets, necklaces, earrings, cufflinks (including soldering) and keyrings.

What do you love most about being a stallholder at CMA?

During the OVID pandemic, I have absolutely missed being at the markets. The best part is not only seeing the gorgeous customers and having a good laugh and chat but also getting to know the other stallholders and making some lifelong friends from the journey.

What was your experience becoming a small business owner in Australia?

I have learned so much about small bbusinesses. Running my own little business has helped me realize how much work goes behind the scenes of handmade work and that the price is worth every penny when you purchase from a handmade business in Australia.

I have a massive appreciation for any item that has been handmade. It has also made me rrealizethat working for yourself is so much better than working as an employee. You have more passion and love for your work as you know that it is a reflection of your business.

What are the challenges and rewards of being your boss?

Getting to the point of being very comfortable making the jewelry has been the most challenging part for me.

Describe your perfect weekend!

Spending the day at the market with my lovely customers on a perfect sunny day. Spending the evening with my kids aafterwardand having a lovely dinner together.

What do you see for the future for you and your business?

I look forward to meeting more beautiful babies and mums and making more precious jjewelry