Jhyll’s Story:
I started out in South Africa as assistant fashion designer then became designer travelling frequently to the shows in London, Paris, Milan, Dusseldorf Italy, France, and Germany looking for trends and sourcing fabrics.
Married – together with husband started our own fashion business during which time I produced 2 son’s between ranges and travelling.
During a business trip to Italy my husband asked where the best place was to visit in Europe during the winter and our Italian friend said with bravado ‘Cascais in Portugal that’s where the king of Italy went on holiday’….so if it was good enough for the king it was good enough for us.
Off we went, fell in love with the place, decided there and then to go back to South Africa and sell up to move to Cascais. It took a few trips back and forth to buy a house, then back home to sell our house and business. Nothing was too difficult and we couldn’t wait to get there.
Finally we arrived and moved straight into our new home in the village of Malveira da Serra– Wow it was like going back 50years – Life took on a whole other meaning – the ‘bread lady’ introduced herself and we were told to leave the bread bag on the gate when we wanted bread, the gas bottles were delivered for the stove and hot water system – to name a few. Kids enrolled in the international school and in no time had friends from all over the world. My husband and I also found the most interesting, crazy people looking back they were all adventurists and slightly off centre – who else would pack-up and move to Portugal.
During our 4 years we had the most amazing time, with business at the back of our minds. Kids were growing up and our sense of adventure returning….. at a dinner party we met a lovely young lady from the Australian Embassy.
Why not sounded like a good idea so we pack-up and moved to Melbourne – the move wasn’t easy, we all missed the long summers, wonderful friends, the bond of that close knit international community which is something to experience. Especially the kids missed dinner parties and eating out that European family life style; not to mention the international school system of doing your own thing in class, the structure of normal classroom environment was a challenge.
It took a while to settle down and call Melbourne home – eventually we opened our own business, manufacturing ladies clothing in Italy and selling to Australian retailers. Not many people realise how different and multi-cultured Australia is – what sold in Sydney didn’t sell in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide it was really strange – After a couple for years we sold the business and my husband retired to concentrate on other things……
I had too much energy and became involved in the local clothing industry, working on contracts and projects I was interested to see different business models from corporate clothing, fashion and kids wear. Then the demise of the ‘wholesale’ industry – very sad – But I have confidence that young innovative designers of this country will resurrect local clothing manufacturing, and focus on exporting.
There is demand for Australian made and designed, with China on our door step the government should be doing more to promote these local designers.
On a day ‘out of the blue’ a friend called to say she was looking for a character to portray the mother in a TV show – well why not said my family and so I launch my movie career in my 50’s and became known as Mrs King in Chris Lilly’s ‘We will be heroes’ and ‘Summer Heights high” – LOL – my claim to fame!
A while ago my contract work took me to China and I came home in awe, it is amazing – So big, so many people and so much opportunity.
Last year a friend invited me for coffee to discuss going into business together and Jargon Australia was born. In no time we designed and developed “Auswarmers” microwavable boots which we sold in China, and also the Glitter Friends. It started with a dream which is quickly turning into reality with heaps of fun along the way ~ “Giggles and chuckles, magic and fun, a wish we wish for everyone!
Glitter Friends the band for little girls 3 to 5 year old– pink and glitter, tulle and bows – These bath and body products are SLS, SLES and Paraben free and are currently sold nationally in Target stores.
In September Glitter Friends Hair Accessories will be launched nationally in Target stores. October will see the launch of Glitter Friends – Bath & Body, Stationery & DIY craft, Hair Accessories, Jewellery and Party dresses in New Zealand department stores.
As I write we are in negotiations to sell in South Africa, Malaysia and of course China – that’s the big one China here we come – it will take time but that the aim to be in China by the end of next year!
Onto the next big adventure with the Glitter Friends!
Q1: What gives you an involuntary smile when you think about it?
Little Girls!
Q2: What has had the most significant impact on you?
Fashion.
Q3: Which place have you been to that has changed how you see the world?
Italy and China.
Q4: What’s a question you cannot answer?
Where innovation will take up….there are no boundaries!
Q5: What irritates you the most?
Slow pace!
Q6: How has your definition of success evolved?
Being open to challenges and suggestions!
Q7: Who have you learned the most from?
My family and friends.
Q8: When you see an aspiring entrepreneur that reminds you of yourself, what are they like?
Daring and fun to be with, open to any opportunity, excited about the different and diverse ways of doing business, innovative, understanding the world is one big market and China is going to be the centre, willing to learn, quick to catch on and try new ideas, with the ultimate goal in mind of setting-up a foundation to help under privileged children and assisting woman to start their own successful business.
Q9: If you had one learning to impart to the world, what would it be?
Follow your passion.
Q10: What does it take for you to say ‘yes’?
See and Try.
How to contact Jhyll:
jhyll.teplin @ jargonaustralia.com.au
Mobile +61 409 259 551
