• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Interiors Addict

Heart Your Home

@interiorsaddict on Instagram   @interiorsaddict on Facebook   @interiorsaddict on Pinterest  
Subscribe
  • Job Board
  • About
  • Before & Afters
  • RENO ADDICT
  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Kids Rooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Living Room
  • Shopping
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipes
  • Parenting
  • Travel
Interiors Addict
  • Job Board
  • About
    • Our Story

      Australia’s largest interior design, styling and renovation blog for the everyday Aussie. By former journalist and magazine editor Jen Bishop, the original interiors addict!
      READ MORE

      We’re big on Instagram!
      @interiorsaddict

      • About
      • Contact Interiors Addict
      • Work with Interiors Addict
      • Advertise / Find a job in Interiors
      • Press
    • Get Your Free Ebook

      This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • By Room
    • Browse by Room

      Where you can search for all our posts about a specific room. Only interested in kitchens and bathrooms? We got you!

      • Kitchens
      • Bathrooms
      • Kids Rooms
      • Bedrooms
      • Living Room
      • Home Office
      • Dining
      • Laundry
      • Outdoor & Exteriors
      • Renting
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • Before & Afters
    • Before & Afters

      Who doesn’t LOVE a good before & after? If you want to be inspired by the whole reno process, and not just the shiny photos at the end, this is the place for you!

      View Articles

      • Before & Afters
      • Jen’s reno
      • Real Renos
      • RENO ADDICT
    • DSC_0257Designing Wandarra: Breathing new life into a 1980s homestead
    • 20240206_185022-01Before & after: tiles steal the show in 90s kitchen revamp
  • Reno Addict
    • RENO ADDICT

      Looking for reno inspo? Find it all here, from other people’s projects to the latest trends, tools and products, whether you’re DIY-ing or employing trades.

      View articles

      • Reno Products
      • The Block
      • DIY
      • Reno Trends
      • Before & Afters
      • Real Renos
    • Rosso Levanto.2Stunning showroom designed to be a real life Pinterest board
    • Northmead cube bathroomsDi Lorenzo Tiles open new showroom as family business thrives
  • Shopping
    • Shopping

      Want to know where to buy the latest furniture, homewares, rugs, art and more? We’re always sharing our latest finds and telling you where you can buy them.

      View Articles

      • Furniture
      • Homewares
      • Art
      • Smart Home
      • Appliances
      • Reno Products
    • Rosso Levanto.2Stunning showroom designed to be a real life Pinterest board
    • kuddlava-table-lamp-pleated-white__1416409_pe975547_s5.jpgWhat’s new in furniture and homewares: June 2025
  • Inspiration
    • Inspiration

      While Jen’s a legitimate interiors addict, she’s no design professional, so she calls on an army of the country’s best to share their expertise with you. Be inspired by their stories too!

      View Articles

      • Decorating 101
      • Interviews
      • Expert Tips
      • Before & Afters
      • House Tours
      • Designers
      • Styling
      • Renovating
      • Real Renos
      • Covet my coffee table
    • Kaye_1368_LRBreathing new life into Sorrento’s limestone heritage
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle

      We’re mostly about the home but Jen also likes to share other things she thinks you’ll love, like food and travel.

      • Recipes
      • Travel
      • Parenting
    • Salted Choc PB PretzelFoodie Friday: Salted chocolate peanut butter pretzel cocktail
    • Muse marrakech Retreats Co Riad Botanica courtyardAussie in Morocco launches design retreat in Marrakech
  • Jobs
    • Advertise on our job board
    • Job Board FAQs for advertisers

The mentors helping creatives take their business up a level

By Jen Bishop •

FacebookPinWhatsAppEmailTweet

Photography by Maja Baska

Here at Interiors Addict, we know there are a huge number of amazing Australian makers whose success is being held back by them needing a little help in the business, branding or marketing departments. They’re designing amazing homewares that deserve a much larger audience but often these passionate creatives aren’t getting their name out there because they’re too busy, well.. creating! After all, that’s what they’re good at and comes naturally. Imagine if they could have a little affordable mentoring in the other facets of running a successful small business?

Angela Nash of Coco & Milo had a mentoring session with D’Alton Baker Productions

Introducing D’Alton Baker Productions; two women –Angela D’Alton and Renée Baker– with years of experience at brands like Etsy and Finders Keepers, now offering mentoring for small creative businesses. Not only that, but they can help you with social media, newsletters and events. And they’re running online courses too. We set them up with our reader Angela Nash, of textile brand Coco & Milo, to test out their offering!

Angela (D’Alton) launched Australian maker blog and web store leeloo.com.au and is a former community manager in charge of seller education at Etsy Australia. She later worked for Garage Sale Trail and The Finders Keepers. An artist and maker herself, business partner Renée has also been responsible for building the social media presence of Etsy Australia, Koskela and The Finders Keepers.

With her third and final son Felix now a little older, our guinea pig Angela (Nash) is keen to take her home-based business to the next level. “I’ve struggled to look beyond the creative side and actually focus on it as a business!” she admits. “I am a creative soul and not fantastic at the marketing and PR of my brand or myself for that matter. I wanted to seek advice from two lovely ladies whose job it actually was to focus on those things.”

The ladies from D’Alton Baker Productions share their wisdom with Angela

Renée says: “Ange has already spent over six years building this brand quite successfully. She has a keen eye for colour and her ‘sewmanship’ provides an outlet for her attention to detail, allowing her to create premium handmade cushions of exceptional quality. Once she executes a few of our suggestions, we believe she’ll hit the ground running with her attractive homewares offering!”

Angela was the first to admit her photos weren’t doing her products justice. Renee adds: “They weren’t really capturing the stunning colour and soft feel of her creations in the way that’s optimal for online shopping, design market applications and social media. We’ve given her a few ideas on how to either boost her own photography skills, or how to work with a professional photographer in order to increase the likelihood of her online following desiring her divine pieces in their own homes.”

A hand sewn, hand block printed Coco & Milo cushion

Renée and Angela also put the hard word on her about charging more! “It’s a very common mistake amongst self-employed makers to not cover their own time in their costs and pricing, therefore sacrificing their hard work by wanting to make their items more affordable. We’ve provided a pricing guideline for Ange to closely consider so that her time is adequately covered, otherwise she’s simply working very hard at an expensive hobby. This also ensures that Ange is truly considering all of the costs of running her business whilst aspiring to grow.”

Angela (left) and Renee from D’Alton Baker Productions

Ange says there were a few lightbulb moments from the mentoring session at her home: “I think the most important point was to focus on photography. As Coco & Milo is online primarily, it’s important for the customer to visualise how their cushion, table runner etc would fit with their decor. Also the importance of social media including Instagram and connecting with likeminded creatives on Facebook groups to gauge honest feedback (because often friends will tell you just how fabulous it all is!).”

She is now feeling motivated to grow her business thanks to Angela and Renée’s help. “They were so warm and welcoming right from the get go. They understand how hard it is for small business owners, especially mamas and trying to juggle life and work from the kitchen table. They made me feel that I had an amazing product, told me to start patting myself on the back more and to project my passion into the brand.

Our favourite cushion from Coco & Milo’s kids’ range (also suitable from grown-ups!)

“They spoke in easy, relatable terms not mumble jumble like a lot of startup business guides and definitely knew what they were talking about. They spoke from experience and their passion and enthusiasm for helping people is clearly evident. I can’t wait to make them proud!”

Renée said: “The mentorship meeting provided some obvious relief to Ange, in that she found comfort in knowing that she is not actually alone, had some of her questions answered and suspicions confirmed.  We’ve helped her with some networking ideas, and worked as a sounding board for her concerns, while answering some of those nagging issues she simply wasn’t sure how to fix herself, or didn’t know where to go to for help.

“The maker industry is right in our zone! We are able to provide assistance to new business starters, those that are a little stuck or unsure right through to the more established makers who are keen for some advice on setting up systems as they expand or people who just plain want some advice on what to do next. We can provide guidance on where to go for help, as well as giving honest feedback and direction for those needing a nudge.”

Find out more about how D’Alton Baker Productions can help you.

Get an extra 5% off their already discounted packages of five or 10 sessions by mentioning Interiors Addict during the booking process.

You can get 10% off any of their 2017 online courses using the promo code IA10.

Shop Coco & Milo online

WIN

For your chance to win the rainbow cushion pictured, follow Coco & Milo on Instagram, find any picture of it in their feed and and hashtag it #iwantthatrainbowcushion by midnight on Friday 31 March 2017. Good luck!

FacebookPinWhatsAppEmailTweet

March 29, 2017

Primary Sidebar

Popular This Week

  • Latest Kmart Home range, coming later this month

  • Australian bathroom standards: dimensions explained by an expert

  • A luxurious slice of Italy on the NSW South Coast

  • I tried the latest robot window cleaner and I’m obsessed!

  • Foodie Friday: Easy roast chicken with an Australian touch

Follow us on Instagram

Lots to see and great networking at @decordesignsh Lots to see and great networking at @decordesignshow today
Nestled among the rolling vineyards of the Shoalha Nestled among the rolling vineyards of the Shoalhaven area on the NSW South Coast, former Block contestants @rachelandryan Carr have transformed a tired rural property into a luxurious holiday retreat that feels like a slice of Italy. Surrounded by the natural beauty of gum trees and rural views, the property is designed to transport guests to the heart of Tuscany, blending the charm of the Australian landscape with the elegance and luxury of Italian design. 

See more on the blog now, via link in bio and stories.
Australia's first 3D printed house is complete! An Australia's first 3D printed house is complete! And this pair of duplexes look pretty stylish too! Ground floor is printed concrete and the top floor is made from lightweight modular panels.

Want to read all about it and see more pix? Comment '3d" and we'll send the article link straight to your DMs! Or find it on the homepage via link in bio.

#3dprinting #3dprinted #3dprintedhouse #3dprintedhome #3dprintedhomes #houseofthefuture #australianhomes #australianhousing
New @kmartaus home coming later this month and her New @kmartaus home coming later this month and here's a few of the standouts, with pricing and more info on the blog now, via link in bio.

Anything catch your eye?

#kmartaustralia #kmarthome #kmartaus #kmartstyling #affordablehomedecor
A custom look on a budget: we love how this rangeh A custom look on a budget: we love how this rangehood cover was fashioned from a piece of American oak benchtop!

This fresh coastal kitchen showcases some of @kaboodlekitchen's latest products to achieve a truly individual space, without paying a small fortune. V groove doors, premium wireware inserts and a concrete look benchtop make for a great combination that's at the same time on trend and timeless. 

See more on the blog now via link in bio and stories.

#flatpackkitchen #budgetkitchen #uniquekitchen #bluekitchencabinets #vgroove #kaboodle #kaboodlekitchen
Swipe for before An interior designer shares the Swipe for before 

An interior designer shares the clever ways they took this homestead from tired 80s to a welcoming country retreat for holidaymakers without spending a fortune or starting from scratch.

This fireplace became a beautiful focal point after a lick of paint, for example.

See more before and afters from @wandarra_homestead on the blog now via link in stories/bio.
How heavenly is AFL star @rhysstanley_'s home he s How heavenly is AFL star @rhysstanley_'s home he shares with wife @kirstenstanley_ and their young kids?!

When they first set eyes on an expansive acreage on Victoria's Surf Coast, they knew it was the perfect place to build their forever home and embrace working farm life. @studiohallihan helped them bring it all together perfectly!

Take the tour on the blog now, via link in bio and stories.

#modernfarmhousehomes #australianfarmhouse #workingfarm #surfcoastlife #foreverhomes #farmhousestylehome #geelongfootballclub #geelongcats
Brand new furniture in an 1877 house and IT WORKS! Brand new furniture in an 1877 house and IT WORKS!

@castleryau have named the talented stylist @stevecordony as their first Australian brand ambassador and he's curated a capsule of their furniture which he styled to perfection at his stunning country house @rosedale_farm 

I was lucky enough to see the pieces in situ last week and I honestly couldn't believe how well it all worked! They were going for accessible luxury and well, he delivered, and then some!

Head to the blog via link in bio to read more about the partnership.

#castlery #castleryau #stevecordony #rosedalefarm #affordablefurniture #australianstylist
If you pick your restaurants for the interior as m If you pick your restaurants for the interior as much as the food, you might want to add @pinosalmare  by @nicgrahamandassociates to your date night list! 😍

@smartstoneaustralia's stunning Calacatta Viola sintered stone surface features throughout, making a bold statement while being durable enough to be used in the busiest areas.

Inspired by Puglia, Pino's (named after the owner's father) in Cronulla has a real seaside vibe. The Smartstone was also chosen for the outdoor tables due to its UV stability.

#calacattaviola #smartstone #restaurantinteriors #restaurantinteriordesign #italianrestaurantsydney #engineeredstone #sinteredstone
Follow on Instagram
Visit Jen's profile on Pinterest.

Get Your Free Ebook

Ebook cover

Never miss the latest renovating and interiors products, news and inspo again! Sign up for our newsletter and we'll send you the best bits from the blog, direct to your inbox. Plus you'll get our latest eBook: Just One Thing To Elevate Your Interior, featuring Australia's top design talent.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Jen Bishop

About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. She founded Interiors Addict in 2011. Jen also works as a copywriter and comms consultant to small business owners and brands, helping them with their own content as well as working out what will make them appealing to the media.

More from Art

Beautiful curation of art brings luxury Brisbane home to life

Vases the heroes in new Dinosaur Designs Bones collection

New gallery brings collectible furniture and sculpture to Sydney

Artist creates for Block’s Dan & Dani after loss of baby Billie

What’s new in furniture and homewares: March 2025

Boyd Blue announce new collaboration with Kate Nixon

New Dinosaur Designs collection: Chestnut

Discover the latest trends in home & decor at Reed Gift Fairs

Weave Australian nostalgia into your home with Carmen Hui art

Promo Area

Footer

Interiors Addict

Interiors Addict

  • About
  • Contact
  • Work with Jen
  • Press
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy

Browse

  • RENO ADDICT
  • Jen’s Reno
  • House Tours
  • Real Renos
  • Interviews
  • Styling
  • Designers
  • Bedrooms
  • Covet My Coffee Table
  • Expert Tips
  • The Block
  • Art
  • Furniture
  • Recipes

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RENO ADDICT

Copyright © 2011–2025 Addicted Media Pty Ltd
Website care by ClickWP · Log in