Tell us about Gypsea Loop.
Gypsea Loop is a bangle that also holds a hair tie. Created so you can stop wearing those tight, unsightly hair ties on your wrist that many of us are guilty of wearing.
Our Hair Tie Bangles are available in Gold and Silver and come in three sizes. Exclusively sold online via gypsealoop.com we also feature a range of fun hair tie colours that you can pop into your bangle each day to compliment your outfit – making your bangle look like a new piece of jewellery every day.
We launched in May this year receiving glowing 5 star reviews and quickly becoming this seasons new must-have fashion accessory. Every bangle purchase also contributes to ocean conservation projects which is something we are very passionate about.
What inspired you to start Gypsea Loop?
Over the years working as a photographer I always made sure my lovely subjects were looking their best for their photos, and it was common practice to ask ladies to take their hair ties off their wrists, something I was forever guilty of doing myself.
Fast forward a few years later where I stepped out from behind the camera to be in front of it, as part of The Blonde Nomads (our award winning adventure and travel business), where I was presenting on stage to a large audience, or filming content, only to later see images and videos of myself with an ugly hair tie on my wrist ruining the shots. Whoops! Why didn’t I remember to take it off?!
So, I thought, surely there had to be a better way to have access to our ‘handy’ hair ties without it looking terrible, so I went to work on a solution.
Tell us about your career and background.
Over the years, I’ve worked in various roles such as photography, marketing & events, and I also have experience in graphic and web design.
My husband Rob and I have always loved the great outdoors and were avid campers and caravaners. One day, we stumbled upon this new app called Instagram and created a profile for fun, naming it “The Blonde Nomads” – a nickname our family gave us because we traveled so much. Being early to the platform, our account quickly grew into an amazing community of followers as we shared our adventures and tips for traveling with kids.
Over the past 11 years, it’s been a whirlwind of adventures, getting paid to travel and showcase incredible destinations and brands in the family adventure travel space. Thanks to our Blonde Nomads blog and social accounts we’ve appeared on segments on TV and radio, as well as speaking live on stage.
It was during those appearances that I noticed that pesky hair tie was becoming an eyesore, so after years of frustration, we decided to take the leap and put my years of experience into designing our Gypsea Loop Hair Tie Bangles. It has been a one-man-band so to speak, with the help and support from Rob, I’ve created this whole ecommerce business myself. Starting with the product design, the logo, website, photography and now running the business and managing all the social media content.
Describe a typical work day for you.
One of the main reasons we have worked for ourselves for years is that we wanted the freedom to work the hours we choose. As our kids are in primary school my day starts with helping them get ready for school. I then pack our bangle orders which I absolutely love, especially including a hand written thank you note inside each order, and get them into the post. I then settle in on the computer to work on ‘all the things’ from marketing, stock management and financials etc. etc. I am still learning the ropes on the e-com side of things and loving expanding my skills. Once the kids are home from school I wrap it up for the day to spend time with them. And, yes, it all goes way too fast, there is never enough time in the day but I try my best to stick to those hours.
What advice do you have for those wanting to start a business?
Do it, but make sure you validate your idea first. You need to ask as many people as you can if they would want/use your product.
I did months of research before I took the leap. Being resourceful with a limited budget is also wise. Try to think outside the box.
I found a designer from Uzbekistan on the website Up-work. He helped me bring my idea to life. Once I had my design file created, my first bangle prototypes were printed on my girlfriend’s 12 year olds 3D printer. I wore a plastic printed bangle for months as I perfected the design and made sure it was the best it could be before investing and creating a real bangle sample.
It also takes time to generate sales so you also need to be prepared for a long journey ahead. I have joined the She-com community which has been an amazing support and resource for me. They have taught me loads and helped me stay on track, set goals and keep me accountable.
What’s next for you, and Gypsea Loop?
Right now, our main focus is raising brand awareness and helping women ‘free their wrist’ from those unsightly hair ties and up their style, one bangle at a time. But that’s just the beginning! I have some exciting new product ideas in the works, and I can’t wait to expand our range, so stay tuned.
