What Tess Makes
What Tess Makes is the result of combining love for writing, making cards, and personalising gifts with art, design and colour.
“Tita Tess” (Tita is Filipino for Aunt) has always been interested in creating something beautiful and meaningful out of nothing.
A Filipino immigrant living in Melton, she made the big move with her husband and two kids in 2008. While spending her time in Melton raising her little ones and helping build a home for the family, she also tried making alone times fun for her.
“So I did crafts, DIYs, sewing and baking, just to keep myself busy,” Tess says.
“I have always been the creative type and have this passion for colour and design. So I 'drowned' myself with lovely papers, patterns and fabrics, not to mention sweets.”
Today, the kids have all grown, and Tess has more time to pursue her business dream. All of the artisan magic happens from her cosy craft studio in Caroline Springs.
“I had this creative idea brewing in my head for 20 years, even before migrating to Australia,” Tess says of the business’s beginnings.
“In February last year, I started a small handmade stationery store on Etsy and called it ‘What Tess Makes’. It was a tough year for many, but being in lockdown, I got inspired to do more.
“I didn’t realize I could sew a lot of things, including facemasks, as previously my passion was around gift wrapping, but now, it has evolved into an eclectic gifting hub.”
Along with developing her skills as a maker, Tess began writing a blog about her creative life, and in turn activated a social media profile, “Tita Tess”.
She launched her website in January this year and not long after was accepted as a participant in Melton City Council’s Hot House Project Season 3, which also saw her take home the ‘Adaptable Prize’, a business start-up financial incentive supported by program partners ‘Atherston/Lendlease’.
Since then, Tess has progressed her business building meaningful connections with the online creative community and some physical boutique stores.
What Tess Makes highlights personalised gifting. Its goal is to create products that connect and celebrate the people in our lives through vibrant designs. Tess values presentation highly and makes customised gifting convenient and stress-free.
“If only I can spread joy one card, craft or gift at a time, I would be happy to do that. When you buy handmade, you are really paying for the maker’s love, time and effort.”
For your custom stationery needs, unique homewares, and curated gift boxes, check out Tess’s website: www.whattessmakes.com or email Tess at hello@whattessmakes.com.