Marakye ~ Jewellery & Gifts Online

2008-01-28T05:09:00.000-08:00

Australia Day 2008

26th January

Some of the amazing images of our great little land of Oz

Enjoy!

We hope you had a great Australia Day Long Weekend.

Little Blog of Secrets

2008-01-23T05:49:00.000-08:00

So what is everyone whispering about??????

Have YOU heard the secret?????

Well listen up! We have found secret shopping deals just for you.

Visit the Little Blog of Secrets to find out more.

You can get exclusive deals from some of Australias top online stores. All you need to do to gain access is get your hands on a "secrets Card". Visit the web site to find out where you can get yours.

If you are in Perth I will let you in on another secret....

I will be giving away secrets cards at the Women's Showcase Expo at the Perth Convention Centre March 7th - 9th.

Cards are limited to 1000 for the expo so get in quick to grab yours.....

And before you ask, no we are not able to issue them at any time other than at the event and they will not be available for purchase through Marakye -

Sorry! They are exclusive!!!!

http://www.littleblogofsecrets.com/

What are we giving away on Free Stuff Day this month?

2008-01-21T05:17:00.000-08:00

It's that time again and Free Stuff Day have a bundle of brand new goodies to give away with the next Free Stuff Day in 22 days time.....

Marakye has just listed more fantastic products including;

* necklace and earring set

* fresh water pearl bracelet

* a mixed jewellery pack (shown below)

* original dichroic glass bracelet

* original dichroic glass pendant

* Children's game - Yo Ho Ho! (memory game 4-8yrs) and

* Children's game - Animal Pairs (matching game 4-10yrs)

If you are in Australia and would like to be in the running for these and other fantastic prizes just visit the Free Stuff Day web site and follow the instructions. Don't forget that you need to select your companies and shortlist your products PRIOR to the Free Stuff Day to have a chance at winning.

Good Luck!

www.freestuffday.com.au

NEW, NEW, NEW.... So many new pieces on the way

2008-01-17T06:56:00.000-08:00

n preparation for the upcoming Expo that we will be attending we have gone mad with orders and have some absolutely gorgeous new jewellery on the way. Here are just a few of the stunning new sterling silver pieces that will be in store next week. Alongside our already established ranges of sterling with abalone, turquoise, mother of pearl and shiva eye we are now adding some Black Onyx as well as Amber pieces.
Enjoy!!!!

Re-Vamp Underway!

2008-01-16T08:23:00.000-08:00

Well it's 2008 and time for a Marakye Re-Vamp.... I can not believe that January is slipping by so fast and I have neglected my blog for so long..... Oops!

Well after a very long decision process Marakye has decided to go back to its roots and focus on bringing you the very best range of unique and stylist jewellery and accessories.

As a result our categories have all been changed and you will find a clearance category for all of our older stock - kid's games etc...

We are currently closed for the rest of the week while I complete our new look and new category listings and I thankyou for your patience but it will all be worth the wait.

With loads of new jewellery on the way it is going to be an exciting time for Marakye. We are always open for suggestions and requests so if there is something you are looking for please don't hesitate to ask.....

Oh and for those bride's to be there are also plans in the pipeline to bring you your very own jewellery range in 2008!

New Glass Collection

2007-12-07T08:14:00.000-08:00

Here is a sneak peek at the new glass that i have just purchased to add to my collection. I am really looking forward to creating some gorgeous jewellery from this range and I have chosen some new colours which will look stunning together.

My little slabs of glass should be transformed into gorgeous new pendants by next week!

Subiaco Street Festival is on Today!

2007-12-01T16:39:00.001-08:00

Join us at the Subiaco Street Festival (Perth)

Today from 2pm - 6pm

Multiple live stages

Youth Lounges & Climbing Wall

Sunday Shopping!

Market Stalls _ you will find us here..

Dance & Martial Arts Displays

Telstra Kid's Zone

Carnival Rides, Petting Zoo & MORE

Stalls will be located between Seddon Street & Roberts Road so pop along & introduce yourself & grab a Christmas bargain!

Our web site will re-open for orders as of

Monday 3rd December.

New Designs Online

2007-11-29T17:10:00.001-08:00

I will be featuring some of my new work over this week but here are a few of my newest pieces of dichroic jewellery for you to have a look at - you can always view the whole range online at Marakye Designs

I'm Back

2007-11-29T16:42:00.000-08:00

Well after a week or 2 of feeling like my little green freind down here I am back!

I did not forget about my blog I was just sticking with the "must do" tasks until we got back on our feet!

Monday Mum ~ Kylie Short from Tilda Virtual

2007-11-19T05:10:00.000-08:00

Introducing this week's Monday Mum

Kylie Short from Tilda Virtual

What Kylie Short had to say… Tilda Virtual Services specialises in providing General Administrative Support, Online Marketing, e-Newsletter design, Web site design and Technical Support to small business owners working from home. We know what it takes to balance home and family while building a successful and profitable business.

When most women are 34 weeks pregnant, they’re planning for their hospital trip, picking out baby furniture and anticipating their showers. Not Kylie Short – pregnant with her third child, Kylie decided it was time to start a business! Named after her daughter, the business began as an answer to Kylie’s desire to have flexibility in her life as she actively participated in raising her children and nurturing her family. As a virtual business owner, Kylie understands the special challenges associated with establishing an online presence, document management and Web site design. Who better to partner with than an experienced, successful work-at-home mum?!!

Why Did you decide to start your own business?
I was 34 weeks pregnant so who knows what I was thinking. I began my business by applying for a part time bookkeeper/secretarial position in the local newspaper. The client took one look at my rather large belly and instead of offering me the position; he offered it to me as a subcontract position so I could do it from home. I became curious about other mums working from home. Surely I wasn’t the only one?? And I wasn’t. I managed to stumble onto the Virtual Assistant industry and instantly found what I had been looking for. I’ve always wanted to own my own business and here was the perfect opportunity for me.

Would you ever work for an employer again after having your own business?

I will admit that there have been some days where I’ve just wanted to throw in the towel and admit defeat but I haven’t and no I can’t imagine working for an employer again. I’m too bossy, too controlling and I like the 2 second commute to my office. I’m a positive role model for my children and I like keeping the profits all to myself!

What is your biggest Challenge and your greatest Reward from working for Yourself?

My biggest challenge would have to be the isolation. It’s really hard to be at home all day with a toddler and a baby. But combine that with working online where the main source of communications is done via email… well I’m sure you get the drift. I can go a whole day without talking to an adult and that can be very isolating. To combat this I go to a mothers group and hang out with my friends and I have my online friends (including other VAs) who know what its like working from home with little ones and can give me the pep talk I need from time to time.
Do you have a Signature Product/Service or a Signature Line of Products/Services?

I don’t have a signature product or service. I do however niche myself as a technical VA. I have over 10 years administrative experience and I have the technical experience to help businesses market themselves online. My tag line is ‘making virtual personal’ and I’d like to think that, that’s what I do for my clients.

And lastly my favourite question... Share with us 3 of your favourite products or services from your web site at the moment.

Hmm, this question is really hard so I’m going to pick the things I LOVE to do.

Designing electronic newsletters – I love taking a concept and turning it into a design. I can also import your existing database in the campaign software and collate the newsletters for you.

Blogging – I love to blog. I write my own posts in a notebook while waiting in the car for my eldest son to finish school. I’m just a bit lax in transferring them to my blog because I seem to be doing everyone else’s stuff first.

Website design – I’ve been getting into Joomla lately and the software can definitely do some amazing things for your website. I also write HTML so it’s a great mixture of both my research, problem solving and HTML skills that are used in designing a website.

For more information on kylie’s business visit http://www.tildavirtual.com.au/

Completion of a hand made masterpiece

2007-11-15T20:12:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I introduced you to my masterpiece in the making and like many others I am sure you thought.. Hmmmm OK we will see as my "ring" lay as a flat piece of sterling silver with a few rough shapes cut into it.

Well...... After about 5 hours of hand sawing, filing, sanding, working with the blowtorch and thinking that this little piece of silver was going to have to be worn regarlessof how ameteur it looked I am VERy proud to show you my finished piece. This photo is a bit too close for my liking and you can see lots of imperfections but as a first creation I am pretty impressed and will be wearing it with pride!

I can't say however that you will be fining my own silver rings for sale just yet because with the hours that went into creating this it would have to be a 3 figure price tag and trust me although I am proud of my creation is is FAR from a 3 figure piece of jewellery..

Oh and don't you just love how the flash reflected the little star off the edge of it just to show you how much it sparkles!

Next assignment is a bangle... Watch this space!

This Week's Funky Find! Artist Melanie Cansler

2007-11-15T03:08:00.000-08:00

I have a new found passion in hand blown glass and while browsing the net today looking at some "Women in Glass" I found some amazing pieces by artist Melanie Cansler in New York.

Melanie began her work as a glass artist back in 1995 and became a full time studio artist. She speaks with the passion that only an artist possesses. Her love of her work and her skill is evident in the stunning pieces that she creates.

Below are just a few of her pieces that I immediately fell in love with.

To view more of Melanie's range please visit her web site at

http://www.firedanceglass.com/

Nautilus Pendant - This is the first in a series of nautilus pendants and with my passion for ocean inspired jewellery I adore this piece.

The range continues with a series of similar pendants in various colours including, red, blue and orange.
Misc. Schtuff - some of Melanie's older work which is just as beautiful as her new creations.

Dancing Figurines

How can you not love this little guy just hanging around and holding your heart. This is adorable.

Inside Out Beads -
just look at the detail in this bead - it is truly inspirational!

Thankyou Melanie for inspiring me on my journey to the torch!

Born Early Ribbons

2007-11-13T04:24:00.000-08:00

National Premature Birth Awareness Week is 24th - 30th November 2007.
Our aim is to increase awareness amongst ALL pregnant women of the signs and symptoms leading to premature birth.

increase awareness about premature birth and its consequences,
fund research into the causes and prevention of premature birth and
provide support to those who experience premature birth

Will your baby be born early?

Help to solve the puzzle of premature birth by purchasing on of our awareness ribbons.
They are a vibrant orange colour with silver “Born Early” writing on them.

Ribbons available from HERE for just $2.00 (postage is free)

Shiva Eye Pendant

2007-11-12T04:41:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favourite pendants and I wore it all weekend while we took a 3 day break to a beautiful beach house down south - the weather was beautiful and the kids had a ball at the beach.

I love this pendant because it just reminds me of the ocean with it's gorgeous swirl shell - it is a Shiva Eye - or the shell from the mouth of a sea snail found only in the north of Australia and Southern Asia (so I am told - I am by no means an expert!). Some say that the swirl represents the centre of the universe which swirls around it - either way each and every one is unique in its own way and stunningly beautiful.

Sterling Silver Shiva Eye Pendant - (1.0 x 1.0 cm)

This piece is part of our Shiva Eye Range.

All pieces in this range are 925 Sterling Silver & are nickel free.

$15.27

Available in our store at http://www.marakye.com.au/

Monday Mum - Jodie from The Mummy Planner

2007-11-12T03:31:00.000-08:00

Introducing this week's Monday Mum -
Jodie Brookes from
The Mummy Planner
If you are a mum who needs some help then Jodie is the one for you! Through her business The Mummy Planner Jodie helps with Meal Planning, Household Organisation, Family Routines, Time Management & Mother to Mother Support. She offers an Australia wide online support as well as home visits.

Don't let motherhood get you down - get in touch with Jodie instead!

Jodie says "I am Jodie Brookes a 25 yr old mum of 4 kids under 6yrs, and I'm also Know as The Mummy Planner, I help mums Australiawide organise their houses and lives via online sessions and email advice. and I love every minute of it".

Why Did you Decide to Start your Own Business?
I was doing paticular systems that helped me get organised and I thought there must be other mums who want help getting organised so I posted on a paticular forum what I was looking at doing (knowing full well I was risking my idea being taken but I need to know) and with in a hr I had over 120 emails from mums australia wide wanted to know when the service might be available. So that day The Mummy Planner was Born!

Would you ever work for an employer again after having your own business?
Oh No! never I love working my hrs and telling my self what to do.

What is your biggest Challenge and your greatest Reward from working for Yourself?

Getting to stay home with the kids and seeing them grow!

Do you have a Signature Product/Service or a Signature Line of Products/Services?

Not Sure Really? I have The Mummy Planner Organiser, But The Mummy Planner Club (online service) is becoming popular as people can now earn money from it. I do lots of home visits which are booked out 4 weeks in advance. ...
(We think that Jodie's entire service is a signature service in itself, it is remarkable, Kylie)

And lastly my favourite question... Share with us 3 of your favourite products or services from your web site at the moment.

Oh I would say I love my Mummy Planner Club

What it includes:
Monday Mummy Magic Newsletters full of Mummy Planner tips & tricks
One 1/2 hour one on one MSN chat with The Mummy Planner, on joining
Unlimted email contact with The Mummy Planner
Monthly competitions with great prizes
10% off Mummy Planner services
Yearly Membership is $35

then My Mummy Planner Organiser

Provides clarity at an exhausting and emotional time.

Write details down in this compact,portable journal containing 12 practical tools in 5 tabulated sections: Appointments, Baby Well-Being, Lists & Information, Gift Register and Contacts

and
Then My Home Visits which will be all over Australia soon as I have Mummy Planner starting all over the country soon.

For more information on The Mummy Planner and Jodie's products & services visit http://www.themummyplanner.com/

Perth's Early Babies Group has a LOGO!

2007-11-09T04:11:00.000-08:00

Thankyou to Ally from http://www.webgraphicsbyemail.com.au who has designed this gorgeous logo for our Perth's Early Babies Group.

We now have an identity to work with and a brand to help with recognition for our flyers, merchandise etc.

At PEBG we support parents and families of pre-term babies who spend their early days in the Neonatal Unit and Special Care Nurseries.

Although we are based in Perth we are a state wide support. We offer emotional support and practical support, understanding, encouragement and friendship.

The online group has been established for those who may not be able to join us, so that you will be able to be involved in online chats, discussions and forums and meet other Families who have experienced a Premature Baby.

For more information please visit

http://www.pebg.tk

and you will find contact details there.

Help Raise Awareness of PND

2007-11-08T06:04:00.000-08:00

Anyone in NSW or Victoria -

Please help Support an Important Cause and Help to Raise Awareness of PND

Some of the other Business Mum's have some fantastic fundraisers coming up to help raise awareness of Post Natal Depression. If you can make it to either of these events please do and be sure to let me know by posting here on our blog!

FOR SYDNEY/NSW PEOPLE -
SHOP 4 PND
18th November
For $47 visit 9 factory outlets with morning & afternoon tea and a buffet lunch.
With lucky door prizes and lot sof raffles you are sure to have lots of fun and help raise money for PND Support Group Baby Bumps. Pick Up Blacktown area.
For more information & to make your booking please contact Jodie
email at info@themummyplanner.com or call 0416 864 878

FOR VICTORIAN PEOPLE -

WALK 4 PND

Sunday 18th November

10:00 am (Registration from 9am)

Riverside Park, The Boulevard, Aberfeldie VIC

Bring along your family and friends for a walk around the scenic Maribyrnong River.

Followed by a bring your own picnic lunch

To register for the walk, please click here - the first 200 mums to register receive a FREE t-shirt!
or you can e-mail walk@walk4pnd.com or phone 0414 548 103

Please visit http://www.walk4pnd.com/ for more information on the walk or the dinner as detailed below! The web site also offers some great information on PND

WALK 4 PND Dinner
Commencing 6.30pm at Prevale236 Union Road, Ascot Vale
$39 per person, 3 courses, drinks at bar prices
Raffles and giveaways on the night - all funds raised will go towards the organisation of walk4pnd
Bookings essential - please click here
(If you're after a babysitter for the night, please visit www.vicbab.com or email rose@vicbab.com)

Thankyou to Amanda Cox of http://www.realmums.com.au/ for organising Walk 4 PND and the Walk 4 PND Dinner and Jodie Brookes of http://www.themummyplanner.com.au/ for organising Shop 4 PND.

We wish you all loads of fundraising success for the events and can't wait for some photos!

November Free Giveaway

2007-11-07T05:09:00.000-08:00

What's up for grab's this month???

Simply join Marakye's online newsletter to go into the free monthly giveaway prize draw.

You can sign up here

This month we are giving away one of my favourite products - Reddy ~ Our gorgeous red Cuski friend! PLUS 5 of our Silver & Blue Star Christmas Decorations - just in time for Christmas!

We LOVE Cuski.

Having our daughter 11 weeks premature we know first hand the challenges that face parents with bonding and having to leave your precious new little miracle in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. When I found Cuski I fell in love with it and immediately ordered them for Marakye.

Cuski’s name originates from the anglicized Welsh term meaning ‘to sleep’ and was created to bring comfort to babies and children all over the world.

Cuski is a calming, safe and a healthy alternative to other infant comforters. Its simplicity is designed with baby in mind and works to soothe; calm and reassure you and your baby. If you would like to create a peaceful environment when feeding baby or want baby to settle to sleep, Cuski baby comforter can help.

If you are breastfeeding place Cuski, with its highly absorbent material, somewhere comfortably inside your clothing to pick up more of those mummy smells your baby loves so much. When baby has finished feeding and is ready to settle down to sleep, baby will want to snuggle up with Cuski and all those comforting Mummy smells will be transferred to your baby, reassuring them that you are always close by. Do exactly the same when bottle feeding. If it’s Daddy’s turn to feed baby, he can also do this. You will find baby is soothed quickly when you carry out this routine as it is the next best thing to a cuddle from Mummy or Daddy.
Once baby is settled you can have a well deserved rest, content in the knowledge baby is sleeping peacefully.

Suitable from birth Fully machine washable (YAY!) Helps to create a healthy sleeping and eating pattern.

Using Cuski in the NICU - It is not always possible to have constant skin contact with your baby especially when they are premature, so by keeping Cuski close to you such as near your breasts, the closeness of you will stay with baby as they drift off to sleep feeling warm and comforted. This is the next best thing to giving your baby a cuddle and allows for bonding while they are still in the humidicrib, before the kangaroo cuddles start.

Two Cuski comforters were recently donated to two NICU’s in the UK by Cuski ® and received a warm and welcoming response. The two hospitals were so impressed with Cuski, that they now recommend Cuski to be the ONLY comforter allowed in any NICU

And another great aspect of Cuski is that the company is now a sponsor of BLISS Premature Baby Charity for the UK

Click here to see the Original Creamme, Minty Green & Reddy Cuskis!

Australian Expo is Open

2007-11-07T05:06:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone

The Australian Expo that I mentioned last week is now open so pop along for a visit... Oh and don't forget to make your cuppa first because there are some great businesses and offers to view so you may be at your computer for a while!

Check out our Marakye Expo Page HERE

Monday Mum ~ Tracey from Kids Kontact

2007-11-05T05:47:00.001-08:00

Introducing this week's Monday Mum -
Tracey Birch from

Kids Kontact

Tracey's business Kids Kontact provides vital products to protect the most important people in our lives - the kids!

She has a great selection of products which are fantastic for any time of the year but especially with Christmas and the holidays coming up where the little ones can get lost in large crowds.

Tracey says "I am a mum of two beautiful children, Brendan 6 and Georgia 3. My business sells identity products for the whole family".

Why Did you Decide to Start your Own Business?
I decided to start my business firstly so I could be home for my kids. I was struggling with the need to have some mental stimulation but didn’t want to go and work for someone else. Hopefully I can continue to be there so my kids always have someone when they need them. My parents both had to work when I was growing up and that made it hard for my sister and I at times. I want to be able to take my kids to sporting events and not have to beg for time off from a boss that may not be overly understanding.

Would you ever work for an employer again after having your own business?
Not sure, I suppose if the business goes well then I won’t have to, here's hoping I won’t need to. As above my kids are my drive for starting and building my business.

What is your biggest Challenge and your greatest Reward from working for Yourself?
Definitely getting started was hard, it has been so time consuming. I also find it difficult when people say negative things about my product as I sell things that I really believe in and I believe they can help others. But I suppose that’s business. My greatest reward is actually doing it. I had to get through a lot of self doubt to start but thought why not just give it a go.

Do you have a Signature Product/Service or a Signature Line of Products/Services?
I don’t really have a signature line as such, I try and source anything that can help keep loved ones safe. Although keep a look at for some special items coming up soon.

And lastly my favourite question... Share with us 3 of your favourite products or services from your web site at the moment.

The ID 4 Me products, these are an Australian invention and look great. They are a good for those children who can’t resist undoing Velcro. Also the canister has a tamper proof seal so you know if it has been opened.

My favourite would have to be the new purple ID wristband. It is divine. It is so different from the other colours available and the flowers add that little extra something.

Number three would have to be the Autism tattoos. I didn’t realise before starting this business how many autistic children there are. Hopefully these tattoos will help make the parents lives a little bit easier.
Tracey has an online newsletter where you can stay up to date with her products as well as receive member only discount offers. I also believe that she has some fantastic new products on the way so it would be a good idea to sign up so you don't miss out! For more information on Kids Kontact or to register for the newsletter just visit http://www.kidskontact.com.au/

Born Early

2007-11-03T06:40:00.000-07:00

We are one of the proud sponsors of the Austprem National Premature Birth Awareness Week this year.

24th - 30th November 2007

Details can be found at

http://www.bornearly.org.au/

Our daughter was born at 29 weeks (11 weeks premature) and through both Austprem and the Perth's Early babies Group I found much needed support as the mum of a prem baby - especially living in the north west of Australia where resources are limited.

Marakye plans to continue to support National Premature Birth Awareness Week in the years to come.

Virtual Expo

2007-11-03T06:18:00.000-07:00

Australian Expo

Check out http://www.australianexpo.com.au/ for Australia's first Virtual Expo.

Australian Expo starts

Monday
5th November 2007

Mark your calendars!

The theme for 2007 is Australian Businesses and I can guarantee you that each of them will have a special offer just for Expo Viewers so jump online and see what Christmas bargains you can grab with the special offers!

The Essential Woman Life Expo - Perth March 2008

2007-11-02T19:33:00.000-07:00

I have just registered for our first ever Expo to be held at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre.

The Essential Woman Life Expo
Friday March 7th 2008
Saturday March 8th 2008 and
Sunday March 9th 2008

dedicated to providing everything a woman wants, needs and loves under the one roof -
for the ultimate ladies day out.

Once I receive our complete registration pack I will be sure to let you know where to find us but it is going to be a very busy, fun filled and exiting weekend.

I will be showcasing our Marakye Design Jewellery
Fashion & Beaded Jewellery
Our gorgeous Range of Bath & Beauty Products
and More!

Be sure to keep up to date with this blog for some fantastic opportunities and publications coming up to promote the event.

Masterpiece in the Making!

2007-11-02T19:24:00.000-07:00

Before you ask - it is a ring!

Well this week I started my silver jewellery making course and my first project is a ring.

I have decided to keep you updated on my work and how it is made because it is a lot more involved than any of you may imagine.

I started with a flat piece of silver on to which I started to saw out a design that I had made. Thinking that flowers would be really cute I had not really thought ahead about the fact that I was going to have to hand saw out the little petals... Anyway 4 broken jewellery saws later (I need to work on that technique) my masterpiece had been sawed!

With rough edges and all I was really quote proud of my first night's efforts and will be busy filing to get it all smooth before I return for lesson 2 next week.

It really is hard work and regardless of what my ring turns out like I will be wearing it with pride!

Just another step towards some gorgeous Marakye Designs in the future.... with a LOT more practice I might add!

Introducing Monday Mums!

2007-10-29T07:13:00.001-07:00

Monday is our Monday Mums Feature day and I thought I should start the ball rolling with a profile of myself!
Each Monday I will introduce you to a new wonderful mum and some of their amazing businesses as well.
Kylie from Marakye
As I have mentioned previously I am a stay at home mum who runs an online jewellery and gift store around my 2 children aged 3 and 1. It is challenging but also very rewarding and something that i am extremely proud of.

Why Did you Decide to Start your Own Business?
The big question that everyone asks... I was a chemical laboratory technician working shift work when I fell pregnant with our daughter. I resigned immediately as I did not want to work with the chemicals and was fed up with the shift work. I had an ABN from a previous venture that I was still trying to keep alive although my heart was just not in it. I was living in a semi remote area with few shops and looking for a necklace online. I found one I loved but it was only available wholesale so I popped in my ABN and never expected to hear back from them. The next thing I knew Marakye was born and it has gone from there.

Would you ever work for an employer again after having your own business?
It depends on the situation - I would never make a career from it I don't think - there is just too many rewards and too much freedom with your own business. I would never say never though because you don't know what the future holds. It is definitely much easier to go to work, do a job and come home with a pay cheque but it would greatly depend on whether money was the motivator. I now strongly believe that if you do what you love and you have a real passion for what you do then you can succeed pursuing your dream with perserverance and an open mind.

What is your biggest Challenge and your greatest Reward from working for Yourself?
My biggest Challenge is taking a step back as well as making "me" time. I am a 1 woman show so everything depends on me so I devote every spare minute to building my business. Working from home it is very difficult for me to close the office door and not go back in when business is "closed". My greatest reward has been to be able to work my business to help overcome a lot of personal obstacles that I have faced in my life in recent years. It has been very therapeutic and decisions have not always been "business" based. Marakye has been built from my heart and is something I am very proud to have developed from the ground up. It is also great knowing that once the kids are st school I can work from home and be able to attend all of their school events.

Do you have a Signature Product/Service or a Signature Line of Products/Services?
I have just started our Marakye Designs category which is for my handmade jewellery designs. Currently my signature pieces are my dichroic glass although I do also do bead work and am starting a silver making course tomorrow so you never know what might pop up next!

And lastly my favourite question... Share with us 3 of your favourite products or services from your web site at the moment.

Vibrant Tac Fired Dichroic Pendant. The photo just does not do this pendant justice. I LOVE the colours and the texture in this pendant. It is definitely one of my favourites and I had fun making it!

Asthma Friendly ColourBlock Bear. I LOVE this bear because my baby boy has 2 of them and he is inseparable from them. He calls it "teddy" (very original I know) but I always think if him when ever I see this bear... I am very sentimental... This bear is 33cm tall.

I am also very partial to the pastel puppy's in this range (so soft!)

Toys with the asthma friendly certification have been specifically designed for parents concerned with allergies and asthma. Asthma friendly certified toys do not contain any fabric or fillings known to aggravate asthma and/or associated allergies and come with customised washing instructions (freeze, machine wash, and tumble dry) to allow for effective allergen reduction. All asthma friendly products comply with EN71 and ASTMF963 safety requirements.

Sandalwood Gift Bag. Our pamper products smell so good that they fill my office with fragrance and make it such a lovely place to work (if you can excuse the mess, I still have boxes to unpack from the move) and not only that I just love the carry bag that it comes with.

This beautifully presented toiletries bag has brown and cream tones with a side pocket. Enclosed is a beautiful sandalwood soap, healing hand cream for pampering, bath fizz bomb for relaxation, skin brush, exfoliator and massage tool. A beautiful gift!

If you would like to see more from Marakye visit http://www.marakye.com.au/ and be sure to join Marakye's newsletter to be entered into the FREE Monthly Giveaway Prize Draw. Each month's prize is listed online.

The Rose Garden

2007-10-28T06:15:00.000-07:00

We have recently moved into our current house and after being a rental for 5 years and empty for 2 months prior to us moving in the garden was a sight for sore eyes!

I had no idea what to do with roses other than that everyone else had pruned theirs and mine were running wild.

So with my mum's handy advice I set to work and "pruned" if that is what you could call it my rose garden. My conclusion was that this would either be their last year or we would have great roses, thinking the first was more likely and a month or so later........I have cut roses in our house and a gorgeous display of beautiful roses that I am proud of.

- in truth I must admit that I think I was saved by the fact that they were so well established as I am definitely no rose gardener!

New Blog & New Stock

2007-10-27T07:42:00.000-07:00

Well this is my very first post on our new blog here at Blog Spot!

Thanks guys for making it so easy to navigate and to use because I am fairly new at this and still trying to get my head around the whole BLOG Craze!

It is a busy time of year for my business in the lead up to Christmas but I hope to be able to keep up my commitment to my new blog.

Our gorgeous new range of Jewellery Organisers are here in time for Christmas. With fabrics ranging from cotton through the oriental designs, paisley and silk baroque there is a design to suit everyone. I love these.. they come in a whole range of different styles and colours and are fantastic for jewellery, make-up, craft, pretty much anything.

Well I guess I had better introduce myself..... All seems pretty boring really (although life is never dull) so I will keep it brief.

I am a stay at home mum of 2 gorgeous children, Little Miss 3 and a bit and Mr 19 months. Tay was born 11 weeks premature and I have a strong passion for organisations, businesses and individuals who are out there to help support parents in such a difficult time. I will introduce you to my favourite prem business soon! We live with my wonderful husband of 4 years in Perth Western Australia.

I started Marakye when little Miss was about 6 months old (so we are almost 3 YAY!) it was started by accident really when I was looking for a necklace online and the one I wanted could only be purchased wholesale. I started selling jewellery at our local markets and the next thing I know Marakye was born (my 3rd baby).

I have recently started a selection of designs called 'Marakye Designs' which predominately features dichroic glass at the moment but there are LOTS of surprises on the way!

Here is a sneak peak at one of my latest designs...