As a former textiles designer for a bed linens brand in her native Australia, Jemima Callaghan of Lost Property Hong Kong knew firsthand the challenges crafters, creative entrepreneurs, and aspiring designers often faced in sourcing interesting sewing and craft supplies at reasonable prices. “In Australia, you might go to one or two of the remaining chain sewing stores and find elastic in only black and white, and twill tapes in just five colors,” she recalls.
It wasn’t until she moved with her family to Hong Kong in 2012 — and laid eyes on the rainbow-hued offerings within the city’s thriving textiles district — that she realized the role she could fill as a kind of textile-supplies whisperer, both for her compatriots back home and for small business owners all over the globe. Soon enough, she was putting her trained eye and industry experience to work, seeking out unique, high-quality materials and building a network of relationships with makers worldwide. “My favorite, favorite part of my job is when someone says, ‘Can you find a ribbon like this, in this width, in this color, in this style?’ and I get back to them a day or two later with just what they’re looking for. That feels amazing,” she says. “I love helping people solve their textile problems.”
In the three-plus years since her shop debuted, Jemima has branched out, adding DIY tassel-making and rope-bowl sewing kits to her shop, and she’s hosting her first hands-on DIY workshop in Hong Kong later this month. Here’s her story — and what she’s set her sights on next.
What inspired you to open a supplies shop in the first place? Did you launch your shop with Etsy specifically in mind?
In the beginning, I didn’t really have a plan — the shop was meant to be a hobby that I’d do between 12 and 3 p.m. when my kids were sleeping. Once I had the idea to sell supplies online, though, I realized my best market would be the people who are trying to start up fashion labels and small creative businesses; especially, I was thinking of Australians, because of their limited range of options and limited access to bulk supplies at a really good price. I just thought I could be their connection.
Do you still remember the first item that you listed in your Etsy shop?
I do! It was a Japanese denim ribbon — the same one that’s in my shop today.
How would you describe your shop’s aesthetic?
At first, I was trying to create a look for my shop that would appeal to other people, but now I just focus on making it appealing to me. It really is about showing off the uniqueness of the things that I can find, and also weaving in what inspires me and what I’m making at that time. At the moment, I’m photographing a lot of hand-dyed indigo linens because I’ve been dyeing linens on my rooftop. And I really like bold, colorful things, and so my shop, too, is quite colorful.
In addition to dyeing, what other kinds of crafts and DIY projects do you enjoy doing in your personal life?
Being a maker myself, I want to know how people are using the materials they’re buying from my shop. So when people started buying macramé cord from me, it piqued my interest, and I started playing with that, testing it out and seeing how it works. It’s really important for me to know how the product’s being used, so I can answer people’s questions about the feel and the quality of the materials. And I always love it when my customers send me photos of what they’ve made or tag me on Instagram.
When did you start adding DIY kits to the shop?
With my background as a bed linens designer, I have always been interested in homewares and home furnishings. About a year after I’d opened my supplies shop, I started creating my own range of homewares and selling it at markets here in Hong Kong. In particular, I started selling rope bowls, because I’d found a rope mill here that was doing some really interesting, beautiful ropes. Before long, I realized that there must be a lot of people trying to make these bowls themselves — there were so many photos of them going around on Pinterest — and I realized I could just do up the instructions and sell the materials as part of a kit. And the kits kind of went crazy! I still don’t really know how they went crazy, but they did, and it was really exciting.
Do you find yourself constantly looking at supplies wherever you go, even when you travel for fun?
Anytime I go to a new place, my first search is always: where is the textile market, where’s the weaving village, where do they do the dyeing? I’m always thinking about supplies and about where I’ll go next to start sourcing. I’d love to go to India soon and build up some contacts there.
What are you most looking forward to in the year to come?For 2016, my big plan is to expand my shop and offer a wider range of supplies — I’d like to go into hardware and findings — and also to sell my own homewares on Etsy. Watching other people’s shops grow is also very inspiring to me: As a mentor of the Southeast Asia Etsy Resolutions and captain of the Hong Kong Etsy team, I’ve seen people go from just starting out, to taking their shops to the next level, to leaving their full-time jobs to work only on their Etsy shops. I love that, and I’ve made some really good friends through that team, too.
To keep up with Jemima’s adventures in supplies sourcing, design and DIYs, follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Photos by Ju Redondo.
Shop Lost Property Hong Kong
113 comments
DeUno from DeUno said 5 years ago
Great shop! Congratulations!
sabina from sabiesabi said 5 years ago
wonderful story! congrats on the feature!
Francine from HomespunHeartofMine said 5 years ago
So HAPPY your shop has been featured!!! Such great supplies!!! Congratulations and blessings for continued success in the future!!! :D
Mary Galou from byMaryGalou said 5 years ago
I loved your story! And the name of your shop, it's so original :) Congrats on the feature!
Elena Krasnenkova from FrostbergDecor said 5 years ago
Super cute product and shop! !!!!
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 5 years ago
Beautiful shop! Congratulations on the feature!
Mary Moorkens from MaryMoorkens said 5 years ago
Oh my . . . . what a wonderful shop - you are totally a "textile-supplies whisperer" !! As you choose so carefully of course your own creative self is interested in what people make with your lovely supplies. Great feature !
Sue from SuesAkornShop said 5 years ago
Great shop. Congrats on the feature!
Carol Wagner from VintageBettyLuke said 5 years ago
What a nice supply shop! Love the photo the ribbon storage!
Helen Mills from 1820BagCo said 5 years ago
What a wonderful story, congrats on the feature
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 5 years ago
Great supply shop! Congratulations on the feature!
Inga and Daiva from Florentes said 5 years ago
All the best for future goals and visions :)
KP from oldspoolquiltery said 5 years ago
A beautiful collection. congratulations on the well deserved feature!
Sandra from PreserveStudio said 5 years ago
OMG! Love your shop. I am always looking for more choices than any local retail store can offer - I can relate to the black or white choices (lol). Congrats on being featured. Thank you for sharing and letting us know where to find you. New favorite on my list!
Tess and Dave from TheRingForge said 5 years ago
what a lovely shop and great business enterprise!
elle and belle Forster from elleandbellejewelry said 5 years ago
Amazing, wonderful shop - always looking for textile supplies! All the best, Jemima!
Niki from JandEdoodles said 5 years ago
Love the colors in your shop and that you not only want to sell supplies, but understand how they are used!
Renee from RandMhandmade said 5 years ago
Congratulations!!! I love your rope bowls. You have such a good eye for color!!
Julia K Walton from FireHorseVintageHQ said 5 years ago
Mouth-watering selection of supplies and kits - lovely! :o)
Kim Cole from BeachDaisyJewelry said 5 years ago
Wonderful shop, beautiful textile supplies! Congrats on the feature and continued success!
DivineOrders from DivineOrders said 5 years ago
GLORIOUS! Congrats on the feature. Thank you Jemima for sharing your inspiring story, amazing path, and gorgeous selections of supplies with us. Peace.
Monica from ThreeBarDGifts said 5 years ago
Your shop is like a candy store for textile supplies! Beautiful colors and textures! Congrats on the feature!
benna and hanna from bennaandhanna said 5 years ago
Absolutely right about sourcing challenges. Thank you for being a solution to the problem of designers! More blessings!
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 5 years ago
I love to go to Hong Kong and see all those material. Congratulations on the feature.
Tim Condron from InOro said 5 years ago
A fantastic story of color and inspiration! Best of luck for the future and that trip to India!
Samantha F from littlestarbigstar said 5 years ago
Been to Hong Kong and it's a bountiful resource for crafters. Such a smart idea. Fantastic photography of your product, too!
Elle from SilhouettesbyElle said 5 years ago
great colors to blend
Georgia from JewelMeShop said 5 years ago
What a great colorful shop! Congrats!
Ginger Annette from AlvatonDesignStudio said 5 years ago
Very intuitive, Jemima, to see a need and to fill it with such beautiful items. Also in the United States, unless a person lives in a large city the selection of materials is often limited in both color and quality, or the product may not appear in local stores at all. I especially like your selection of cotton webbing and twill tape and satin ribbon in a wide range of colors. I will be remembering your shop for sure! Ju's skilled photography highlights you and your products beautifully. Your inclusive and personal manner of writing is enjoyable to read. Thank you for sharing!
Patricia Ramirez from patsdesign said 5 years ago
Congrats!! cute unique items
Cathy from msbijouxbeads said 5 years ago
Great array of goodies, congratulations on the feature!
Sherri from ButterflyFeetDigital said 5 years ago
Congrats on the feature!
Connie Lea from LeaMade said 5 years ago
I love all the beautiful colors. Congratulations on the feature! Glad to know about the source.
Jemima Callaghan from LostPropertyHongKong said 5 years ago
Oh Wow, thank you everyone for your lovely comments and congratulations.
Jemima Callaghan from LostPropertyHongKong said 5 years ago
oh wow thank you everyone for the lovely comments and congratulations.
Christina from TheWildPlum said 5 years ago
Lovely shop and feature, Jemima! Congratulations!
Shulamit Raanan from ShuliDesigns said 5 years ago
Wonderful feature and amazing Shop! Thanks for sharing with us!!! Congrats :)
Cristy Ramos from ArtisanBathandBody said 5 years ago
Your shop is awesome, congratulations! ♥
Amber Hickey from BesosjewelrybyAmber said 5 years ago
Awesome shop! Love all of the colors! :)
Cheridah Spaulding from CheridahHatsNBags said 5 years ago
It's great that you are filling in the niche for needed and variegated supplies. You are helping those in Hong Kong, too. Keep up the good work.
Barbara Gable from CrazyLovely said 5 years ago
Great story! Love the colors. Congrats on the feature
Gwynne Collins from DaysLongGone said 5 years ago
Thanks for sharing your story! Congrats on the feature!
Relly from RelsFindsNapaValley said 5 years ago
Very interesting success story. Way to go Jemima... Congratulations on the special feature of your shop Lost Property Hong Kong!
Melissa from adorablyimperfect said 5 years ago
Great shop! I really love watching businesses grow and you're about to burst at the seams, (pun intended). Congrats on the article!
CHIC FLAG from ChicFlag said 5 years ago
Thank you and congrats....
Marilú from MVDesignInk said 5 years ago
Great shop! Congratulations on the feature!
Priscilla from Gardenmis said 5 years ago
Beautiful shop! Congrats :)
April Armistead from AprilNicoleArt said 5 years ago
Love the color choices! Congrats on the feature ♥
Snazzy Living from Snazzyliving said 5 years ago
Congrats on the feature. Love the product colors.
HydrangeaJewelry from HydrangeaJewelry said 5 years ago
Beautiful colours ! I love the colour match! Congrats!
kim rhodes-thomas from pinksnakejewelry said 5 years ago
Wonderful Post!! Congratulations on Feature!! Great Colors!!
Jafeth Moiane from handicraftafrica said 5 years ago
Beautiful shop! Congrats on the feature!
Lauren Kelly from ThistleandFox said 5 years ago
Brilliant! I'm so happy to see your shop & your story featured Jemima :) I've been admiring and bookmarking everything in your shop as sources & inspiration for upcoming projects. Yes, its true, you are fulfilling a need in the Australian world of crafters! x
BonTons from BonTons said 5 years ago
Beautiful shop! Congratulations on the Feature!
Nancy from HerMajestysPug said 5 years ago
Bravo Jemima!! J'adore your beautiful designs!! Congrats on being featured!! And, here's to beaucoup more success !!! Pugs & kisses
Judy W from JudyHandmadeCreation said 5 years ago
Congrats on the feature!
sewmygoodnessllc from SewMyGoodnessLLC said 5 years ago
The picture with all the ribbons.....love it! So many beautiful colors. I will not collect ribbon, I will not collect ribbon.....well, maybe. Congrats!
Rachel Smith from senselessart said 5 years ago
Go Jemima! This lady is so inspirational!
Diana Waggoner from NaturalVictorianSoap said 5 years ago
Wow, congrats on the feature! You have an amazing shop. :)
Pathumwadee Pathumwan from Hippiegardenshop said 5 years ago
Beautiful shops : )
Two Guys From Brooklyn from AhsenGifts said 5 years ago
Great supply shop! Congratulations on the feature! Two Guys From Brooklyn
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 5 years ago
Great article! Congrats!
Etrennes from Etrennes said 5 years ago
Beautiful work! Wishing you all the best for continued success!!!
marthes from marthes said 5 years ago
Wow I feel like I have found treasure! So glad I have found you Jemima. Such a great story all the best for 2016 and the years ahead.
Liz and Phil Van D from lizystuff said 5 years ago
Lovely shop! Congratulations on the feature!
marybatik from marybatik said 5 years ago
perfect shop!
Cheryl Berry from PretticoateJunction said 5 years ago
Thank You for sharing your story and shop with all of us. Lovely items and feature. I wish you the greatest success for the future!
kevin pyne from CustomWW said 5 years ago
wow what a selection congrats!
Mike and Jess from JessiesOrientalRugs said 5 years ago
Love the colors, congratulations!!!
ACR from IntoTheBluePaintShop said 5 years ago
Wow, gorgeous work!!
Jen from thetrendytot said 5 years ago
OMG, I want to be your best friend, is that wrong? Love your shop and supplies!
Aphrodite Lucky Rat from LuckyRatJewellery said 5 years ago
Nice shop!
Julie Grzesiek from GlassLake said 5 years ago
I love all of the beautiful colors! Congratulations on your success! :-)
Jovita from alabatis said 5 years ago
Wonderful shop! Congratulations!
Natalia from Nikifashion said 5 years ago
Awesome work! Great feature! Congrats!
Terri Smith from DimplesDragonflies said 5 years ago
Sensational Feature! Congrats!
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 5 years ago
Great array of colors! gorgeous work! Congratulations!
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 5 years ago
Absolutely lovely! Wonderful work and colors.
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 5 years ago
beautiful colors and ideas !
Proton ThreeD from Proton3D said 5 years ago
great shop, congrats!
JOANNA from BUSTANI said 5 years ago
Great shop! Congratulations!
Niki from CaramelAppleBooks said 5 years ago
Interesting shop name! Congrats on the feature.
Carol from MasCollected said 5 years ago
what a wonderful niche you've filled and gone past that too. thank you for your inspiring sharing and congratulations on the feature. Best wishes.
Sarah Milligan from iHeartStitchArt said 5 years ago
What an amazing selection! I'm drooling. Congrats on your success!
Kalpana Agrawal from artntextile said 5 years ago
Thank You for sharing your story and shop with all of us. Lovely items and feature. I wish you the greatest success for the future!
Kathy Johnson from kathyjohnson3 said 5 years ago
So interesting! I love your rope bowls, very pretty and creative!!
Liana from COCOandLI said 5 years ago
Congrats! Your workspace is GORGEOUSSSS
Melissa Partridge from ColorMelissa said 5 years ago
Love all the colors!!! Congrats on the feature!!
iskrapetra from MamaFiber said 5 years ago
Such a nice story! And beautiful products - I love bright colours myself! I admire your sense of the market and the positioning of your business, well done! Wishing you the best of luck and success!! Iskra
birdhouseaccents from birdhouseaccents said 5 years ago
Congrats
Jo England from DaydreamPatterns said 5 years ago
Hi Jemima, Great story on your beautiful shop! We will have to catch up again in Sham Shui Po!
Hajira Gibb from HajiraKG said 5 years ago
So happy to read about you. I'm from Hong Kong, moved to Singapore a year ago. Thank you for sharing and wish you much success :)
Dikla Harel from Albertinaboutique said 5 years ago
Beautiful and colorful shop!!! Congrats on your feature!
Stacy from TinySacredThings said 5 years ago
Your offerings are beautiful. I love the coiled rope bowls and plan to check out your kits. What a great idea. Best wishes for your continued success.
Elizabeth Mazurkiewicz from CrossStitchElizabeth said 5 years ago
Beautiful work.
Beadersland from Beadersland said 5 years ago
Very inspiring! Congrats, Jemima... Reminded me on how I get hook on, from beading to sourcing for supplies and ...supplying ‘supplies’. Everyone has their story. Yours is a amazing one !! thumbs Up !!
atlas atlas from starshopboutique said 5 years ago
Beautiful shop!
Vintage Gypsy Studios from BohemianGypsyCaravan said 5 years ago
Cool shop !
Olga Guzhevnikova from MurMurik said 5 years ago
great !!
Yarn shop from PetiteWool said 5 years ago
Congratulations on the feature!
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 5 years ago
I love the colors !!!
Alesha Braitenbach from awakenapothecary said 5 years ago
Congrats on the feature! I myself just started an ETSY shop, and am finding it a little overwhelming. It's nice to know that others have started where I am, and ended as inspirations to others. I love your work!
Renata Sponn Design from Sponndesign said 5 years ago
Congratulations! Beautiful shop:)
wanida kunchiang from wanidacotton said 5 years ago
Beautiful shop!! Congrats on your feature!!
Ombretta from indielabvintage said 5 years ago
so nice work and beautiful colors! congrats!
TDesigns from TDesigns2 said 5 years ago
Nice colors
Rasa Rabaciene from PRINTDECOstudio said 5 years ago
Nice shop and amazing colours!
Maria Novaes from SiverLining said 5 years ago
Really useful.Very atractive. I love doing handmade, besides my jewelry. I think I'm going to buy a Diy kit-they're amazing
UNEMPLOYED Custom Orders Wanted USA Made Superhero Cufflinks Wedding Jewelry from boloties said 5 years ago
Congratulations on your store feature and business success!
Katy Allgeyer from ArtBarn said 5 years ago
love your brilliant kits!
Violeta from Cintura said 4 years ago
I'm drooling over the materials! So glad to make this discovery!
Flair Nouri from FlairPaintings said 4 years ago
very nice shop!!!
Amber Hickey from BesosjewelrybyAmber said 4 years ago
Such beautiful work! I LOVE all of the color! :)