Newcastle business woman wins 5 NSW AusMumpreneur Awards for calming sensory clothing

For immediate release

16.9.2020

Newcastle business woman wins 

5 NSW AusMumpreneur Awards

Michelle Ebbin of JettProof has taken out 5 prestigious awards in the 2020 AusMumpreneur, winning first prize in the Product Design, Global Brand and Product Innovation categories.

Michelle’s second place award categories were for Business Excellence Award (which was a people’s choice award) and Making a Difference (Business) Award. 

The AusMumpreneur Awards presented by The Women’s Business School celebrate and recognize Australian Mums in business achieving outstanding success in areas such as business excellence, product development, customer service and digital innovation. The awards are designed to recognize the growing number of women who successfully balance motherhood and business in a way that suits their life and family. 

Michelle is a wife and mum of 4 children.  She has invented and commercialised a range of Australian made, unique sensory compression clothing and products for children and adults with Anxiety, Autism, ADHD and other sensory based neurological conditions. 

She started JettProof in 2014 in her garage working solo, and after 6 years has a factory and warehouse in Newcastle which employs 19 people, as well as offices in the UK and Canada. Recently, she gave a TEDx Talk in Canada on “Purpose”. 

“My 10 year old son Jett was the inspiration behind my innovative brand, JettProof.  When he was 3, he was diagnosed with severe Autism, Global Development Delay and Sensory Processing Disorder, and was nonverbal.  Jett had up to 12 meltdowns most days and seeing the pain in his eyes was unbearable. 
 

I was desperate to find a product to help Jett stay calm, focused and responsive to language and instructions.  A worldwide search did not locate a suitable sensory based garment for children with these needs that would gently self-regulate a child and could be worn under regular clothing throughout the day, every day, for all seasons. So, I put on my entrepreneur hat and decided to make it myself.”

With more than 22 years of clothing manufacturing, design, export and marketing experience and an entrepreneurial spirit, Michelle developed a solution to help Jett and other families throughout the world.

Michelle is delighted that her work has been recognised, and is proud of her achievements, more recently the design of two new unique products which are now in high demand, backed by a research and development grant.

There are many benefits to balancing business and motherhood as Michelle explains, “I love living my purpose and making a difference to the lives of hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world.  I also love leading my team and creating a wonderful team culture and workplace environment. Many of my team have children on the spectrum, and I have created a workplace which provides flexibility for them to work hours that suit their family needs.  As a mumpreneur I have learnt to look behind the challenges and create the solutions.”

It can be challenging to be a successful business woman whilst raising a family and Michelle gives this advice for others thinking about starting their own enterprise. 

“Look at a business opportunity that you are passionate about and be prepared to work longer hours to build the business. Find an experienced mentor before committing to a business or idea and be part of a business networking community to have the support and contacts for you and your business.” 

“It’s important to ensure you can work on the business while having a good work/life balance, taking into account time for you and your family and friends.”

For an interview with Michelle Ebbin contact Lyn Thurnham 0418 490 989 or lthurnham@thurnhamteece.com.au

Or Michelle Ebbin

 0416283811, www.jettproof.com 
or email: michelle@jettproof.com.au