It started with a pair of overalls for her baby boy and became a successful children’s clothing business, shipping items all over the world. Now Jodie Porter is a grandmother, and her handcrafted clothing is as popular as ever.
It began soon after Jodie had her first baby. As a new mum, wanting the best for her bub, she was disappointed by the clothing she found on the shelves.
“There were high-end options that I’d buy for my son and like all kids, he’d get dirty. The problem was the fabrics didn’t wash well, meaning the clothes didn’t last.
“So I decided to make my own. I started with a classic, corduroy overall and had so many compliments that I made extras to sell at markets. They were a hit.
“The overalls became so popular I hired someone to help me with the sewing because I couldn’t keep up with orders. Before I knew it Country Babes was born.”
Jodie created more classic designs to add to her brand such as moleskin coats, baby doll dresses, rompers and playsuits, putting a country twist on children’s fashion. She opened a store in Buninyong and began travelling to markets and agricultural field days. As her brand grew, so did praise for the style and quality of clothing.
Now known as Country and Vintage Babes, Jodie’s business has been operating in Ballarat for 25 years and to this day, Jodie still cuts the fabric herself and the clothes are sewn together by local ladies. This commitment to quality has ensured the brand maintains its look and reputation.
“My designs haven’t changed because our styles are functional. We change colours and fabrics to suit the season, but classic children’s clothes don’t date.”
Jodie has also been very particular in the fabrics she uses. Everything is Australian made, sourced mostly from Melbourne, and this is because the quality is unmatched.
“Clothing that lasts longer than one child – that’s what I’m chasing. Our moleskin coats last for generations because the fabric is made in Australia. No one offshore has ever been able to replicate the same quality that we can achieve here. It’s that good.
“We also use classic ginghams, linens and cotton. It’s beautiful and it’s durable. Mums love it because it’s comfortable for their children to wear and it washes well.”
The success and longevity of Jodie’s business also stems from her dedication to evolve with the times. She moved her store from Buninyong to a more central location in Sturt Street; embraced party planning during its peak in the 90s; and went online, which took her products as far as the US and Europe.
“At one stage I had 10 reps on the road doing party plans because it was such a big market in that era, and Etsy was instrumental in sending our product abroad. I’ve just continued to do what’s needed to meet our customers, because I love what I do.”
Now located in the Block Arcade, Jodie’s store has continued to expand and customers are coming back again and again.
“I feel our customer service is something special. We love talking to people who come in and we are more than happy to help by putting together a baby bundle for anyone who feels they don’t know what to buy.
“Shopping for a baby is an emotional purchase, so even before we show someone our range we’ll chat to them about the baby – ask if they know the name and if they’ve met the baby yet.
“I think it’s really important to share the excitement of their experience.”
Coming into Autumn, Jodie has a clear idea of what we’ll see on her shelves.
“Chocolate brown, beige and earth tones will be popular, and navy is always a classic, especially for boys. I like to concentrate on boys’ wear because I think it tends to get lost.
“I’ll be back at the Ag Field days again soon because I love those. Country people are the best to hang out with and there is such a strong level of pride in being from the country, now more than ever before. It’s great to be a part of that.”
Though Jodie now has her store stocked with additional brands and products, she remains committed to the clothes that began her business all those years ago.
“You can’t work for me unless you can sew a button on. There is always manufacturing going on so you have to be able to handle a sewing needle.
“I want to keep the handmade element for as long as I can and it shouldn’t be a problem while I still have the staff and can source the fabrics. It’s what makes us who we are.”
Country and Vintage Babes is located in the Block Arcade, entry via Doveton Street or Myer. You can also shop online or on Facebook and Instagram.
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