Oats is deeply rooted in fun, imagination and playing in nature. Our focus is on ethical brands that cultivates a sense of nostalgia and art within their designs. It was this that lead to 'Yesterdays' a collaboration with Guy Brock. Which saw his cartoon, matisse style give life to various everyday subject matter that would later fall into the pages of our colouring book and onto various go fish cards.
Guy studied graphic design with a specialisation in illustration. Between Aotearoa and Australia, he’s worked on numerous projects for fashion brands and posters for music acts, plus created large-scale murals. Guy’s signature naïve style and love of the minutiae of everyday activities made this collaboration simpatico.
We caught up with Guy on his lunch break as he waited for 'the best fish taco's in the city" (Fishsmith on Jervois of course!) Riding his bike down a brick alley way to meet founder Jordyn and her daughter Māya and answer a few questions...
WHERE DO YOU DRAW INSPIRATION FROM?
I draw inspiration from everyday life and activities that I take part in and like doing.
DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?
My style is bright, fun, almost like how a talented child would draw.
THINGS YOU DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Tennis, basketball, biking, working on cars and kicking it with my mates.
ANY ADVICE TO GROMS?
My advice to groms is work hard but play harder.
HEY GUY CAN YOU DRAW....
]]>WHAT SPARKED THE IDEA FOR OATS KIDS?
I explored the baby/kid clothing realm first hand after having my first. It was like this amazing new experience, but in all honesty, I found it very overwhelming. It felt like there was almost too many options and then not much consideration for the environment. Around birthdays I would buy very special pieces from businesses whose product reflected creativity and mindfulness. At playgrounds parents would ask and comment so I thought why not. Oats was born out of the devotion I feel as a mother to not only my children but ensuring they can grow, play and explore a beautiful clean world.
WHERE DID THE OATS NAME COME FROM?
Oats is an ode to our late grandpa. He was American and would always make sure the kids had their “oats”. Although we call it porridge here, my children have grown up calling it oats or “oaties”. It’s a meal they have most mornings and the first food they experimented with as babies. A true family staple in our kitchen is a bulk food bag of rolled oats.
DESCRIBE THE OATS AESTHETIC?
I suppose oats really embraces the connection between art and life. How both mimic one another. Drawing inspiration from summers spent living in Mallorca, Spain and bringing the Mediterranean to our shores here. Weaving in European summers with the classic kiwi Christmas’ we know and love. Oats really embraces these two worlds and our curation of products visually shows our love for design and quality.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR KIDS?
I have two kids. My son Rahsaan is 4, he is named after a jazz saxophonist – Rahsaan Roland Kirk. Who played three saxophones at a time and a flute out of his nose. Rahsaan seems more and more fitting as he grows. My son is courageous, explorer and skilled craftsman. My daughter is almost 2, Māya. She pretty much adores her brother and loves food. We are also expecting again in the new
year and I am excited to observe how the dynamic will change. Every kid is so different and wonderful.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED SINCE BECOMING A MOTHER?
Oh my goodness, there are so many lessons. I guess surrender is huge. I find if you carve some time for yourself regularly, having the patience to surrender comes a lot easier. Letting go of control and allowing there to be chaos and play.
WHAT’S IT LIKE BEING A NO-DEVICE FAM … ANY TIPS?
It’s hard at first for sure, It means having a craft basket with paper, paints, stamps, crayons at the ready. It actually becomes fun finding art shops and getting supplies. Sometimes I paint with the kids its very therapeutic. Being outdoors as much as possible also helps, I like to try the free-range kid thing by letting them be independent outdoors.
FAMILY RITUALS?
Oats! Every morning we have our breakfast first and foremost. The kids practically roll out of bed demanding a bowl. Another ritual we have adopted is the Spanish art of siesta. After a few hours of play outside we eat lunch and then the kids have a midday nap. It is honestly the best and I never want these years to end. It gives us a couple hours to either sleep, read, or whatever we feel we need to do. It also means those afternoon blues don’t affect the kids as much
RAINY DAY ACTIVITY?
We have a tonne of second-hand books for the kids. Encyclopaedias are great. My son can sit for hours just flicking through the pages and looking at photos of animals, or ships and various other things. We maintain that we don’t necessarily ‘entertain’ the kids, that boredom breeds creativity. They come up with incredible ways to have fun on their own that way.
FAMILY DISH?
This is hard. We love so much food! The kids’ favourite would have to be either their papa’s miso udon noodle soup or my garden pesto pasta.
FAMILY GETAWAY?
We love camping. The past year we camped on the kid’s god mothers land, on the barrier during easter, it was one of our fondest memories. If it’s not camping we are regularly visiting Tauranga and Mt Maunganui to be close to cousins and our gma.
WHAT DO YOU MISS ABOUT LIVING IN EUROPE?
I love the architecture. I miss walking around 100-year-old buildings. The beautiful cobble stone pavements and the cathedral’s stained glass windows.
HOW DO YOU TEACH YOUR KIDS SUSTAINABILITY?
It’s hard to teach them something like sustainability. They’re still very young. So instead, it’s more about respecting their environment. Leading by example and treading with care wherever we go. Camping also helps because you have to live minimally. We don’t stay at sites so being amongst the elements is a good way for kids to learn the basics.
HOW HAVE YOU FOUND THE JUGGLE BETWEEN MOTHERHOOD AND BUSINESS?
It has proven to be difficult for sure. I have an amazing partner who is supportive and just an amazing, intuitive father. It means I can focus on my work without worrying about the kids. I was severely sick with hyperemesis this pregnancy which made it difficult to juggle. I let go of expectation and pressure and decided that my business is going to truly reflect what is important. So, I make up my own rules within reason. I allow there to be flow and forgive myself on days where I could have done more. I create a work environment that balances the professionalism needed to run a business but the humanness needed to remain present in life.
WHAT’S THE STAPLES IN YOUR KIDS WARDROBES?
Good quality singlets & tees go a long way. Pants a size up so they last longer, rolling the legs never phased my two. And basic sweatshirts with warmer linings are great because they work with all seasons, my son loves the Bobochose or TAO designs.
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