Meet SA Woman Member, Jenny Davies.
Business Name: A J’s Simply Latex
Job Role: Owner
Tell us a bit about you:
When you first meet me I can be a little quiet and reserved, until I get to know people then I relax. I am fun loving, happy and easy going person who love a challenge and is always willing to help.
15 years ago I packed up my home and life into six boxes and made the big move, on my own, to SA to start a new relationship and have been happily married for 14 years. I have two grown up children, from my previous marriage, now 36 and 39 who chose to remain in the UK, both have happy in life and have successful careers.
Before leaving the UK I worked for a leisure/hospitality company as Business manager firstly at a gallery and craft centre and then a leisure centre. I love technology, am an Apple fanatic, and had always dreamt of working for them. That dream came true in 2013 when I was lucky enough to join an amazing team for the opening of the new Apple Store in Adelaide.
When I retired, in 2018, I imagined spending my time gardening, collecting cacti, playing video games, being Treasurer for the Cactus and Succulent Society, maybe taking up a craft and enjoying the beautiful environment I live in, just having a relaxing time. But that’s not me as I soon discovered that this wasn’t enough, I needed more, I got restless and bored, so I put together a plan to start up an online business.
Tell us a bit about your business or organisation/role:
Latex is a versatile fabric that, unlike other fabrics, you join together with glue rather than sew. What started as a hobby very quickly gathered momentum and soon turned into a plan for an online business. It’s been a journey of challenges starting with researching all about latex and the process and techniques involved in the construction of garments, to designing and building the website, and finding the best suppliers and countries to source fabric, accessories and materials needed from. Whilst there are other latex garment retailers in Australia, all the fabric has to be brought in from overseas, mainly the UK, which adds both time and cost to production. Currently my line includes skirts, dresses, aprons, chokers, wristbands and fingerless gloves, but the range will keep expanding as my knowledge and experience grow.
My goal is to try and help break down the barriers and the stigma that can be associated with latex and to make latex garments accessible for all walks of life and pockets. As well as designing and make latex garments and accessories, I plan to provide information and resources online to help others who wish to learn about the fabric and processes over come the challenges that I had.
How can we best contact you:
Phone Number: 0421 728 536
Website: Coming Soon!
Let’s get to know you a little more.
What is your favourite place in South Australia to visit?
The beautiful Adelaide Hills, especially where I live at Cudlee Creek.
Why is being part of SA Woman important to you?
Through a chance meeting, with a now good friend in Bangkok, I become good friends with an amazing group of ladies on the Sunshine Coast and I try and catch up with them 2 – 3 times a year. They network, meet up for lunches and have regular nights out and as I miss being able to join them, started to look around for similar groups of like minded, friendly and interesting ladies in Adelaide. That’s how I was fortunate to discover SA Woman. I am looking forward to being part of an amazing group of woman and being able to develop new friendships and business connections with women in Adelaide and SA. And hopefully finding a group of like minded women whom I can support and be supported by, as well as being good friends who are always ready for a laugh and a catchup.
What is a quote or mantra you live by?
Everything happens for a reason.
What region of South Australia are you in?:
Adelaide Hills