About Us

Candy & Kitsch is a rad Australian business specialising in all things sweet and nostalgic. Listen. We know candy (we have the fillings to prove it), and we know kitsch (where the beautifully tacky meets the sentimentally lowbrow). Both of which are our jam - so you know we live up to the business name. We're a one-stop-shop for unique gifts and one of a kind pieces. All of which are designed, handmade and assembled in house. Gotta love that personal touch, hey?

Our signature candy heart design looks good enough to eat, buuut all of our products aren't for consumption (soz). Instead, you can wear your heart on your sleeve, collar, wall... or anywhere, really. Why? Because we have a candy heart for every occasion (duh!). With an assortment of products ranging from brooches to elaborate seasonal wreaths, there really is a C&K creation for everyone.

Talking business is cool and all, but who IS Candy & Kitsch?

About Jess

Meet the Maker

So, who is the hell is this Candy Heart Queen and Wreath Makin' Machine?

Jess is a 30-something-year-old with over a decade under her belt when it comes to running (aka: winging) a small business. As someone who has worn many hats over her lifetime, nothing has made her feel more at home than creating and making.

This shit ain't a choice, it's a lifestyle, homie. Jess has flexed her creative muscles for as long as she can remember. Her unwavering desire to create paved the way through her school years. This was then followed by art school, university, freelancing as a photographer, studying business to then eventually settle into where she is today.

This blue-haired, boilersuit lovin' pug mama from the 'burbs is fairly introverted and enjoys being a homebody. Jess generally experiences her most creative moments late at night (talk about a blessing and a curse) and can often fall down hyperfocus rabbit holes. This is usually when her best ideas start to unravel into gold #ADHDlife.

Now, with all the boring and woo-woo stuff aside, let's get to the important stuff:

Likes - Quoting The Simpsons at any given moment, Listening to Limp Bizkit on repeat, wearing ugly-comfy clothes and pugs.

Dislikes - Anyone who doubts her commitment to Sparkle Motion. And Nickelback.

The Supervisors

Although Jess is famous for creating her own chaos in the studio, rest assured, all items don't leave the C&K production line without all the checks and balances. Talk about a segway, because this brings us to our residential squishy faced crew...

AKA Bleeding Gums Morphie

Morpheus

Morpheus the pug is a gentle big boi with a heart of gold. He's retired his mischievous escapee ways (he was the OG "Door Dash" before it became a convenience service) and has settled into the senior life of sunbaking, snoozing and snacking. But don't let his slow and mellow lifestyle fool you. He means business and takes his supervisor title very seriously.

Morph is responsible for overseeing the C&K team. He ensures morale is maintained, and that life in the studio is moving as efficiently as possible. He embraces regular snack breaks when achievements have been met and is quite the tapdancing champion! Morphie isn't afraid to have his voice heard... even when it sometimes involves barking at clouds. And shadows. And the lawnmower. Did we mention the postie, too? Considering his loving nature (and limited teeth), it's safe to say Morph really is all bark and no bite.

AKA Bubby Gums

Cola

Cola the pug is a firecracker. Who knew such a tiny package could hold such a big personality? Cola can often be found obsessing over her toys (mainly her favourite orange ball), begging others for "one last game" of fetch and invading everyone's personal space. As the fasted pug in the South East, some call her the puggy pocket rocket.

Cola makes sure all C&K products are packaged up appropriately and shipped in a timely manner. Consistency is key, and she knows how important it is to ensure the customer's experience isn't a dog's breakfast. It's no walk in the park, though. She sometimes has to chase the postie down to make the pickup afternoon cut off. Who better for the job, though? Cola is so dedicated, she even taste tests the surprise lollies that go into each order to make sure they're of top quality. We all know she has expensive taste and isn't easily impressed... we have two destroyed Apple Pens to prove it.

Where to Find Us

Events and Appearances

Sorry, did you mean IN-PERSON? We have been known to take part in regular pop culture conventions and events, and look forward to adding many more to our calendar.

As we're still recovering from the pandemic hangover, we're taking things a little slow. We'll be sure to announce upcoming events soon, join our newsletter (bottom of page) to be the first in the know.

Not to brag or anything, but you may remember us from such appearances as:

Supanova Pop Culture Expo - Melbourne 2013, 2018, 2019, 2020

Oz ComicCon - Melbourne 2019

MadFest Anime Festival - Melbourne 2019

Animaga Expo - Melbourne 2019

Commonfolk Night Market 2019

Supanova Pop Culture Expo - Brisbane 2018

Etsy Made Local - Melbourne 2017, 2018

...and like the song that never ends, the list goes on and on, friends. You get the idea.

Although it should go without saying... because each item is designed and assembled in a private home studio, some pug “glitter” may creep into your order unintentionally. Although the aim is to keep this to a minimum, please be aware of this if you have pet allergies. We guess this is just our way of letting you know everything has officially been pug approved!

Where to Next?

Our Community

Patreon- perfect for if you've ever wanted to be in a gang, but without the bad juju.

Kind Words

Nice things said by nice people about nice experiences. NICE!

Frequently Asked Questions

If Q&A is your jam, buckle up.

We've been Featured In

The Pug Press

Gone are the days of chasing the mailman down the street... Join our mailing list for your puggy fix!