My name is Elise Norton, and I am the proud owner of Teacup Nethies, a business that specialises in washable and reusable absorbent fleece bedding for small pets. After experiencing a need for sustainable pet care solutions during my pregnancy, I reopened Teacup Nethies in 2019. Together with my husband, James, we have grown the business from our family property, now reaching communities across Australia and internationally. Our products have been embraced by veterinary clinics, pet stores, and families seeking a healthy, eco-friendly alternative for their beloved pets.
When did you start your business?
Teacup Nethies originally started in 2016 but closed briefly in 2018 due to my pregnancy complications. We re-opened in 2019 and have since grown tremendously.
What was the inspiration behind starting this business?
The business began out of personal necessity. During my second pregnancy, I needed a practical and sustainable solution for small pet bedding, which led to creating washable fleece liners. This quickly turned into a thriving business when I realised how many others needed the same solution.
What are you most excited about in your business?
I’m most excited about how our products make life easier for pet owners while providing a sustainable and healthy environment for their pets. The fact that we are expanding internationally and working with various communities, including veterinarians and special needs families, is a highlight.
What has been the most challenging thing about starting your business?
Balancing the growth of the business with my personal life has been the most challenging. Juggling three children, all were born prematurely, and managing the rapid growth of Teacup Nethies was demanding. But also keeping true to myself.
What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a business?
Believe in yourself, and don’t be afraid to start small. It’s okay to face challenges along the way, but persistence is key. You don’t need to have everything figured out from the beginning-just take that first step.
Why did you enter the AusMumpreneur Awards?
I entered the AusMumpreneur Awards to showcase the growth of Teacup Nethies and to share my story with other entrepreneurial mums. It was an opportunity to celebrate our achievements and inspire others.
What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?
I enjoyed connecting with other inspiring women who are also balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship. It was wonderful to celebrate each other’s successes and learn from their journeys.
What surprised you most about the awards?
The overwhelming support and sense of community from other participants really surprised me. It wasn’t just a competition but a platform for building relationships and mutual support.
How did the awards help you in your business?
The recognition from the awards helped to raise our profile and gave us additional credibility within the industry. It also
opened doors to new partnerships and customers.
What advice would you give to other mums thinking about entering the awards?
Go for it! Whether you win or not, the experience is invaluable. It’s a chance to reflect on your journey, celebrate your accomplishments, and connect with like-minded women.
What has been the best thing about starting your own business?
The best thing has been the ability to create a meaningful product that solves problems for others while also providing for my family. The flexibility of running my own business while balancing motherhood has been a blessing.
What’s happening next in your business?
We’re in the process of moving to a larger space to accommodate our growing demand. We’re also launching new products, like our Coreflute kitchen for C&C cages, and expanding into more international markets.
What are your big plans for the future?
Our big plans include further international expansion, collaborating with more veterinary clinics and pet stores, and continuing to innovate new products that make life easier for small pet owners. We’re also focusing on growing our impact through sustainability initiatives.
What is your website and/or social media links?
you can find us on Facebook and Instagram @teacupnethies
