Meet The Team: Michelle

Founder Story

How did the idea first come to life?
My son Jett was diagnosed with autism, and one of the major issues he had was sensory dysregulation. He would have up to 12 to 14 meltdowns a day. I found that compression helped, but there was nothing on the market that offered a non-restrictive style you could wear all day, and that would constantly and effectively calm the system and alleviate meltdowns.

Did you ever imagine JettProof would grow into what it is today?
I saw the impact that it made on Jett and realised how much the product could help others. However, I didn't believe, as an autism mum with four children (one was a newborn), that I would have time to start a business. I was inspired when my mum walked into the house and said, 'Michelle, you have to do this for other people.' I knew my mum was right, and that other parents, like me, would also be searching for ways to support their child. At that moment, I knew I could help others and that I had to put my head down and make it happen.

What was one of the earliest challenges you faced, and how did you navigate it. 
Well, one of the earliest challenges was getting the message out there. As well as finding a balance for my family. In those early days, Jett was nonverbal, and we had a newborn and two teenagers in the house, so that was probably the main challenge. I was trying to juggle being a working mum with a house full of kids.

JettProof has a strong purpose— "We love changing lives." What does 'changing lives' mean to you personally?
Changing lives honestly is such a strong way to describe it. If I can help a family live an easier life, keep the family unit together, and take the pressure off the siblings as well as the individual wearing the clothing, that's what I call changing lives.

Is there a customer story or moment that has really stayed with you over the years
I've got thousands of stories I could share; some are extremely emotional, like seeing kids come home from group homes because of positive behavioural changes. To me, that is so special and when an Occupational Therapist called me and said, "I've been working with this child for years, and each session they sit in the corner, I put a JettProof singlet on and all of a sudden she ran across the room, and she's mobile again." She was just so shocked at the positive difference the singlet made. Sometimes I get kids calling to say thanks for my JettProof; it makes me feel happy. These stories make my heart sing.

How did your background make you the ideal person to develop these products?
I started in the textile industry at 21, so I have a lifetime of experience across different types of textiles, working with mills and designing product ranges. Those years of manufacturing textiles and product design, as well as being an Autism mum, I think, made me the perfect person to take on this role.

Can you explain the role of CalmTex® in shaping JettProof's success?
So, I needed a breathable fabric to make the product suitable for all seasons. I also needed a light fabric so customers could wear it under their favourite clothes. I didn't want the clothing to be restrictive and needed to ensure comfortable movement, because I knew any discomfort would be a barrier to those with sensory needs. I understood that weighted products offer very heavy compression, which, over time, people build resistance to and therefore limit long-term support. I needed a fabric for all-day, every-day wear that wouldn't compromise the sensory compression. I also knew it was important that the product be high-quality, durable, and not lose shape, and that easy washability would be very important too. CalmTex® was the only fabric that could do all these things.

How involved are you in the product development process today?
I'm very hands-on still. Always looking for that next idea to help our community. I have an in-house team that helps me, and we develop together. It's exciting to test different product prototypes.

Is there a product you're especially proud of or one that marked a turning point for the brand?
It has to be the singlet. It's the tool that I use every day for my family and myself. It makes a massive difference. If we didn't have that singlet, we would be quite stuck, literally stuck at home. It calms my son's sensory system so he can go out and handle social situations, do some part-time work, and so on. So it's made an incredible difference to our lives. And it keeps many families living in harmony.

What does a great team look like to you, especially in a purpose-driven business like JettProof?
I'm very particular about my team and the work culture. I want people who actually love coming to work every day and are as passionate about making a difference as I am. I have many Autism parents or siblings and some employees who are on the spectrum themselves. I support flexible work arrangements and ongoing training as I believe a strong work/life balance and growth opportunities are key to keeping a great team together.

How important is collaboration for your team?
Collaboration is really important to me. We've got such a variety of people at our factory and our offices, and I love getting their input. We tend to get everyone involved in new product designs at some point. It's amazing the ideas and input we get from different team members. So many of them have such insight and a personal understanding of our customers' needs.

What has been one of your proudest moments as the founder of JettProof?
Honestly, it's just inventing a product that's made such a difference; it's a journey of the heart. It's helped my family so much, and it's been a way for me to help others. That's why I love doing what I do.

What excites you most about the future of JettProof?
I'm really excited about technology and how we can continually innovate and spread the word. I'm excited to continue to develop products that can help our community.

When you're not working, how do you like to unwind? 
I'm an animal lover, and I've got a 38.9kg dog and four horses. Also, I love spending time with my family and friends. I love game nights, and I'm big on arts and crafts. Our whole family will go to a painting session, a pottery class, or do some glass art. We tend to do a lot of things as a family, with my kids and their partners, and with my parents.