Meet Emma James-Skey
Emma is the founder of Cozie Dozie Co, a business based in Mount Larcom in Central Queensland. A proud Gamilaraay and Kamilaroi woman, Emma launched her business while navigating early motherhood, creating a unique and practical children’s product inspired by her own family’s needs. With the support of Many Rivers, Emma has turned an idea into a growing retail and online business.
Read more about Emma’s business journey so far:
About the business
My business is called Cozie Dozie Co. I started it when I was 38, about five months postpartum with my youngest child, and I officially registered the business in October last year. I didn’t receive my first stock until Christmas, so that’s when I really began operating.
I created a product called the Joey Cozie Dozie, which is a children’s lounger that combines elements of a swag, a pillow bed and a portable rest space. It’s designed to be filled at home using pillows, foam or recycled materials, which aligns with my philosophy of renew, reuse and recycle.
The product is made using 70% recycled linen sourced from India, with a waterproof backing. It meets all ACCC safety standards for children’s products, with no straps, buckles or hazards. It took a lot of work to get here, including developing patterns and working with multiple textile companies before finalising the product.
What were you doing before you made contact with Many Rivers? What was your previous work experience?
I’ve been a hairdresser since I was 16, and I still run a small home salon. But after having my third child, I wasn’t able to return to full-time work, especially with three young kids to care for.
At the time, I needed something I could do that didn’t rely on using my hands all day, particularly as I was dealing with postnatal depression and lack of sleep. This business became something for me during that time.
Working with Many Rivers
I actually found Many Rivers myself. One night, while I was up late, I searched online for help for Indigenous people wanting to start a business. Many Rivers came up, and I decided to send an email. I received a call the very next day, and that’s when I was connected with Colin. That would have been around the end of October last year.
I needed something for myself during a really challenging time. I had a newborn who wasn’t sleeping, I was experiencing postnatal depression, and I couldn’t return to my usual work. I also knew I wouldn’t be going back to full-time hairdressing until at least 2030, so I wanted to create something that worked around my family and gave me purpose.
At the beginning, Colin and I had general conversations about my idea, the product and where I wanted to take it. Once I had samples ready, we met in person and started working more deeply on the business.
Colin helped me set up my social media, guided me through the loan process, and supported me in building my financials and business plan. I would send him all my notes and numbers, and he would turn them into structured spreadsheets.
He also connected me with an insurance broker to ensure I had the right coverage for a children’s product manufactured overseas. Together, we researched ACCC safety requirements to make sure my product met all regulations. Without Colin’s support, I wouldn’t have been able to move forward or secure a loan.
The most useful parts were the business coaching, the loan, and the support around my dyslexia.
I have severe dyslexia and struggle with spelling and numbers, but Colin never made me feel judged. He helped me understand everything and translated my information into something usable for banks and planning.
Having someone who believed in me and supported me in that way made a huge difference.
Did you get a loan from Many Rivers? How did you use the loan?
Yes, I received a loan through Many Rivers. I used it to purchase my first bulk order of stock.
My supplier requires orders in batches of 100, and with currency conversion, that can be over $5,000. Without the loan, I wouldn’t have been able to bring my product to market.
Biggest Challenge
The biggest challenge has been building engagement and reaching customers, especially through social media.
I had never used platforms like Instagram or TikTok before, so learning how to create content and build an audience has been difficult. With the current economy, sales have also been slower than expected, so converting engagement into sales has been challenging.
Biggest Success
My biggest success has been my confidence and how well the product has been received.
Customers who purchase the product love it and often want to buy more or request an adult version. I’m now working on developing an adult-sized product called the Buck, which is a big milestone for me.
Going from an idea and a pattern to a functioning business with a second product in development is something I’m really proud of.
Biggest Change
The biggest change has been my mindset and mental health. Having something for myself has made a huge difference. It has also become something my whole family is involved in. My kids help with stock, and they all use the product.
My eldest daughter, who is being assessed for autism, uses her Joey as a safe space. It helps her self-regulate, especially when we’re out. Seeing how it supports her led to a local therapy service purchasing the product for their clinic, which was incredibly meaningful.
Future Goals
In the next three years, I want to expand the Joey and the Buck into multiple colours and introduce seasonal releases.
I’d like to grow both my online presence and retail footprint, and eventually have my products stocked in Western stores. My goal is to be recognised as a product designer and build a strong, sustainable brand.
Thank you Emma for sharing your business journey with us. We wish you the best of luck with future endeavours and business success.
If you would like to stay updated with Emma’s small business, follow “Cozie Dozie Co” through the following links:
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