EMMA JAE CUSTOM LASER DESIGNS

At k.financeco, we’re all about backing small businesses - and in this edition of Kingston Uncovered, we sat down with Emma - the creative force behind Emma Jae Custom Laser Designs.

A business built not just from passion, but from a deep and personal purpose.

FROM "TEARS TO CHEERS"

Emma’s entrepreneurial journey began in the most heartfelt of ways. When her niece was born, she wanted to gift something special to her sister - something that would celebrate the little (and sometimes chaotic) milestones of early parenthood. She filled a hamper with piccolo champagnes, mini spirits, and handmade milestone tokens - each to be opened at a particular parenting moment, from “First sleep through the night” to “Code Brown”.

The hamper got laughs and love, and even sparked an idea: maybe this could be a business. So she launched her first venture, Tears to Cheers, and hit the local markets. But alcohol-based gifts come with limitations: tricky margins, advertising restrictions, and over time, it just didn’t feel aligned anymore.

Emma on the right, Kate on the left, and Emma Jae Custom Laser Designs BODY BOARD in our hands

A PIVOT WITH PURPOSE

Around the same time, Emma’s son Harvey, then not yet 3, was diagnosed with Level 3 autism. As a non-verbal, neurodiverse child, Harvey’s needs were complex and deeply personal. Their home became filled with printed visual aids, laminated communication boards, and DIY systems to help him express how he was feeling.

One day, Emma began using her laser engraver (originally bought for making tags for real estate settlement boxes) to recreate some of the tools she’d been using at home - but in wood, with beautiful design, and lasting quality. That small act sparked a major change.

She shifted her focus, and began designing purpose-built resources that help neurodiverse kids feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Emma Jae Custom Laser Designs Body Board - with moveable band-aid stickers to help neurodivergent children to communicate where they need help.

CUSTOM IS EVERYTHING

What makes Emma Jae Custom Laser Designs so special isn’t just the craftsmanship - it’s the fact that every single piece is custom-made. Emma doesn’t wholesale, mass-produce or take a “one-size-fits-all” approach. She knows that what works for one child may not help another.

“Customisation is everything,” she says. “Especially when it comes to children with additional needs.”

Whether it’s a communication board, a cubby house sign, or a visual aid for schools - Emma creates with intention. Her products are full of joy, purpose, and a whole lot of heart.

k.financeco's very own custom keyring - made by Emma Jae Custom Laser Designs

You can order your own custom keyring through their website

BIG WINS AND BEST ADVICE

Her proudest moment so far?🏆 Winning the City of Kingston’s Diversity & Inclusion Sustainability Award.

And the best piece of advice she ever received?

“Stay in your pyjamas.”

(It came from her mum - when you're feeling sick, as a busy mum, staying in your pyjamas tells yourself (and the world!) that you TRULY need a break)

BRB - we're just off to purchase 75 pairs of pjs immediately.

WHY THE CITY OF KINGSTON?

Emma is a true local - having lived in Parkdale and now Chelsea Heights. She chose to stay in the City of Kingston not just for the space, but for the sense of community.

“There’s a real feeling of connection here,” she says. “The council genuinely cares, and there’s so much support for small business.”

HER BUSINESS IDOL?

If Emma could trade places with someone for a day, it would be local artist Deb McNaughton—the woman behind the colourful rainbow poles in Mordialloc.

“She’s just so cool. She oozes it. Creative, kind, and just an all-round vibe.”

MORE LOCAL LEGENDS

Emma also gives big shoutouts to two powerhouse women:

• @halihelper – a virtual assistant genius!

  
  

• @weidsmarketing – a marketing expert and book club host

  
  

WHAT'S NEXT?

Emma’s mission is growing. She’s working to get her resources into local schools, creating more inclusive tools for children who learn and communicate differently. She’s spoken with MPs like Tim Wilson, and is passionate about being a go-to resource for teachers, parents, and kids.

And yes—the Christmas chimneys are coming soon!

Above all, Emma is driven by one clear goal:💜 Inclusion.

She wants every child to feel heard, supported, and celebrated.

SUPPORT EMMA

Follow her journey on Instagram at @emmajae.customlaserdesigns

Shop local. Share her story. Help spread the message of inclusion and purpose.

Want your business featured on Kingston Uncovered?

We’re always on the lookout for passionate local legends.

Reach out to hello@kfinanceco.com.au and let’s make it happen.