About Micaela

A Cup of Connection

Hi, I’m Micaela—mum to an amazing little boy named Quin, wife to my wonderful husband Jeff (an Australian-Philippine mix with family ties still rooted in the Philippines), and co-founder of TLCco Store. My days often start with a cold chai latte (because life as a parent rarely stops for hot drinks) and end with gratitude for the community that has grown around TLCco.

Parenthood has shown me life in all its chaos and beauty—messy moments, unexpected joys, and the deep connections we make along the way. It’s those connections that inspire everything we do at TLCco.

Building TLCco from the Heart

TLCco began as more than just an idea; it was a personal mission born from my journey into motherhood. With a background in children’s magazines and a lifelong love for kids’ fashion, I had always been drawn to the stories clothes can tell. But when I became a mum—after navigating fertility challenges and IVF—I saw how deeply clothing and connection intertwine.

The simple act of finding clothes for my son became part of a bigger journey. I started to think about the impact of our choices, the importance of sustainable living, and the need for support and kindness in parenthood.

TLCco grew from those reflections. Together with my wonderful friend and co-founder, Jane, we created a place that isn’t just about clothes but about connection, community, and care.

Stories in Every Stitch

For me, clothing is more than fabric—it’s a way to carry memories and stories forward. When Quin outgrows an outfit, it’s bittersweet. That tiny onesie he wore during his first steps or the quirky PJs that made us laugh—they’re part of our family’s story, even if movies have never been part of his world.

At TLCco, every piece we stock is a continuation of someone else’s story. And when an item doesn’t meet our quality standards, it doesn’t go to waste. Those clothes are donated to grassroots initiatives close to my heart—causes that fight to improve the lives of women and children living in poverty, overcome period poverty, and rescue young girls from the horrors of sex trafficking.

These causes are deeply personal to me. Through Jeff’s family’s experiences and our connection to the Philippines, I’ve seen how poverty affects families, especially women and children. Knowing that TLCco can play even a small role in supporting these initiatives keeps me going on the hardest days.

A Parenting Journey, Redefined

Raising Quin has taught me to embrace the unexpected and approach each moment with compassion and flexibility. It’s reshaped not only how I parent but also how I connect with the families who come to TLCco.

I know how emotional it can be to let go of your child’s clothes—each item holds memories of milestones and everyday moments. That’s why we focus on creating a space where parents feel supported and understood. There’s no judgment here, just a shared understanding that we’re all navigating this journey together.

Why Connection Matters

For me, TLCco is about more than just running a business; it’s about fostering a community. It’s a place where parents can laugh, cry, and feel truly seen. Whether it’s through a heartfelt conversation in-store, a Mamma Mingle session, or simply knowing that someone else cares about their journey, TLCco is here to make parenthood feel a little less lonely.

We don’t ask intrusive questions, and we never make assumptions. Instead, we meet every family with kindness and respect, because every journey is unique.

A Bigger Purpose

Beyond clothes and community, TLCco is about creating impact. Every purchase helps us support initiatives that align with our values—whether it’s funding research to make pregnancy and birth safer, combating isolation in parenthood, or giving back to grassroots projects that empower women and children.

It’s about creating a ripple effect of good, one small step at a time.

Looking Ahead

As I look to the future, I hope TLCco continues to grow as a place where families feel at home, supported, and cared for. My dream is to reach more parents, support more causes, and keep making a difference—not just in the lives of our customers but in the wider world.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Whether you’re shopping, sharing, or just stopping by, you’re part of something truly special, and I’m so grateful for you.

With love,

Micaela xx