Just Like, Why?

Hi, I'm Tracey.

For years, I was on the hunt — not just for a business idea, but for the idea. The kind of cottage industry dream that didn’t just pay some bills but lit a fire in me. I wanted something small-batch, meaningful, and made with my hands — not just something mass-produced with a slapped-on label and a hefty markup. No thanks.

I’ve always been a maker at heart. I’d been dabbling, creating, crafting all kinds of things — but nothing quite fit. I had a tick list: it had to be beautiful, it had to feel personal, and it had to carry power. And then I met washi tape — and the whole damn game changed.

If you don’t know washi tape yet, let me introduce you. It’s a thin, durable, decorative paper tape straight from Japan — kind of like masking tape’s way hotter cousin. Think intricate patterns, stunning textures, soft matte finishes. I was obsessed. I could see the magic. But the what was still missing.

And then life gave me the final piece.

You see, I’ve lived through things I wouldn’t wish on anyone. I spent years in a abusive marriage, where I was called every name under the sun — especially those words. The ones society tells us we shouldn’t say. The ones meant to hurt, shame, silence.

But here's the thing: words only have the power we give them. And somewhere in my healing, I realised… maybe it was time to take them back. Not just for me, but for anyone who’s ever been told they’re “too much,” “too loud,” “too broken,” or “too mouthy.”

So there I was one day, quietly decorating the word “love” with my prettiest washi tape, feeling all warm and poetic. And then my daughter wandered in, looked at my work, and said, “It’s cute. But I’d buy it if it was a swear word.”

💥 BOOM.

Naughty Words Made Nice was born right there at the kitchen table.

Now, I handcraft every single piece — word by word, letter by letter — wrapping them in washi and reclaiming them with pride. These aren’t just pretty pieces for your shelf. They’re a little bit of therapy, a little bit of rage, a whole lot of humour, and a reminder that you get to decide what defines you.

For the rebels.
The survivors.
The swearers, the smilers, and the ones still healing.
This is for us.

Let’s take those “bad” words and make them f#cking fabulous.

Say It. Own it.  Fearlessly