heysewcute

Hi, I’m Hyejung — a nurse, a mum, and the founder of HeySewCute.

I was born and raised in South Korea, where I worked as a nurse alongside my husband. Life was fast, demanding, and often overwhelming. We dreamed of something quieter — a life where we could raise our family surrounded by nature and peace. In 2011, we made the biggest decision of our lives: we sold everything and moved to New Zealand with our newborn baby.

We arrived in Palmerston North with very little — just our baby, some savings, and a lot of hope. My husband had to study again to convert his nursing license, and I stayed home, caring for our baby and learning English from scratch. The early years were hard: cold, damp flats, old cars, sickness, and uncertainty. But we kept going.

Eventually, he got a job at a small rural hospital in Kaitaia — our last chance before giving up. We were so grateful. Life slowly changed. We moved to Whangārei so I could study and become a nurse again in New Zealand. After eight years of effort, I passed my exams and joined the nursing workforce. Together, we worked, raised our children, and built a home — and I even created the garden I used to dream of.

When our second child was born, I reduced my nursing hours and finally pursued a long-held dream: starting my own creative brand. That’s how HeySewCute began — a blend of handmade warmth, joyful design, and meaningful storytelling.

For years, we hesitated to apply for citizenship because it meant letting go of our Korean nationality. But New Zealand, with time, became more than a place — it became home. We are now proud citizens of this beautiful country, and I’m even prouder to share HeySewCute with you.

How HeySewCute Began — And Where It's Headed
HeySewCute started with a sewing machine in a little sunny studio beside my garden in Whangārei, New Zealand. I began by making clothes and gifts for my children, but soon I realised — I wanted to build more than just a hobby. I wanted to build a brand that reflects joy, creativity, and everyday beauty.

At first, everything was handmade. Every stitch was done by me, and each item carried the warmth of something truly personal. But as time went on, I found myself dreaming bigger. I wanted more people to experience the HeySewCute vibe — the charm, the colours, the comfort — even if I couldn’t sew every single piece myself.

That’s when I introduced a second line: thoughtfully designed and curated items, often made in collaboration with trusted manufacturers. These are not mass-produced products grabbed at random. Each one is chosen, adjusted, and packaged by me — with the same care and heart I bring to my handmade pieces.

To make things clearer:

“Handmade by HeySewCute” means I made it myself in my studio.

“Curated by HeySewCute” means it's carefully selected, sometimes co-designed, and always packed with love in NZ.

Some people have been confused — “I thought you made this yourself?” — and I totally understand. That’s why I’m working harder to be transparent and share the full story behind my growing brand.

I’m also excited to start creating new items like custom photo magnets and magnet bookmarks – small ways to turn memories into moments of joy.

HeySewCute is no longer just a handmade label – it’s a lifestyle brand rooted in creativity, warmth, and thoughtful design. Whether handmade or curated, everything I offer is made to brighten your day.

Thanks for being part of this journey 💛
– Hyejung