It sounds simple, but it wasn't really about the lanyard. It was about the feeling of finally having something that was actually yours — not a compromise, not the closest match, but something made around your personality and who you actually are.

Mikaela knew that feeling wasn't unique to her. Teachers with generic school-issue lanyards. People with unusual names who'd spent their whole lives scanning gift shop shelves and walking away empty-handed. Anyone who'd ever bought something and thought "this is almost right." They all deserved better — and she was going to make it.

What started as one beaded lanyard in a spare bedroom is now a Melbourne studio making personalised accessories and teacher stationery for thousands of people who were tired of settling. The products have grown — lanyards, name badges, keychains, stamps, stickers and more — but the belief behind every single one of them hasn't changed a bit.

Mikaela

Founder & Creative Director

Former teacher turned full-time maker. Mikaela designs every collection, obsesses over every detail, and is probably packing your orders. She started MIKIBEADS because she believed everyone deserves something made just for them — and eight years later, she still believes it with her whole heart.

Camren

Studio Partner & Operations

The man who handles everything Mikaela is too excited to sit still for. Camren creates all your personalised pieces and somehow maintains calm when a new collection drops and listens to all Mikaela's crazy ideas.

"Together, we bring your personalised pieces to life in our studio — and we hope you love them as much as we adore making them."

"Everyone deserves something made just for them."

Whether you're a teacher who wants a lanyard that reflects your personality, someone who's never found their name on anything, or a gift buyer who wants to show someone you really know them, you found the right place.

Made with love in Melbourne — Mikaela & Camren 🩷