MEI Schools Class of 2004 alumnus Jackie (Dick) Gutjahr’s connections to MEI date as far back as the late 1980’s when she modelled as a toddler in a school fashion show! Beginning in grade 8, she took sewing lessons all the way to grade 12, a skill she would later find invaluable when she launched her business. Jackie is the owner and operator of Oh Sew Baby, currently the most affordable, Canadian owned, handmade ring sling and wrap company.
Jackie with husband Curtis, and daughters Olivia and Chloe
After graduating from MEI in 2004, she attended UBC where she obtained a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering, and met her husband, Curtis Gutjahr. In 2014, they welcomed their first daughter, Olivia, and Jackie discovered a deep love for babywearing, the practice of carrying a child close against one’s body in a fabric or buckle/panel carrier. Once she designed a few of her own carriers using her sewing skills and growing knowledge of the babywearing industry, she was hooked, and Oh Sew Baby was created in February 2016.
MEI Grade 12 sewing class (taught by Mrs. Gail Harder), on the last day of school in 2004
Along with the sewing skills Jackie learned at MEI, she came to a deeper understanding of the importance of faith and family. Her desire to prioritize those values in her own life is what led her to move away from her engineering career towards her own goal of raising her children at home and starting her own business, an endeavour which has proved to be the source of many blessings!
In Jackie’s own words, “I thought I was doing this to bless my own young family, but the reverse has also been true. I have been so blessed and supported by my husband, sister (Kim, MEI Class of 2002), sister in law, and parents Arnie (Teacher from 1981 to 2016), and Deanna Dick (1995 to 2016). My parents have recently retired, and stepped in to take care of my kids once a week to enable me to grow my business. My mother, former MEI sewing teacher, has also helped with the sewing when I’ve had high sale volumes. My sister has contributed her marketing, social media, and photography skills, without her I would have awesome baby carriers, but no one to buy !”
Since Oh Sew Baby started a year ago, Jackie has sold over 400 carriers and converted over 100 more into handmade ring slings. She has had the opportunity to collaborate with many of BC’s local businesses and artisans, forming many new friendships both professionally and personally. As well as running her business, Jackie volunteers for the local babywearing community, teaching new parents how to navigate the first few years of childhood by keeping their babies close and secure.
Throughout the next year, Jackie hopes to expand her online sales and develop new wholesale opportunities, both locally and nationally. As a family, she and Curtis want to revamp their backyard, learn how to garden together, and have several vacations planned for this summer with their two children!
Submitted by Jackie (Dick) Gutjahr, MEI Alumnus (2004)
Formal Day 2004. Jackie at left with hand made dress.
Senior girls volleyball game 2004. Jackie at right.
