When a tired new mum took a much-needed break, she never expected to dream up a tiny invention that would bring joy, meaning, and a little digital magic to gift-givers everywhere.
When Melissa Jarvis first started designing her own wedding invitations, it was out of a simple desire to make something handmade and heartfelt for those who meant the most to her. She didn’t expect it to evolve into a creative business, or spark a one-of-a-kind invention destined to redefine the art of gifting.
From her Sydney kitchen table, what began as a love for paper and craft eventually led to the creation of the Smart Fortune Cookie™ – a whimsical blend of tactile charm and clever technology. Now, under her brand Goose & Pebble, Melissa is bringing a fresh sense of joy and meaning to gifts, one cookie at a time.
The Spark Behind the Magic: A Personal Journey
The spark came during the early, sleep-deprived days of new parenthood. Melissa and her husband, both feeling worn out, decided to take a quiet day off. That pause led to something unexpected: an idea that struck like lightning.
“I knew instantly it was special,” Melissa recalls. “It felt golden.”
They envisioned a fortune cookie that could deliver unique daily fortunes – not on paper, but through a digital experience. After countless failed attempts, the first prototype came to life.
“It was imperfect, but it was ours, and it was the beginning of something magical,” says Melissa.
Hand-sculpted from clay in their home studio, each Smart Fortune Cookie™ is lightly scented and embedded with a tiny chip that reveals a unique digital fortune when tapped with a smartphone. No apps, no charging, just a small, surprising moment that delights the recipient and makes them feel seen.
A Gift That Resonates
What makes the Smart Fortune Cookie™ different isn’t just its novelty – it’s the feeling it gives. It bridges old-school sentimentality with a modern twist, offering something deeply personal in a world of mass-produced trinkets.
“People come to us because they want to give something thoughtful, something that shows they’ve truly considered the person receiving it,” Melissa says.
Goose & Pebble’s cookies have become popular as keepsakes, pick-me-ups, and birthday surprises. They resonate with sentimental hearts, curious minds, thoughtful gift-givers, and even tech enthusiasts, who love the clever twist on a classic. Many customers buy them for themselves too, as tiny reminders of joy, encouragement, and everyday wonder.
The Bigger Picture
Though Goose & Pebble has earned a devoted following, the journey hasn’t been easy. The road to that first cookie was filled with creative setbacks and doubts, but Melissa never gave up.
“Many people might not see the value in your creative journey at first,” she says. “But if it’s leading to something meaningful, something you truly believe in, it’s absolutely worth it.”
Now, Goose & Pebble is helping lead a quiet revolution in the world of gifting. At a time when more people are seeking thoughtful, handcrafted alternatives to fast-consumption culture, the brand stands out by offering experiences over objects, and connection over convenience.
What’s Next for Goose & Pebble?
While the Smart Fortune Cookie™ is the hero product, Goose & Pebble also offers a small selection of handcrafted stationery – another nod to the brand’s design roots and love of tactile beauty.
But it’s the cookie that’s putting this Sydney studio on the map. Whether it’s featured in a holiday gift guide or shared between friends “just because,” the Smart Fortune Cookie™ continues to spark smiles and inspire curiosity.
In Melissa’s words, “I think the world needs more gifts that surprise us, uplift us, and remind us of the beauty in small things.”
And with that, Goose & Pebble might just be creating a little revolution, one tiny cookie at a time.
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