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From Hobby to Full-Time Hustle: How J & K 3D Printing Is Creating a Better Future, One Layer at a Time
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"That’s when I thought: maybe I should try selling at markets. And that’s how this all started.”
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When Darron Boladeras first started experimenting with 3D printing, it was purely for fun. A passionate tinkerer and self-taught maker, he found joy in designing and printing creative pieces just to see what he could do. But like many great business stories, J & K 3D Printing began not with a grand plan—but with a single moment of unexpected demand.
“I started this business as a hobby a couple of years ago,” Darron shares. “In November, I thought I’d just try selling a few things online for fun. It went really well—just through word of mouth. That’s when I thought: maybe I should try selling at markets. And that’s how this all started.”
Now the founder of J & K 3D Printing, Darron is proud to run the business full-time to support his growing family—including two young children under the age of three. What began as a personal creative outlet has grown into a thriving small business with a loyal customer base, clever sustainable practices, and a mission grounded in love and ambition.
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Every product from J & K 3D Printing is brought to life using PLA, a biodegradable material that’s made from renewable resources like cornstarch and sugarcane. Unlike plastic-based items, PLA is kinder to the environment, and Darron is committed to ensuring his production process reflects that.
“All my waste is saved and reused in other products down the track,” he explains. “Nothing goes to waste.”
From custom figurines and useful gadgets to quirky household items and gifts, J & K 3D Printing offers a growing range of fun and functional creations. It’s not just the quality of the printing that impresses—it's the imaginative touch behind every item. And it’s all printed right here in WA.
Ask Darron when he knew he had something special, and the answer comes without hesitation. “I was just showing my old housemates some of the things I’d made,” he recalls. “And they asked if they could get 10 of them! I was like, ‘Yes—and wow!’ That was one of the first moments that really showed me people wanted what I was making.”
Since then, he’s taken his business on the road—testing markets, learning what products resonate with customers, and growing a community around his work.
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Big Dreams, Family-First Values
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While running a business as a full-time parent is no small feat, Darron says his children are his biggest motivation.
“My goals are to be able to support my family and grow the business—to give my kids an incredible life,” he says. “That’s why I do what I do.”
J & K 3D Printing is more than just a creative outlet—it’s a way for Darron to build a future with flexibility, stability, and purpose. “The biggest challenge has definitely been trying to find the right products and get consistent sales,” he adds. “But every market, every customer, helps move us forward.”
And there’s even more to come. From May 29, Darron will be opening a pop-up shop just outside the library in Gosnells, giving local customers a chance to browse his products in person for an entire month.
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What to Expect at the Market
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If you're heading to the Lissiman Street Markets this Mother's Day, Darron’s stall is a must-visit. Whether you’re after a thoughtful gift for mum, a clever gadget, or something that’ll simply make you smile, J & K 3D Printing has a little bit of everything — all designed and made right here in WA.
You can also get a sneak peek of what’s coming up — Darron will be opening a pop-up shop in Gosnells outside the library from May 29th for a full month.
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Why He Loves Lissiman Street Markets
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It’s makers like Darron that give markets like Lissiman their heart — passionate creatives who pour their energy into building something meaningful, not just for customers, but for their families and futures.
So, this Sunday, May 4th, come down to the Lissiman Street Markets, shop local, meet the makers, and find something truly unique. And don’t forget to stop by J & K 3D Printing to see how a hobby turned into a full-time family dream — one layer at a time.
To celebrate the occasion, shoppers can take advantage of a special offer:
Use promo code lissiman20 for 20% off your first purchase, valid from May 5th via www.j-k-3d-printing.com
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