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L O C A L FA M I LY L I F E S T Y L E | 1
Hampshire Special
Suspe
Bundles of Joy
Toyella
PLEK
Suzanne Ellis www.bundlesofjoy-shopping.co.uk
Carl Shaw www.toyella.com
Geeta Chagan www.theplek.com
Having run a successful similar business in London, Suzanne moved to the countryside and whilst discussing with friends the difficulty of trying to find gorgeous gifts for the little people in their lives, she decided to set up Bundles of Joy, which provides a service to those who don’t live near shops or have the time to shop. And all started with a £1,000 loan from her mum!
Four years ago Carl saw an unusual toy in a magazine feature. After embarking on an online search, it revealed retailers did a very poor job of promoting the toy’s benefits. Carl wasn’t filled with confidence when entering credit card details into any of these websites either. He felt the toy market seemed neglected and very limited in its offering and believed he could do a better job.
What makes Bundles of Joy unique? Our exceptionally fast service makes us unique within personalising companies. If an order is placed for a personalised item in the morning, it should be sent out later that day, wherever possible. People often forget that a special occasion is round the corner or a new baby has just been born, and how lovely to receive your personalised gift within 24 hours, customers just love it.
What makes Toyella unique? Unique products, fair price and unrivalled service. We source the very best toys from around the globe. Many are unique to Toyella in the UK so they’re extra special gifts. Good design shouldn’t cost the earth and we make our toys accessible through our pricing. Toyella started from our own consumer experience as parents so service is paramount within our philosophy.
Geeta is a former director of her own art gallery, a show curater and art fair organiser. Geeta found that whilst she was pregnant it was physically tiring organising and hanging exhibitions. She decided to launch PLEK and work from home to be able to care for her son alongside still being able to work in an industry she loves. PLEK was an idea she had envisioned for some time, where she wanted to promote not only paintings but also handmade original products that are attainable and affordable.
How does running a business fit around family life? I have four children, all adorable at times, and I’m very lucky to have excellent staff who take on board my extremely high standards. Alongside this, I have a very understanding husband who doesn’t expect every dinner to be a gourmet effort. At busy times, I return to work at night and am never off duty, even on holidays - thank goodness for my Blackberry and Wi-Fi.
How does running a business fit around family life? A toy business has its pros and cons when it comes to family life. I have three children under 12 - a handy consumer group. It’s vital to see the their reaction to toys we plan to sell. On the other hand it can seem like Christmas every day and it’s hard to prise a sample from a five year old’s grip!
What plans have you got for the future? We’ve just launched our exciting nursery scheme. Nurseries throughout the UK can sign up for FREE luxury toys and books through their wish lists, supported by the parents who purchase their gifts through Bundles of Joy. It’s a win win situation for everyone.
What plans have you got for the future? Three years in we’re steadfast in following our original formula. It’s all about the products and the online experience so, simply, more unique toys offered to more people around the world. We are gradually moving into bedroom and playroom interiors and, when the time is right, we’ll have a showroom no doubt.
What makes PLEK unique? PLEK sells original art and products for the home and for little people. Each designer or artist has been hand picked for the quality and originality of their work. These pieces are also not found on the high street, so people can find something truly unique at PLEK that represents great value. How does running a business fit around family life? I work when my son is sleeping or napping, which is tiring but he will be going to nursery soon so that will help free up more time for PLEK. My husband has also been an amazing support and helps out when I need to make phone calls or makes dinner when I haven’t had time during the day. What plans have you got for the future? I plan to build on PLEK’s product variety and get more artists and designers involved and increasing their profile. Hopefully one day PLEK will be a shop and people can browse products in person and view curated shows in an informal space.
Mitchy Titch
Hampshire Nannies
Claire Payne www.fablittleshop.com
Samantha Bernice www.mitchytitch.co.uk
Freya Goodier www.hampshire-nannies.co.uk
Named after Claire’s three children (Florence, Amelia and Betsy), Fab Little Shop’s main inspiration derived from all three of Claire’s girls. A lot of time had been spent finding something different for them to wear, to brighten up their nurseries or to give as a gift. After admitting that she was envious of many family and friends’ delightful purchases, Claire set up Fab Little Shop to work as a platform selling site dedicated to little people and Fab products.
Before Samantha had children she had a fantastic work-life balance and enjoyed practising yoga and meditation. After having three children all under five years and trying to juggle her career, childcare and family life she felt lost. She suffered sciatica and T4 syndrome and felt drained. A yoga-teaching friend came back from India and enlightened her passion for yoga and meditation. From this Samantha became a Mitchy Titch Yoga Fun and Fitness instructor.
Hampshire Nannies is the original agency with sister branch, Surrey Nannies. As a group, they now provide Nannies to families in Surrey, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Berkshire and Sussex.
What makes Fab Little Shop unique? It’s a unique online children’s marketplace. We have the biggest range of products carefully selected for little people, made in Britain. We champion talented artists whether established or emerging, small boutiques and exciting new products. All of our products are produced to a high quality with a twist on the traditional.
What makes Mitchy Titch unique? Mitchy Titch is yoga with a difference. It’s a Baby and Children’s Yoga Fun and Fitness programme, which encompasses all elements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and is about so much more than keeping fit. Children predominantly learn through play and physical activity. Practising yoga aids sleep, digestion, bonding, motor development, memory, confidence, balance, co-ordination, flexibility, speech and so much more.
How does running a business fit around family life? Fab Little Shop started back in 2008, but falling pregnant with twins in 2010 meant all plans were put on the shelf. The twins are two now, so I have more time and independence to work. As a mum of three beautiful little females I have total admiration and support for mums working from home with their children by their side, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Fab Little Shop was launched on the twins’ birthday so I’ll never forget how far I have come. What plans have you got for the future? We have a number of great plans for Fab Little Shop, some are a little bit of a secret but if you ask one of my children, they will probably tell you.
How does running a business fit around a busy home life? Being part of Mitchy Titch has enabled me to live my passion and work around my children. I can also bring my work home as my children love practising with me. They also inspire me with different ideas to use in my classes. You can actually learn a lot from your children about what is important in life. What plans have you got for the future? My plans for the future are to extend my services to include adult and pre and post-natal yoga and to include a developmental baby massage programme for babies from birth.
What makes Hampshire Nannies unique? We decided from the outset the high quality of the service is essential, but we also wanted to keep fees affordable. Children love being cared for in their own home and, for the parents, the confidence knowing their child is being cared for by a professional is invaluable. Our clear fixed placement fee structure helps parents assess the cost of hiring a nanny, which can be significantly less than many parents expect! We provide professional and friendly advice and support throughout each stage of the recruitment process and beyond.
How does running a business fit around family life? Most of our team are parents themselves and work flexible hours to be able to mix and match family life with work requirements. We use modern technology to help us at every turn and to make sure we’re always contactable for our clients, including laptops and mobile phones for when working on the go. What plans have you got for the future? We’re about to offer paediatric first aid training courses, helping those registered with us improve and maintain their qualifications. We’re also building relationships with overseas childcare agencies so that we’ll be able to offer parents au pair services. It’s a great way for children to learn about new cultures too! Watch this space!
Hampshire Special
Fab Little Shop
Molly & Monty
Lulu and Flo
Ruby and Ginger
Emma Craddock www.mollyandmonty.com
Lucy Williams www.luluandflo.co.uk
Liz Rhodes www.rubyandginger.co.uk
Just before Emma’s second son was born their family decided to relocate closer to her husband’s job. She gave up her job to focus on her family and to do something she’d always dreamt of, running her own business. Inspired by the lack of organic baby clothes at affordable prices, Emma looked into it further and found a gap for good quality, affordable organic clothing.
When Lucy’s daughter, Florence, was little she always bought her charming frocks whilst on holiday in Provence. Lucy admires the way the French dress their children. Florence is now fourteen and Lucy missed opening her wardrobe to a row of sweet floral dresses so decided to design her own collection and share the delights of ‘la robe’ with other parents and their ‘petite filles’.
Ruby and GINGER started from a ‘if only there was a...’ moment when Liz was out with her husband and 9 month old daughter Ruby who needed changing. Liz had shoved nappies and wipes into her handbag but it meant her husband couldn’t do the change without taking her beautiful handbag, Liz and her good friend Brenda decided to come up with a changing set that would fit inside her bag so they created the nappy purse.
What makes Molly & Monty unique? Firstly, it is our beautiful and original prints and the excellent quality of our clothes. Secondly, we have worked hard to keep everything produced locally as there are many advantages including environmental benefits, helping to build and maintain a better relationship with our suppliers and helping support our local economy. I’m very proud that all the processes, from the cotton fabric production through to the baby friendly screen-printing, are all done within 50 miles of our base in Oxfordshire.
What makes Lulu and Flo unique? I’m involved with every tiny detail. I design each piece, carefully choose my fabric and hunt for beautiful vintage buttons to match. The seamstresses at my atelier are really talented, experienced and dedicated to perfection, therefore the quality of our dresses is exceptional. The combination of both allows us to produce dresses to treasure forever.
How does running a business fit around family life? When you decide to run your own company and have children you choose to dedicate nearly all your spare time to work. In the day, I answer emails and speak to suppliers but I set aside the evenings, once the boys are in bed, to dispatch orders. At busy times, it’s tiring but I have fun with my boys!
How does running a business fit around family life? It’s all about balance and self discipline. I have three children and adore the noise and general chaos that family life brings. I often get up early to send any urgent emails. I work mostly when they’re at school and spend the odd evening in my studio at home adding finishing touches. Children grow up too quickly so working from home allows me to enjoy these precious years.
What plans have you got for the future? Hopefully we’ll keep growing and making more families aware of the benefits of organic clothing and that they can be affordable. I’d love to get to the stage in the next year or two where we are able to have our clothes available on the high street.
What plans have you got for the future? I’ll always maintain the style of Lulu and Flo and continue to source beautiful fabric, buttons and trims. I’m planning to introduce hand knitted cardigans and perhaps little coats next winter, overall I want to continue creating beautiful, timeless dresses.
What makes Ruby and GINGER unique? We have designed brand new innovative ideas like the nappy purse and car seat cover from our experiences - but we have also put our design spin on it by creating fabric patterns. We wanted our products to fulfill a need alongside being gorgeous and affordable too. All mums like to feel stylish but we also felt that it was important that our products were within reach of mums financially too. How does running a business fit around family life? The real answer is it just does, we make it work and if that means working in the evening so that we can do the school drop off or be at the assembly that’s what we have to do - fortunately Brenda and I have superstar husbands who have supported us every step of the way both practically and emotionally! What plans have you got for the future? We continue to grow the existing range into new shops and new countries every week. We’re always developing the products and fabrics! We’ve just relaunched in new gorgeous packaging which looks amazing on the shelves and they’re all water and dirt resistant too!
Cocobaci Linda, Nel & Sarah www.cocobaci.com
Sassy Beau Makeup Academy Pamela Moss www.sassybeau.co.uk
Pamela launched her training academy in response to countless requests for private makeup lessons. She soon found that she held a natural ability for teaching others the secrets of being a Makeup Artist and the Sassy Beau Academy evolved from there.
What makes Cocobaci unique? From our own experience we knew that finding the perfect baby collection under one roof was near on impossible. So we decided to create our own personal edit of the most beautiful clothing brands and unique gorgeous handmade gifts we could find. In addition, we’ve created a range of fabulous newborn gift bundles. We’ve also collaborated on beautiful exclusive jewellery and furniture collections. We believe we have created a simple but exquisite boutique where shopping is made effortlessly easy and enjoyable.
What makes Sassy Beau unique? After retraining from a career in HR to a makeup artist I completely appreciate what it takes to begin a new career. Each of our intensive courses include a business skills unit and can be studied full time, part time or in the evening. Course sizes are also kept small (maximum of 4) to ensure our students get personally trained and all the support they need.
How does running a business fit around family life? We’re certainly kept busy, but the beauty of having your own business is that you can be flexible and work around your children and family life. If anything we’ve all had to discipline ourselves to get a work/life balance as when working from home the work temptation is always there to keep going! We do everything in the business ourselves and thankfully we all have very supportive other halves. What plans have you got for the future? Having just launched, our priority is to ensure we understand our customers’ needs. We’re also in the process of developing our own Cocobaci baby range so watch this space!
How does running a business fit around family life? I’m lucky that I mainly work from home, which allows me the flexibility to spend lots of time with my daughter, however I have to be incredibly organised and disciplined. I write endless lists and some days feel like a military operation! But for me it provides the perfect work/life balance and I feel very privileged to have that. What plans have you got for the future? We’ve just introduced a range of beauty courses, and we’ll be introducing more hair courses soon. The aim is to make retraining as a make up artist or beauty therapist affordable and accessible. I want people to realise that retraining and following their dream is not something to be feared, but should be relished and enjoyed.
Collette Hague www.lydiaroseboutique.co.uk
Collette had always dreamt of owning her own shop, and it was only once her daughter Lydia arrived 15 months ago when she decided the baby industry was what she wanted to go into. Struggling to find any beautiful baby clothing locally this was the perfect opportunity for her to fulfil her dream, and provide something Fareham couldn’t offer. And in June Lydia Rose Boutique became a reality. What makes Lydia Rose unique? We’ve put a lot of effort into the environment of the shop, making sure the layout is accessible and that it’s a generally inviting boutique. We also stock fabulous brands that you can’t find nearby, including no added sugar, Emile et Rose, Hatley and Kissy Kissy. There’s also parking outside which can be a godsend when shopping with children or a big bump. How does running a business fit around family life? It’s a family business, joint with my husband Adam, so we support each other. In the day my mum and dad look after Lydia, which is a huge help. We close the shop on a Sunday, so we make sure that this is purely a family day. What plans have you got for the future? We’re looking forward to the word getting out about Lydia Rose. Our website is launching imminently, which will allow customers who cannot come into the shop to order online – I’m really excited about getting that up and running! We’ll also be holding special preview events in the evenings, where people can look at the latest collections.
Hampshire Special
By a twist of fate Linda, Nel & Sarah were all made redundant in early 2012. Linda and Nel, both with backgrounds in buying, joined forces with Sarah, a former merchandiser at the same company as Nel. They all shared the same passion to launch their own business.
Lydia Rose Boutique
The Complete Party Box Jo Robertson www.thecompletepartybox.co.uk
With lots of event and party experience Jo realised that many parents were overwhelmed at the thought of organising their children’s birthday parties. Jo realised there was another way, and launched The Complete Party Box, which is a whole new concept to party provision. What makes The Complete Party Box unique? The Complete Party Box is unique to the partyware market for several reasons; firstly it’s the only product that offers everything for a party in one place and offers a unique playlist of party music. The Party Boxes are themed and organised and save time but also a lot of money. Many of the items are reusable and the games and art based activities are also high quality and educational. Likewise my pre-filled goodie bags are bursting with fun, quality items. How does running a business fit around family life? Running a business from home is the ideal work/home life balance for me, especially as a single Mum. I used to be a Project Manager for local government involved in building Primary Schools, until the funding was cut and I was given a week’s notice to leave. Now I enjoy working around my son and the freedom that gives me. What plans have you got for the future? The future is very exciting. More themes are on the way and I’m currently in talks regarding the CBeebies character Tree Fu Tom. I’d dearly love to produce a TFT Party Box and put together specific games and activities. My son is a massive fan and calls himself Tree Fu Sam!
Kiddylicious
A Precious Life
Sally Preston www.kiddylicious.co.uk
Dr Nikky Ellis www.apreciouslife.co.uk
As an experienced food scientist who started her career with 11 years at Marks and Spencer, Sally was well placed to challenge the baby food industry and the quality of the food we feed our babies and young children when she became a mum to Hannah and Jack.
When Dr Nikky Ellis’ son had a seizure and stopped breathing at 18 months old, Nikky put her medical practice to the test. Unlike Nikky, most parents have not received the benefit of medical experience. This is what made her start up her training courses. In a recent survey, carried out by Nikky, of local parents 98% would have liked to have completed a first aid course and yet less than 50% had. Let’s face it parents are busy.
What makes Kiddylicious unique? I founded Babylicious in 2002 – frozen baby food that copies what mums do at home; Kiddylicious (the first toddler meal range) followed when mums asked me what they should feed their babies when they were 11-12 months old. The brand has expanded being the first fruitbased UK snacking range for toddlers – we now sell Fruit and Vegetable crisps, Fruit Wriggles and Smoothie Melts to every major supermarket across the UK (sold from the baby aisles) and in the last 12 months has doubled their market share with new ranges being launch this summer. How does running a business fit around family life? Family comes first for the whole team. I’m happy for people to take time off for sports days or school assemblies; everyone makes up the time so the job gets done. I’ve a great work/life balance. I see Hannah and Jack every morning for breakfast, check emails and walk our dog - putting me in good stead for a busy day at the office. In the evening we sit down as a family and have dinner together. What plans have you got for the future? My ambitions are to expand and this is imminent. Kiddylicious snacks are about to be launched in the US and we’re just about to air our first TV ad on Nick jr.
What makes A Precious Life unique? I come to you... and I bring tea, coffee and goody bags. Each course is run by me personally so you always know who your trainer will be and as a doctor and a mum, my courses are relevant, up to date and able to adapt to your own needs. There is no sharing of manikins on my courses there is one for each participant, complete with a new respiratory system. How does running a business fit around family life? It is by no means an “easy option”. The flexibility is great, especially with a young family, but the “product” is just a small part of the operation – suddenly I’ve had to become a businesswoman, accountant, IT expert and sales person! Thank goodness for my lovely husband who keeps me in check! What plans have you got for the future? I’m developing some new courses to include “Recognition of the Seriously Ill Child”, “Common Childhood Ailments” and a course for children to learn first aid. My vision is that doing a first aid course, as a parent, is the norm NOT the exception.
Because Tots Come 1st
Little Soles
Rochelle Milligan www.bambinomerino.com
Michelle Foley-Daniel www.becausetotscome1st.com
Andrea Marshall & Emma Rowsell www.littlesoleswarsash.co.uk
Rochelle created Bambino Merino following the unexpected premature birth of her son eight years ago. Concerned about the health of her baby and the dangers of overheating, she sought out baby sleepwear made only from natural, breathable fibres to help ensure her son slept safely. With few quality merino garments available, Rochelle set about designing the first range of Bambino Merino baby sleeping bags and sleepwear from her New Zealand homeland.
Because Tots Come 1st’s story began after Michelle and her family arrived at their dream holiday destination only to find some of their luggage was missing. Immediately they panicked and wondered where they’d buy baby essentials late at night. Luckily they had a spare nappy and wipes left in their changing bag to last until they finally found a shop that was open but it didn’t fill them with perfect first memories of their holiday.
Emma and Andrea both felt that it was not easy to access stylish, well made, well fitting children’s shoes on the High Street. They were sure they could offer a great customer experience to families by doing something a bit different from the standard High Street store. After talking it over for some time, one day over coffee, Emma and Andrea decided to put their money where their mouths were and along came Little Soles.
What makes Because Tots Come 1st unique? Taking very small children on holiday can be stressful enough, even for the most organised parents. I wanted to create a unique service where parents wouldn’t have to worry about using precious baggage allowance or stocking up on baby essentials as soon as they arrived. You can get so many extras in your guestroom when you book a hotel, so why not baby essentials?
What makes Little Soles unique? It’s a combination of many: the brands we offer, our fitting service, great customer service and a shop designed to appeal to children and parents alike, which makes us stand out.
What makes Bambino Merino unique? Our focus is on practicality, quality and style and we’re often complimented on the practical features and elements of our designs. Hearing from parents that they find our garments easy to use and that they’re helping everyone sleep better is very rewarding. We listen to what our customers tell us they’d like and our past, current and future customers all influence our range. How does running a business fit around family life? I structure my working day around school hours and our showroom is just a short cycle ride from both school and home so it’s an easy circuit between all three. I work with a great team and between us we plan our week to enable the business to run smoothly yet each have plenty of family time too. What plans have you got for the future? A few design tweaks to some old favourites are on the way along with a new merino sleeping bag for babies to use on the move. We’re also expanding our export business and now supply over 30 countries with more in the pipeline.
How does running a business fit around family life? I’ve found that running my own business fits in brilliantly around family life. My children have been a part of Because Tots Come 1st since the start, for example, helping design the logo and deciding what type of bag to use for packaging. They already call it, ‘our business’. I have a very supportive husband and extended family who have been behind me from my ‘light bulb’ moment to where I am now. What plans have you got for the future? I’d like Because Tots Come 1st to become a name that is synonymous with stress-free, child-friendly travel and to expand outside of the UK.
How does running a business fit around family life? It is a family business really - all hands on deck. Our husbands have been heavily involved in setting up the shop including completing a lot of the shop fit out themselves. Our eldest girls (Eden 9 and Evie 8) have come along to a number of buying shows with us and their input is invaluable when selecting what to buy next season - they are our target market after all! By making it such a family affair the hard work doesn’t seem so hard, and we manage to balance our home life with work. What plans have you got for the future? 2013 will see a couple of exciting new developments for Little Soles. We will be opening our second shop in the new Whiteley Shopping Centre at the end of May and also launching our new website allowing customers who are not able to pop into one of the shops to buy online.
Hampshire Special
Bambino Merino