Let’s meet the lovely Rachel from BaBee & Me ~
Tell us about your business:
BaBee & Me specialises in unique, fun and handmade baby and children’s items “ in particular cloth books (which can be based on a childs name, colours, counting or a theme of your choice), soft interactive blocks for newborns upwards and also wood blocks that are decorated to spell out a word or based on the alphabet. I also make wood and fabric teethers and other baby toys plus activity cases for kids of all ages.
What inspired you to start your business?
I first started sewing when my second son was born and after making him some soft blocks and a cloth book and seeing how much delight they gave him I was inspired to start making to sell. Initially like most it was simply a hobby but due to demand and the reaction I got I quickly regarded it as a business.
Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?
Not really “ its self-explanatory “ I wanted something that was easy to remember, unisex and at the time I was only making blocks to sell.
What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
Creating such individualised products for children which they will treasure and are handmade to suit them.
Have you tried something in business that didn’t work as planned, or on the flip side “ worked out better than expected?
There was one little thing I started making which yes didn’t go like I thought but it wasn’t major and was easy to drop “ I expect that in business so it didnt bother me. The reaction to my cloth books has been amazing and better than I imagined.
What would be your best tip for someone thinking about selling their handcrafted goods?
Believe passionately in your own products but expect to work very hard “ its not easy at times and success usually doesnt happen without this passion and hard work.
What is your favourite item you make? (show and tell)
Awww gee thats a very hard question but I guess it would be my cloth books “ I have made such a broad range that its hard to pinpoint certain styles but this was one I recently made based on this boys favourite things which I love:
This year Ive introduced a new product which is wood blocks and I really love making them as well as Ive always loved wood toys and it gives me a little break from sewing:
Any personal or business highlights in the last year:
Im not sure if this is a highlight but Ive been booked out for 2013 orders since November last year “ amazing and overwhelming that my products are appreciated so much.
3 things about you that people might not know:
– I used to run marathons and race competitively in running
– I can play the flute
– I know how to milk a goat
