We’ve got another vendor for you to meet, and this time it’s Karen O’Brien from Bosies For Baby. As well as selling a great selection of baby carriers and slings through her website, she also hosts parties locally, for mums to get together and try out different slings to find the perfect one for them!
Hi Karen, let’s get cracking…
How, and why, did you begin babywearing?
I had a store bought carrier for my son when he was born (he is now 2), but he soon became too big for it. When he reached 3 months I was having bad back problems from lifting and carrying him so a friend kindly lent me a wrap. I’ve been wearing him ever since!
What made you decide to start up a babywearing store?
It was actually my mum’s idea! She often asked about my slings and I was always saying how difficult it was to find out about different slings unless you know someone who babywears. She suggested I started a shop… the main focus is to give other parents the opportunity to see and try what isn’t offered on the High Street.
How did you find juggling a family life with running a business?
It can be challenging. I try to keep the business more as a hobby rather than a way of earning an income. Whenever I have demonstrations or sling parties organised my son is a good help… either entertaining the other little ones or assisting me in showing how different slings can be used.
In your opinion, what is the best thing about babywearing?
It takes so much pressure off you body… your little ones’ weight is distributed well so you are both comfortable. It’s also a lot easier to get around city centres without a pram!!
What advice would you give to a new mum to help her get the most from her baby sling?
Make sure you are comfortable and your little one is safe and secure. If a sling isn’t working for you, don’t give up… there is a sling out there for everyone. Most good slings will keep their value and there is a big market for second hand slings… so don’t be afraid to give something a go.
Is there anything you have done during the course of Bosies For Baby, which you would do differently next time?
Bosies for Baby is still growing… we’re only into our 8 month. I would have liked to have started with a bigger product range, but was keen to get the business up and running for the sling party side of things. It’s something that I can keep working on.
How have you found attitudes to babywearing have changed over the time you have been in business?
As I’ve said, I’ve not been in business a long time, but I have noticed more and more interest in my demonstrations locally. There also seems to be more and more mums-to-be looking into options for babywearing rather than just prams and travel systems.
What’s next in the pipeline?
Some more products… I’d like to have a good selection of slings for all ages and stages. I’m always on the look out for slings that come recommended by babywearers. I am a firm believer that there’s something out there for everyone… even my husband has his own wee stash of carriers now!
I’m also about to start looking for some mums that would be interested in carrying out sling parties across the UK. I’ve had a lot of positive feedback from local parents about the benefit of seeing and trying slings before deciding on what they’d like.
If you are a vendor, and would like to feature in Interview With A Vendor, please get in touch.
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