In the 1970s my Mum bought a baby carrier from Mothercare that was so good, she kept it in the loft until I had my own children. Everywhere I went with my babies strapped to my front, people asked me where I got it from because there was nothing like it on the market at the time. It was large enough to offer head support and keep their legs warm, when the only alternative in shops were tiny strappy things that did neither those things. The down-side was I did feel like a blue and white striped kangaroo with this big pouch in front of me. Occasionally at Glastonbury Festival I’d spot an Earth Mother with their baby in a sling and was envious of the style, but had no clue how to go about making or buying one. Thankfully for parents nowadays, you have websites like Wrapamore, who offer the perfect solution to carrying your babies with you. I asked Vikki more about her company….
Vikki Herbert
Please tell me an overview of your business – what do you do?
I am a one lady business that sells baby carriers online. I also manufacture and dye the carriers. I also educate as a teacher and consultant gentle parenting and baby wearing.
How did you start?
After attending my local sling library I fell in love with baby wearing and felt a calling to make if affordable and accessible to all.
How has your business grown and what are your plans for the future?
It has grown a lot over the last 2 years and I would plan to add more products to the range and expand out of my home office!
What is your favourite thing about your work?
Flexible and happy babies
Wrapamore
What inspires you?
Friends and teachers I have met along the way.
Do you have a favourite artist or businessperson you admire, and why?
My best friend is my true inspiration. She is nothing but hard working and continually positive no matter what life throws at her. She has been a huge motivation for my business and have supported me at every step.
Have you had any challenges to overcome?
LOADS!!! Financial definitely…a small home business takes a lot of funds to build! also I have two young children, a partner and a part time job to juggle.
Any stories to tell? Funny moments?
Wrapamore sling
Learning! Learning is always hard but fun. I have made some really silly mistakes over time trying to rush things. My main fun is developing a new product…making videos and testing its strength! We have a short (unreleased!) video of my husband carrying me in one of my slings!
Any advice for anyone wanting to begin a business?
Take your time and do it right. It isn’t as easy as it looks and needs full commitment.
Where can we find you in person? Future craft fairs or markets?
I am at every gentle parenting and baby show I can be! I also have my own show in October in Ringwood – The southern Babywearing show.
Where can we find you online?
www.wrapamore.com
facebook.com/wrapamore
wrapamoreltd@gmail.com
