Monday Mumpreneur with Rachel Pettiford
Every Monday we feature a mumpreneur who’s ready and willing to open up their lives and their business to us.
They share with us their motivation, their challenges and their proudest moments in business and they also tell us how they take time to nurture themselves.
If you’re looking for inspiration then our featured business mums show you what’s possible.
Just loved reading about this week's featured biz mum and how she grew her truly family business.
Your name: Rachel Pettiford
Your website: www.littlegrippers.co.uk
Brief description:
It’s goodbye to school socks that slip down, baby socks that go missing, and gloves that always fall off…
Little Grippers, is a new British brand that has invented the solution with an innovative range of garments for children that stay on!
Tell me about your children:
Ruby (3) and Erin (2) and 3 Step Children Maddie (11), Jack (19) and Amie (22)
Where do you live? Nottingham, UK
PC or Mac? Just moved to Mac and loving it!
Tell us about your business
Little Grippers is a solutions based brand providing baby and school socks, gloves and mittens that do not fall off or fall down.
Our products have an innovative ‘Stay-On Technology’ that is applied to the inside of the cuff of the product, it is 100% natural, breathable and hypoallergenic making it suitable for even Newborn babies skin.
We launched at the end of January 2013 with a range of baby socks and school socks and we will soon be launching a range of gloves, mittens, sports socks and wellies too.
Videos and animations of our product are on YouTube.com/LittleGrippersUK, where you can even see our two year old being pulled around the kitchen floor by her socks!
What motivated you to become a mumpreneur?
I always wanted to be a stay-at-home mum and give my children the best possible start I could, and enjoying them when they are young. The saying 'they grow up too fast' is something I think that all parents agree on. Although I put my career in the Textile Industry on hold to become a mum, after 3 years out I wanted to ensure I was in touch with the whole work "thing" and we had this great idea, so with my husband we decided to set up Little Grippers.
I manage to fit running the brand in between the girls who now go to Playgroup 1.5 days a week as well as working in the evenings once they are in bed, it is hard work but I won't compromise them.
What’s been your biggest challenge in business?
Time and finance has been the biggest challenge. My time was limited, and to add to the pressure we brought the product to market earlier than originally planned as we decided to launch it at the Childrenswear Trade show Bubble London in January this year which was a great success.
How have you overcome it?
After many 2am finishes, we have decided to bring a sales manager into the business. Keeping the business in the family Amie my Step Daughter is joining us in June. Something are all very excited about, both myself and my husband have always wanted a family business and something we can pass down to our 5 children.
What’s been your proudest business moment?
There have been many in the last few months, from seeing the first production coming off the lines and gift boxed up, to sending out our first boutique orders, to hearing our interviews on the radio with Simon Mayo on BBC2 to name just a couple. Every day I love it when I hear people talk about our products and how they just work. No more lost baby socks, and no more school children pulling theirs up.
What’s your catchphrase or favourite quote?
'Good things come to those that work hard’
What do you do to relax or nurture yourself?
A bath and a book once the kids are in bed and there is no work to be done!
What was the last treat you bought for yourself?
We have just been on holiday abroad and I managed to sneak off to the spa, and do a scuba dive, something I haven't done since our honeymoon. Children really do change your life, but in a truly positive way!
Favourite colour: Coral or Green
Favourite flowers: White Tulips
What one piece of advice would you like to give to a new mumpreneur?
Take your time, do your research and make sure you get everyone you require to support you from banks to suppliers to 'believe' in your project.
Fancy featuring as one of our amazing mumpreneurs? Drop me an email over on the contact page – and I’ll be in touch. Or let me know in a comment below.
