Designer Bums have been nurturing little humans and the environment for over a decade with our multi-award-winning reusable cloth nappies and baby essentials. Founded in 2010 Melbourne, Australia we are the birthplace of beautifully hand-illustrated, reusable modern cloth nappies and environmentally-friendly baby essentials. Featuring organic and premium fabrics, our exclusive signature artwork and thoughtful touches provides the best in design, while being versatile, unique and sustainable.

When did you start your business?

2014

What was the inspiration behind starting this business?

I was presented with a unique opportunity at the right time and took a leap into the Reusable Nappy and Eco essentials industry. Running Designer Bums allowed me flexibility to meet my growing families needs as I nurtured and expanded my business. I am passionate about the environment and waste reduction and so this was the perfect avenue for me to other other families to meet their own eco goals.

What are you most excited about in your business?

This changes over time as we achieve our stretch goals. Each year we sit down as a team and plan out our goals for the coming year as well as reflecting on the year that was. As we reflect on past achievements it is always exciting to see how far the business has come and highlights how much can be achieved when you work as a team and have a strategy. As a business we love to innovate and aim to stay ahead of market trends. We have some exciting things coming in the year ahead.

What has been the most challenging thing about starting your business?

One of the most challenging things about starting a business is finding a way to stand out from the crowd, ensuring that potential customers can find you, and staying front of mind in a saturated market. It’s important to keep abreast of market trends but at the same time you don’t want to be led by them. Maintaining creativity and driving innovation consistently can be challenging when there are competing priorities.

What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a business?

Take the time to research your industry and understand the needs of your potential customers. Being customer centric ensures there is a place in the market for what you are going to offer rather than starting with a product and needing to find a customer for it. Starting with the customer ensures you provide an innovative product that meets a current need.

Why did you enter the AusMumpreneur Awards?

Running your own business can often be lonely and isolating. The AusMumpreneur Awards provide a fantastic community that uplifts women in business through support and recognition. I am passionate about supporting the women around me and participating in these awards is wonderful recognition for my team. But more importantly I also hope that by supporting AusMum that I can be an inspiration to others who are not as far along in their own journey.

What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?

Seeing all of the wonderful businesses represented there is always enjoyable. Seeing the achievements of others who are growing their businesses as well as new businesses who pop up each year is inspiring.

What surprised you most about the awards?

As this wasn’t my first time as a nominee the awards were as expected this year.

How did the awards help you in your business?

Recognition from these awards is wonderful Brand awareness.

What advice would you give to other mums thinking about entering the awards?

Do it! We are often our own worst critics and hold ourselves back from being recognised. Don’t shortchange yourself.

What has been the best thing about starting your own business?

The ability to be in control of your destiny.

What’s happening next in your business?

We can’t reveal all of our secrets! You will need to keep an eye on our socials for the exciting things coming. As always you can expect an eco focus as we innovate and explore the needs of our community.

What are your big plans for the future?

Product innovation and matching the needs of our customers remains at the forefront of our future planning and goals.

What is your website and/or social media links?

Website: www.designerbums.com.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designerbums

Instagram: @designerbums_mcn