Meet Amanda, Owner of BubbyUbby – Interview with Tony Cutting
I had the pleasure of meeting Amanda at one of our recent Kapiti Now business networking meetings and decided we should let more people know about this local lady and her business BubbyUbby.
As parents, we all want the best for our children, especially when it comes to their clothing. We want them to look stylish, feel comfortable, and be safe while wearing them. In my humble opinion that's where BubbyUbby has an advantage.
Anyway, enough from me, here is my interview with this talented young Kapiti up and coming entrepreneur.
Amanda, what made you start your own online store?
“When I had my first baby, I found it exceedingly difficult to know what to dress her in at night, especially leading into the colder winter months. This is how I came across baby Merino clothes, which I fell in love with. I found it so reassuring knowing that Merino has such superior qualities, specifically the ability to draw excess heat away from the body while keeping my baby warm. A big worry of mine was her overheating, which can be fatal, so knowing this really put my mind at ease.
I found that there wasn’t a lot of kiwi-made merino at a reasonable price around, so, when my daughter was about six months old I decided to start my own business and make my own.” – Amanda
Why not get someone else to make it for you?
“Initially I was going to get my products made, but once I had the samples made up, I wasn’t very impressed with the quality or price, so I decided to make it myself, & self-taught myself to sew.
From here it has sparked a passion for designing & making beautiful products of high standards (I am a perfectionist), My baby range has grown & I have now been in business for over six months and looking forward to completing my first year.” – Amanda
So, what did you start with?
“I started with heirlooms, 100% Merino baby blankets/wraps and baby headbands. Then I was asked by an adult who had been going through treatment which made her hair fall out if I had adult headbands, so I made some headbands for her and that’s how I started adult headbands.”
I personally love to match my daughter, and figured if I did, then surely other mums, nanas, sisters, family members would too! So, as I extended my product range, I made sure to have matching products. I now have a line of Scrunchies of different sizes, New-born Beanies, different variations of headbands, and Adult Neck Warmers, and my range keeps growing!
To let you in on a little secret, there will be baby clothing coming soon which is exciting.” – Amanda
How has it been to start up your own business?
“Starting a business certainly hasn’t come without its barriers and difficulties, but there are so many wonderful people out there that, if you can find them, are willing to give you support and provide guidance.
I would like to mention a thank you to all my family & friends for their support, patience & orders, I couldn’t have done it without you!” – Amanda
Where did the name BubbyUbby come from?
“BubbyUbby is a nickname we call our daughter. When deciding what to call my business I hummed and erred about a few names but decided to go with BubbyUbby. It’s meaningful to me, it’s playful, you know straight away its baby related and it makes me think of my daughter.” – Amanda
What do you offer to parents in terms of product quality and why should they consider buying from you?
“Everything in my range I make myself. I take pride and care in every single item I make. Each product is made to the highest quality with excellent product materials that I am very selective of.
All my merino is either 100% NZ merino or a mix of 100% NZ & AUS merino. My cotton range is all from the same company, which is from Australia and is a designer collection.” – Amanda
How is the business going so far?
“Very well. I currently have five stores around Kapiti and Wellington stocking my products which I am so excited about!
My website is up and running and I make sure I attend some of the bigger markets and stalls, so I am kept terribly busy. I will be attending the Parent and Baby Expo in Palmerston this weekend, 28th May, which is exciting.
“I am trying to increase my followers on Facebook & Instagram, so if you’re reading this, please feel free to follow me on both platforms 😊” – Amanda
Will you be adding more Merino products in the future?
“Yes absolutely! I have lots of products I want to make in both baby and adult sizes so watch this space.
Come follow me on social media should you be interested in keeping up with my new product releases.
It really helps motivate me when I can see so many supporters liking and following my social accounts.” – Amanda
What do you do when you’re not sewing or doing business things?
“Spending as much time as I can with my daughter. We love getting outside & going for bike rides, walks, swimming or simply playing in the back yard with our wee dog Griffena. We are a very active family, so we enjoy going out and about on the weekend. – Amanda
What would you like to say to our audience?
“Thank you so much to anyone who reads this, if you ever need baby, children or adult products, please consider BubbyUbby.
If there’s something specific, you’re after, send me a message or email. I am happy to discuss what you’re after, if it’s something I can make. – I’ll make it.” – Amanda
Thanks so much Amanda for you time, and letting me interview you today, I wish you all the best with your new business and I am sure everyone one the Kapiti Coast who learns about you and has a need for your product will be in touch.
Tony C
For the Kapiti Now project
e. tony@tonycuttingdigital.co.nz
Do you own a Kapiti business? Come along to our next meeting you’ll find out about it on our Facebook Group right here https://www.facebook.com/kapitinow
