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 MumsClub Name: cubskidswear
Real Name: Victoria Keating
Age (or age range): 27 at the end of August
Children’s ages: 1 and 5
Business Name: Cubs Kids Wear
Business website: www.cubskidswear.com
Business Contact: cubskidswear@aol.co.uk
What are the key features of the products or services that your business offers:
Handmade clothing and accessories for children and babies, including a custom design service, hand blended skincare for children, dress up tutus, bibs and changing mats, baby shoes all my t-shirts and baby grows are organic fairtrade.
Why should customers and clients use your services?
If you would like a change from run of the mill mass produced clothing and would like styles designed for children that are hard wearing then Cubs Kids is for you. If you like unique items with a vintage flavour, if you would like to have a say in the design have more choice in fabrics its all available.
When & how did you start up in business?
I have designed and manufactured clothing for almost 10 years and have more or less always worked for myself either self employed or on a freelance basis. I'm a free spirit and it comes across in my work. I decided to change to children’s wear as a result of mums buying their clothing from me then slowly ordering outfits for their children and it was so much fun and a lot more rewarding.
How did you decide what business to go into, and what was your motivation?
From an early age I was interested in arts and crafts so as soon as I started textiles at GCSE my teacher saw how easily I took to a sewing machine. After high school I took business, art and design and computers , then an associates degree in clothing technology, B-Tec in costume design and management. Creativity is my motivation and wanting to share it so the only route was being my own boss and clothing design is something I have always and will always love to do.
What were the most challenging aspects to setting up?
Sewing aside I have always been business oriented but learning about online marketing has been a massive learning curve and the complexity is something I never in a million years knew existed.
What has been your biggest business achievement?
Learning to network, learning how to code, acquiring my first wholesale order without pitching for it and making the last 6 in the Natwest Business awards at 21 against multimillionaires.
Have, or do you do anything out of the ordinary to benefit your business?
Apart from dressing my boys in tutus to see how they look, I will be attending business motivational and networking meetings soon so I'll let you know how that works out.
What stage is your business at now & what are your plans for the future?
My business is starting to gain momentum as I learn more and more about marketing and I am making really great contacts. I plan to offer my designs wholesale and eventually I would like a physical shop again as i miss it but that will have to wait until the boys are bigger. I would like to introduce a range of nursery products soon as well.
How do you manage to juggle your business with family life? Has it been challenging?
I have no clue I've always done it so my children are none the wiser but working from home is a blessing and a distraction. Its a major challenge at times as my husband is a chef so he's out 90% of the time so I get really really tired but I have help 2 days a week from my mum which is great and my oldest boy is in school full time. Its a major challenge as I make most of my stock so it doesn't stop I'm constantly working, hopefully soon I can employ a lovely seamstress to help me.
How has online networking, specifically with other mums, benefited your business?
Its been a real life line and I would be still at the starting blocks if it wasn't for the likes of mumsclub. I have made some really good webmates one of which has created my skincare range and another who I get my soaps from. Its brilliant and I don't know what I would do without it as it gets lonely tapping away on your pc sometimes.
What resources do you NOT have now that might make your life easier?
i would really love to have a workroom out of the house or a bigger room as I have hijacked the dining room and I would love to give it back to the family.
What advice would you give another mum considering starting her own business?
Go for it give it a try what have you got to lose, lots of research is the key not just on your products but on how business works. Go to a business centre like business link and soak up as much advice as possible. One piece of advice I would underline is its not easy it may look easy setting up a shop or website but thats only the beginning so really think about how much you want from the business because you really do only get out what you put in.
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