We love featuring other small businesses; and we've met some brilliant ones along our journey over the last few months.
Today, we meet Katherine who invented a handy feeding tool for all mums out there called the Snuggleband. Not heard of it? Found out more below, with it being a must-have for Mrs Hinch, the Snuggleband is sure to be your new favourite product...
Hi there, what’s your name and give us an insight into your daily life…
Hi, I’m Katherine and I live in a small Hampshire town with my husband and our two children, Ruby (3 and a half) and William (nearly 2.) I am a former Primary School Teacher and now enjoying running my small Snuggleband business alongside raising our children.
What does your business do?
My business name is also the name of my product – Snuggleband - the handmade Baby Feeding Armband designed to provide portable comfort and support for breast and bottle feeding, where ever you choose to feed.
What did you do before your business?
Before Snuggleband, I worked full time as a Primary and Prep School teacher, but chose not to return to teaching after having our second child. I still feel like a teacher so am not averse to returning one day!
How and why did you start your business?
I had no intention of starting my own business! Our first baby, Ruby, would feed for quite a long time and as a result I could sometimes end up with an achy arm and shoulder, a bit of a tingly hand and Ruby’s head would get quite sweaty against my arm. I played around with a few ideas and made something that suited me and my baby; easy, portable, machine washable comfort! Friends and family then started to ask me to make one for them and that’s how it all started – a happy accident! I love sourcing new fabrics so that there’s plenty of choice for my customers. My current favourites are the hares and jungle prints. I’m also partial to a star and a chevron!
Who inspires you?
That’s easy, my mum and my sister! Strong, supportive women who I am lucky to have in my life.
What celebrity parent/s do you admire and why?
Ella Mills (owner of Deliciously Ella.) I am in awe of how she successfully juggles running an amazing business, raising her new baby, Skye, and still having time to response personally to messages. Her honesty and openness about all of the above is very refreshing!
What’s the first thing you think when you wake up in the morning?
"Is it that time already?!"
What one thing could you not live without?
My family. (Oh and my notebook and pen – lists are life!)
What would you like to ask our readers/customers?
I’m always on the lookout for new prints to add to the Snuggleband collections, what colours and designs would appeal to you? Feel free to pop me a message over on Instagram or Facebook and let me know! Happy feeding!
Follow Katherine on her Snuggleband journey on her instagram page here, her Facebook page here and find out more about her brilliant products on etsy here.