This week I’m super thrilled to share the story of Andrea from Kapow Kids. I’m proud to say that I have been an avid follower and supporter of Kapow Kids right from the start. I’ve even been told by Andrea that Happy Ella After was the first to blog about the amazing behind her range, almost two years ago! Andrea defines what it means to be a local, talented Mum who has taken a chance to pursue her dream. She saw a need in the market, put her skills to good work and has put in endless hours of time and effort to produce beautiful kidswear and a business that has graced the pages of many parenting magazines, and blogs. In case you’ve been hiding under a rock somewhere, here are some of my favourites from her range…
The famous Dribs (a dribble bib)! Her print range is infamous…
Her amazing range of tees and leggings…I’ve bought the grey ‘Bat Crazy’ tee for Hudson waaayyyyy before he is big enough to even fit into it!
handmade details…
her new range of cloud pillows. I also got this one for Hudson’s room a while back. I’ve received so many compliments I’ve lost count!..
It is my absolute pleasure to share the amazing woman behind this local business…
1. What inspired you to start Kapow Kids?
I was working part time in architecture after having a baby, but on my days home I needed something to stimulate my brain. So I decided to start an Etsy store with some kids clothing and accessories, as a hobby. A lot of my friends in architecture had Etsy stores selling jewellery or art so I thought it was about time I started a shop too. I never expected to be where I am today! We are now off Etsy and have a webshop but Etsy was a great place to start.
2. How do you juggle business and family?
We don’t have much outside help as Flynn’s grandparents work full time or are interstate. When they do come over though, they often take care of Flynn so that we can pack orders. Having a home studio makes the juggle much easier as Flynn can play with his toys while I work on my computer or packing orders. My husband is really supportive of the business so he helps out a lot with the daycare drop offs and pick ups, grocery shopping and things like that.
3. What has been your proudest moment so far?
Being invited to The Little Runway – Kids Fashion week. We’ve never ever done a runway show before, and never ever thought we’d be doing one, so its pretty exciting.
4. What has been your biggest challenge?
Production. Its such a struggle. Trying to make enough stock to meet the demand has been really difficult. We have some lovely sewers (mums) helping us to produce garments but soon we are going to need a reliable manufacturer. Finding that manufacturer is the hard part. We love making everything here in Australia, but it seems like the next step will have to be overseas manufacture. We are having trouble finding someone here who can do what we need.
5. What is your advice to others wanting to start their own business?
Im always advising other mums to start their own business from home. Its a great way to stay close to your children and be there for them, but still fulfil your own drive, creativity and ambition. My number one tip would be to master social media. Its a fun, easy and free way to show off your stuff and make lots of friends a long the way.
6. Three words that describe Kapow Kids..
FUN. BRIGHT. DIFFERENT
7. What’s your favourite current product in your line?
Ummm, the Bat Crazy Pillow case. I’m so in love with this bat that illustrator, Andrea Lauren designed for us. He’s so cool! A cool pillowcase is a great and easy way to make any kids room look cool.
8. Pay it forward to another local business. Kapow Kid loves….
Paperkrane! Im so in love with Paperkrane boots. Kate who designs them is such a lovely mum and her creativity shines through her shoes. So much love and care goes into the making of these boots, and they are really different, there’s nothing else like them out there.
So to view her range, support local and purchase yourself some super stylish threads for your kids, head over to Kapow Kids right now! I’m also running a giveaway to win two tickets to the Little Fashion Week Runway Show…simply head to Instagram and follow @happyellaafter for details on how to enter!
*Stay tuned next week for my profile on Talo Interiors
