Born is 15 years old this week! In addition to too much cake, birthdays always bring on a bit of reminiscing, so we asked Eva and Georgina Fernandes (sisters and co-founders) to tell us what led them to set up Born and how things have changed over the last 15 years...
What led to the birth of Born, 15 years ago?
Eva:
 |
| Eva and Family |
I became acutely aware that there was no single place that served all my needs. I founded and volunteered at The Bristol Real Nappy Information Service and encountered other parents who wanted the same products but like me were frustrated at the lack of availability of these items on the high street. I felt strongly that people should have a choice about buying baby products and that sustainable and ethical products should be just as readily available to everyone.
 |
| Georgina and Family |
Georgina:
When Eva approached me with her idea to set up Born, it just made so much sense to bring natural, organic, ethically sourced products onto a shop floor. It has been amazing to share the product knowledge and our experiences with our customers in a retail environment.
Why is selling sustainable and ethical products important?
Eva: It's just the right thing to do. I can't imagine feeling good about my baby wearing clothes that a child had made.
Georgina:
It is extremely important to me and the team at Born. It is a lifestyle for us and we question very carefully that products fit our criteria to support the planet and the workers.
What are your favourite 5 products that Born has sold in the last 15 years?
Eva:
 |
| Making Pebble toys in Bangladesh |
What are your favourite 5 products that Born has sold in the last 15 years?
Eva:
The Tripp Trapp Chair - It is the epitome of sustainable furniture, something that goes from birth to adult. We have them in our house and I use one in the office.
Washable nappies - I loved using them. There is nothing more satisfying than putting away a pile of washed nappies ready to re-use!
Slings - I loved baby wearing and love sharing these products with parents in the hope that they find baby wearing as beneficial.
Bravado bra's - They are so comfortable and stretchy and that means you don't have to buy lots of sizes as your breasts change.
Earth Friendly Baby Bath and Shower - Me and my family still use and love it!
Georgina:
Slings/baby carriers - There's nothing like the feeling of carrying your baby close, and there have been some gorgeous carriers and slings over the years.
Organic toiletries - These have been really popular and I love the fact that they're not just for babies - the whole family can enjoy them.
Organic blankets - The blankets that we sell, especially the David Fussenegger ones, are so fantastically soft and snuggly - we've been using ours for years!
Natural parenting books - I've seen how these books have really helped and supported so many parents to have faith in their own parenting instincts.
Wooden toys - Gorgeous colours, safe for babies and for the planet and so much fun to play with when the children have gone to bed!
Georgina:
Slings/baby carriers - There's nothing like the feeling of carrying your baby close, and there have been some gorgeous carriers and slings over the years.
Organic toiletries - These have been really popular and I love the fact that they're not just for babies - the whole family can enjoy them.
Organic blankets - The blankets that we sell, especially the David Fussenegger ones, are so fantastically soft and snuggly - we've been using ours for years!
Natural parenting books - I've seen how these books have really helped and supported so many parents to have faith in their own parenting instincts.
Wooden toys - Gorgeous colours, safe for babies and for the planet and so much fun to play with when the children have gone to bed!
Have people’s buying patterns changed over the 15 years?
Eva: Yes, there are far more suppliers of washable nappies, organic clothing and sustainable products now, which illustrates the growing demand for these products.
Georgina:
Yes definitely. The products we brought to the shop floor 15 years ago are now on shelves in many high street stores and even some supermarkets. The availabilty and information online also now means that everyone can find and use these products easily.
Where would you like to see Born in the next 15 years?
Eva: I'd like us to have an even bigger range of ethical and environmentally friendly baby products.
Georgina:
I'd like to see us develop our wholesale side so we get the wonderful products we have to a lot more customers here and around the world.
What excites you personally about the future of Born?
Eva: The growth of online as it means more people get to experience Born.
The Born brand and ethos being known and used by future parents and the younger generation knowing that they have many different choices and products, and that parenting can be so natural, holistic and simple.Where would you like to see Born in the next 15 years?
Eva: I'd like us to have an even bigger range of ethical and environmentally friendly baby products.
Georgina:
I'd like to see us develop our wholesale side so we get the wonderful products we have to a lot more customers here and around the world.
What excites you personally about the future of Born?
Eva: The growth of online as it means more people get to experience Born.
Georgina:
No comments:
Post a Comment