A MUM who struggled to find clothes which properly fit her baby son turned to her sewing machine and created a baby wardrobe of her own which has grown into a thriving business.
Fashion design graduate Abbie Allert, 27, launched her handmade baby and toddler clothing business, Mamma Made It, a year ago.
Her son Oscar, now three, was a long, slim baby and unable to wear high street clothing comfortably.
She decided to make him a pair of leggings for everyday use, and before she knew it her design talent caught the eye of other mums at her mother and toddler group and she started to receive her first orders.
She soon set up on social media to showcase her sewing skills and orders started flowing in, and then turned to the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub’s Launchpad programme which helps entrepreneurs secure the right help and advice to transform business ideas into a reality.
Abbie launched a website for Mamma Made It and her sales continued to grow. She also regularly sells her designs at youth markets and last year secured a spot at the National Youth Market in Manchester.
In just under a year, Abbie has grown her business into a global platform - from long legged leggings to an online treasure trove of baby and children’s clothing in all shapes, sizes and designs.
“I never set out to start my own business, but what started off as a solution to a problem I was facing made me realise that I wasn’t alone,” said Abbie, of Rectory Close, Wombwell.
“I decided to put my degree to good use, whilst helping other new mums out who couldn’t find suitable sized clothing for their children on the high street.
“I’m currently producing between 70 and 100 pairs of leggings each week. As a result of the extra demand I’ve received after taking part in the Launchpad programme, I’ve needed to extend my house to give me more space to work and fulfil the orders which came unexpectedly flooding in.
“Mamma Made It hasn’t even celebrated its first birthday yet and I have already had wholesalers approaching me wanting to stock my clothing and I’ve added more clothing options including dresses, romper suits, skirts, shorts and keepsakes to my shop. The support and guidance I received from my business advisor at Launchpad has been instrumental in giving me the push I needed to launch my own business, as well as providing me with confidence and solid plans for the future of my business, myself and my son.”
Abbie was crowned young entrepreneur of the year at the 2018 Launchpad Awards and named as a finalist in the highly commended category at the 2017 National Youth Market in Manchester.
Doug Johnson, business advisor at Launchpad, added: “In just under a year, Abbie has achieved a significant amount of national and global success with her business and I was extremely proud to see her named young entrepreneur of the year at our first Launchpad Awards in January. I am still working with Abbie to support her with her future plans in wholesale and recruitment.”
Launchpad is the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub’s key business support programme for new business.
