burp! boutique: for babies with attitude

by Claire on Wednesday 18 January 12.

Mums, if you haven't heard of burp!, you are in for a treat. This is an online kids' boutique with a twist, selling clothes, toys, books and artwork that is completely different to what you find on the high street.

burp! was created by Kate Hayden-Ellis in 2007 and started life as an online platform for artists to sell their work, alongside jewellery, toys, graphic novels and accessories. The birth of her daughter Evie in January 2010 inspired Kate to transform the business into a funky kids' boutique - something quite different to the run of the mill retailer selling the predictable pink hearts and flowers outfits for baby girls. I spoke to Kate about her business and life as a mumpreneur.

On running burp! boutique...

" I love finding new products and meeting wonderful suppliers who are totally on the same wave length. I am spending more time on the computer than I thought though, much to my husband's chagrin..."

On being a businesswoman and a mum...

"The best part of being a mumpreneur is that I'm at home watching my child grow. It's about finding that balance. Squeezing in quick bits of work when they're sleeping or heading off to creche for an hour or so, so while they're playing you can work. It is also about using your brain! Most important. Watching my business grow and develop is exciting too! But definitely being with my daughter rocks. I wouldn't miss this for the world."

On learning lessons along the way...

"The biggest lesson I have learnt is to be patient. I can be very impatient. I want great things instantly....I have to be patient!"

On hopes and dreams for the future...

"For burp! to become bigger and bolder. For our collection to grow and for it to provide great alternatives for parents. A bricks and mortar shop would be my ultimate goal where I could sell our wonderful products, have an amazing cafe attached - where parents could get a fabulous coffee or a glass of wine and wonderful food, and to provide creative workshops for the little ones. Moomah in New York influenced me massively when we were there!"

On encouraging other mums to go into business...

"My advice? Do it! If you have an idea and you have the financial support then give it a go. We only have one life so we should try everything! Better to have tried than not. If you can go through child birth and raise a family you can run a business! We are very strong and I think that is reflected in our businesses."

You can follow burp! boutique on Twitter and Facebook.