I started a baby brand - ask me anything

[designonaut]

I'm the founder and original designer for a brand of baby products, which is on sale in leading retailers in the UK and internationally. This has been my living for a few years now and it's been non stop work. I've learned a lot and am still learning. Anyone interested in doing something similar, I may be able to answer your questions.

I'm still very much part of the business and guide it. However some of the investors are actively involved in policy and end up having more control than I do when other directors tend to agree with them. That's not necessarily a bad thing due to their business knowledge and experience.

None of it's been easy; it's all been really, really hard. If I could go back in time I'm not sure I'd do this again. Some of the big retailers like Mothercare and Argos have been open to new ideas and of course they look for any flaws but have been willing to give feedback and buy from us. Also some of the big retailers will not deal with anyone who does not already have an account with them so can only be approached through distributors. Retail is suffering so currently there are large retailers who have not replaced buyers who have left so it's not even possible to approach them. The independents can be harder because they say that parents come in asking for brands, so they won't give space to anything that doesn't have a huge marketing budget. European sales have stalled for us while the Brexit uncertainty continues.

How much is your annual turnover?

How much do you spend on marketing as a % of your turnover?

How many Instagram followers does the brand have?

Do you have your own online store?

Any of your own phyiscal stores?