As parents, we want our babies to have the best possible night’s sleep, in a safe and comfortable environment. At Launder & Love, it is their mission to provide long-lasting, high quality bedding made from 100% organic cotton that is breathable, soft, hardwearing and safe for delicate skin. Their natural bedding is made with super soft jersey knit organic cotton that washes well, is durable enough to keep up with those occasional whoopsies and helps create a sleeping environment for our little ones that is as chemical free as possible. In addition, their gorgeous bedding is designed to help you create a nursery that complements your style. Launder & Love owner Jaclyn Horlick talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the passion behind the business, the delicate work/family balance and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
Since finding out I was pregnant, I become rigorous with learning about what was best for me and for my baby, whether that be food, education, apparel or bedding. As every mother does, I wanted the best for my baby.
An opportunity presented itself when a friend who set up Launder & Love was ready to pass it on. After talking with my partner, we both decided this was a perfect business opportunity. What I loved about the business was how much I could relate to the customer. The product was exactly what I wanted for my child and it was a business I could see had huge growth opportunities.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
Taking over the business was a steep learning curve as I’m not familiar with online or navigating a web-based store. In saying that, it was a lot of fun learning all the functions and bringing it to life.
It’s still very early days for me and I’m enjoying the challenge of finding what does and doesn’t work for my customers and my business. Every day is a school day for me – some days are great, and I learn a lot, other days I learn from my mistakes.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
For me, the biggest breakthrough was becoming a mum and understanding exactly what I wanted for my baby. This has led me to continue to research and look further into product development on the current lines and brand new lines.
I was inspired, as nursery bedding is not something that a lot of people think about. Typically bedding is not thought of as a standard baby shower gift, but it really is the perfect gift! Parents tend to treat it as something you think of further down the track when baby is bigger.
Mums put so much thought into the nursery, the wall hangings, the toys and furnishings, why not the sheets that your baby sleeps on for the first two years of their lives?
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
It’s tough. Any new mum I’m sure will attest it’s hard work to balance your relationship and a new baby plus work. Family comes first – always. The business is important of course, but it’s about making sure I’m giving enough to myself and my family so that I can give to the business as well.
Focusing on what’s in front of me is key. If that’s my child or partner then that’s where I am in that moment, but there’s always business ideas going through my head. Taking time for me and baby first thing each morning by grabbing a coffee and taking a walk along the coast has channeled my focus, these little things are just priceless moments we all need and treasure. We are so lucky to live by the water.
