Rozie Hicks created Bump’n Style to help mums-to-be feel empowered, beautiful and confident through pregnancy and into motherhood, without breaking the bank in the process. They rent out gorgeous styles that flatter changing bodies, for a fraction of the price of buying. She is passionate about joining women on this special journey during such a special time of their lives, watching them glow in clothes that make them feel fabulous. Here Rozie talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about what inspired her to start Bump’n Style, the challenges she has overcome along the way, the pros and cons of running her own business, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
The inspiration for Bump’n Style actually came from a bit of a personal mishap during my pregnancy. Just before my baby shower, I was in a real time crunch and ended up making a rushed purchase. Let’s just say, the experience wasn’t the best – hot, sweaty changing rooms, terrible lighting, and feeling pressured by others waiting. Long story short, I dropped over $400 on two dresses, only to realise one didn’t fit quite right, and they wouldn’t take it back! Needless to say, that dress hung sadly in my closet, a constant reminder of that stressful shopping trip. But hey, every silver lining has its cloud, right? That experience planted a seed in my mind.
I thought, “There has to be a better way for pregnant women and new moms to find clothes that make them feel beautiful and confident, without breaking the bank!”. And that’s how Bump’n Style was born. We’re all about providing a cool, comfy space where moms-to-be and new moms can try on clothes at their own pace, find styles that flatter their changing bodies, and all for a fraction of the price of buying.
I’m so excited to be on this journey with other women, helping them feel amazing during one of the most special times in their lives. It’s truly a blessing to be a part of their motherhood journey and watch them glow in clothes that make them feel fantastic.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
Bump’n Style‘s launch was a quiet, determined hustle, born in the heart of Dunedin and fueled by a mission to help other moms shine.
October 2023: The month it all began. With a passion for empowering moms and a keen eye for secondhand steals, I scoured online marketplaces and local second-hand boutiques. Each brand-new or barely-worn dress I found held the promise of a second chance, a chance to make another mama feel beautiful and confident during her special journey.
From the very start, my friend Bianca (@BicancaPhotography) has been a superstar supporter. Her incredible photos aren’t just product shots; they are stories. Through her lens, she captures the confidence, joy, and beauty of motherhood on real moms rocking our dresses (and adorable bumps!). My awesome friends and my sister were the first models – lots of laughs and dress-up fun were had! Those early photos became the heart and soul of my Instagram page, showcasing Bump’n Style beyond just the clothes.
Turning a space into a mama oasis: Dad and Hubby helped me transform our downstairs workshop. We gave it a fresh coat of paint, laid down some stylish rugs, and filled the racks with gorgeous dresses. This wasn’t just a place to try on clothes, it was a place to relax, and for mamas to find outfits that make them feel amazing.
We’re still a young startup, a work in progress fueled by passion and a whole lot of heart. But every rental feels like a milestone, every mama’s smile a testament to the vision I’ve had. So, the next time you see a mama rocking a fabulous Bump’n Style dress, remember – it all started with a few pre-loved treasures, a supportive friend’s lens, and a whole lot of love for mamas.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
Bump’n Style is still finding its footing, but seeing familiar faces come back is the biggest thrill! Repeat customers tell me they love the convenience, the confidence boost, and finding styles they wouldn’t otherwise try. Each return visit feels like a tiny victory, like I’m truly helping mamas shine!
Honestly, it’s a messy bun kind of balance. Half the week, I work as a health coach in a busy medical centre. The second part of the week, I’m wrestling giggles and meltdowns with my two-year-old daughter while wrestling spreadsheets and dresses at my Bump’n Style makeshift studio. Nap times are a precious battlefield for emails, evenings a blur of bedtime stories and inventory updates.
It’s not picture-perfect, but my daughter’s sticky fingerprints on the studio mirror are a reminder of why I’m doing it. Seeing her eyes light up as she “helps” is pure joy. My husband, the ultimate teammate, shares the late-night load, currently working 70-hour weeks to allow me to spend extra time with my daughter and turn my passion into a business.
The truth is, it’s a constant juggle, sometimes teetering on the edge. But seeing a mama leave my studio feeling confident and beautiful, that’s the reward that makes the tired eyes and coffee stains worth it. Bump’n Style isn’t just a business, it’s a messy, real, and heartwarming extension of my motherhood journey. My daughter, my partner in crime, is my little queen at the centre of it all.
