Welcoming a newborn into the world is a life-changing experience, but for Carly Harryman, it also sparked the beginnings of a business. When her daughter Jemimah was diagnosed with severe allergies, she discovered the hidden impact that everyday textiles can have on a child’s health. What started as a desperate search for safe, beautiful and affordable nursery bedding soon grew into Mama’s Hub, a brand committed to creating organic, ethically made nursery products for families, while building a supportive community for parents navigating the ups and downs of early parenthood. Here, Carly talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the inspiration behind Mama’s Hub, her biggest breakthrough, 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 behind my business came during one of the most emotionally and physically intense chapters of my life. We had just moved into a new-build home with our four-week-old daughter, Jemimah. While I was navigating the chaos of unpacking boxes and settling into a house that still needed basic fixtures, I was also adjusting to life with a newborn who fed on demand – a rhythm that left me housebound and exhausted.
At the time, I was desperately trying to create a warm, nurturing space for Jemimah. I wanted something beautiful, affordable and gentle on her sensitive skin. But I couldn’t find a nursery bedding set that was orange or green – let alone something as specific as the safari theme I had in mind. Jemimah began struggling with reflux and severe allergies, which led us to a diagnosis of CMPA (Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy). Even after switching to specialist formula, she still struggled with mucus buildup and disturbed sleep.
After much trial and error – and countless sleepless nights – I discovered the link between conventional textiles and respiratory irritation. I learned about the benefits of GOTS-certified organic cotton and had a true lightbulb moment. My daughter’s sleep improved when she napped on my eldest son’s old organic bedding. That’s when I knew: other parents needed access to beautiful, safe and ethically made nursery products too. And so, Mama’s Hub was born.
The Launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
My first steps into the world of retail were tentative and completely out of my comfort zone. I had experience in photography and had managed a school lab and packing department, but launching a product-based business from scratch was entirely new. I spent countless hours researching ethical suppliers and material labels, whilst building the website myself.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
The most pivotal breakthrough came when I began researching the effect of chemicals in non-organic textiles – not just on skin, but on infant lungs and overall wellbeing. Learning about the impact of synthetic dyes, flame retardants and pesticides hidden in mainstream baby bedding was alarming. I realised my ultra-sensitive daughter wasn’t just reacting to food allergies – her environment was also playing a significant role.
Switching to GOTS-certified organic cotton was transformative. Once I understood its benefits, I couldn’t go back, and I knew I had to make these products accessible for other parents. Creating organic bedding that’s both affordable and aesthetically pleasing became my mission, and it remains at the heart of Mama’s Hub today.
Yin & Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Balancing motherhood and business is, without a doubt, the most difficult part of this journey. On the one hand, I’m incredibly grateful for the flexibility to attend school plays and sports days, but the guilt of dividing my attention between work and my children never truly goes away.
My partner is wonderfully supportive. He handles the finances (he’s an accountant by profession), which lifts a massive weight off my shoulders. But with him working full-time (and often weekends), the day-to-day falls to me. Meals are simpler these days, and housework sometimes takes a back seat. I’ve learned that perfection is unrealistic – and connection is what truly matters.
