Chloe McMaster started McMini’s to pursue her passion for quality baby products while having the flexibility to be at home with her son. Unable to find large, breathable swaddles suitable for delicate baby skin, she set out to produce her own. Working with local artists across Australia, McMini’s create GOTS certified, eco-friendly swaddles designed for babies with sensitive skin and mums who cherish unique, beautiful baby products. Here Chloe talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the inspiration behind her business, how she balances work and family time, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
After leaving the Navy, I thought, why not dive into something I’m passionate about? McMini’s came to life because I wanted to create something amazing, Our son Harry had really sensitive skin and would get rashes after coming into contact with certain things and materials. He was a very hot baby but LOVED to be swaddled tightly to sleep! I found a gap in the market: I couldn’t find large swaddles that worked well for sensitive skin, that were breathable enough for a sweaty baby and still looked beautiful.
The business really took off when I gifted one of our McMini’s Swaddles to a friend giving birth at Darwin Private Hospital. Her OB saw our crocodile-patterned swaddle and got into contact with us in the hope we would supply the swaddles to the hospital as gifts for new mums and their babies.
We have now been supplying Darwin Private Hospital for over 3 years.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
McMini’s kicked off right after my Navy days. I was all in, focusing on making these amazing baby swaddles. It was the perfect way to blend my love for quality baby products with the flexibility to be at home with my son.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
Our game-changer? Teaming up with local artists all across Australia. We snagged exclusive patterns that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s like giving baby products a fresh, artsy spin!
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
The juggling act! Working from home has its challenges but I think that’s something everyone faces today. I love that I get to be at home working on the business and never miss out on family time. It’s all about balance and now my little one has started school, it all works out pretty perfectly.
