The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve overcome has been learning how to navigate motherhood, complex medical care and entrepreneurship all at the same time. At the same time, I was experiencing firsthand how overlooked adaptive clothing solutions were for families like ours. Starting Growing Tots meant stepping into an entirely new space emotionally and professionally – taking a deeply personal experience and turning it into a product that could genuinely help others.
There were many challenges along the way, from developing functional designs that met real medical needs, to building a business while caring for three children.
What has kept me going is knowing that Growing Tots is helping children feel more comfortable and supported, while also helping parents feel seen and understood. Hearing from families who say the bodysuits have made hospital stays, school or everyday feeding routines easier reminds me why I started in the first place.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
One of the greatest advantages of running my own business is the ability to create something deeply meaningful and purpose-driven. Growing Tots was born from lived experience, so every design decision comes from a genuine understanding of what medical families need. There’s an incredible sense of fulfilment in knowing that a product created for my own daughter is now supporting other children and families across Australia
At the same time, running your own business can be emotionally and physically demanding. As a small business owner, you wear many hats at once, from design and product development to customer service, marketing and logistics – often while managing family life in the background.
However, despite the challenges, the ability to create real impact for other families makes it incredibly rewarding. Knowing that Growing Tots is helping children feel more comfortable, supported and included makes the harder moments worthwhile.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
The future for Growing Tots is incredibly exciting. One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been listening to the feedback and experiences of other medical families, and we’ve recently expanded our range to include larger sizes and new colour options following strong demand from parents and carers. It’s been really special to see the community shape the evolution of the brand.
Looking ahead, my hope is to continue growing Growing Tots into a globally recognised adaptive childrenswear brand that supports more families navigating tube feeding and complex medical care.
More than anything, I hope Growing Tots continues to help families feel seen, supported and less alone in their journey, while creating products that allow children with medical needs to participate in everyday life with greater comfort, dignity and confidence.
Visit the Growing Tots website to find out more and to browse their collection. You can also connect with them on Instagram and Facebook.
