Born from a mother’s love and a well-used sewing machine, Emily Wants Summer is a handmade brand inspired by real family life and sun-filled adventures. What began as a mum stitching bonnets for her daughter has grown into a thoughtful collection of sun-safe hats for babies, children and adults alike. Designed, tested and loved on everyday outings, each piece reflects a slower, more intentional approach to parenting – where practicality, beauty and heart are stitched into every detail. Here, founder Emily Ben talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the passion behind her work, 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?
My sewing machine and I go way back, but everything changed when my daughter Summer came along. What started as stitching tiny rattles and scrunchies (so many scrunchies!) turned into an obsession with creating the perfect sun-safe bonnets for her.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
My daughter has outgrown my mum-made bonnets. But instead of packing away my needle and thread, I thought, What if other families could enjoy these handmade treasures too? And just like that, Emily Wants Summer was born in 2019!
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
Today, we’ve grown from baby bonnets to a whole collection of sun hats (for kids and grown-ups), plus other happy-making goodies – all stitched with the same love I put into Summer’s very first bonnet.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Emily Wants Summer is a family business born from a mother’s love for her little girl. We’ve moved beyond the idea of “work-life balance” to create a beautiful blend instead. Our handmade hats are tested on real adventures, turning our daily life into the heart of our design process. While my business is a part-time endeavour, my passion for it is a full-time commitment.
