Becoming a new mum can be overwhelming at the best of times, but starting your motherhood journey during a pandemic adds another level of stress and uncertainty. This experience gave Dominika Anogianakis a whole new perspective on life. Once she returned to work, she realised she wanted to do something with more flexibility that would allow her to be at home with her son. She launched her business, Letters from Dom, selling beautiful, handmade accessories and decor for children, with her little helper by her side. Here, she talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about taking on the challenge of starting her own business.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
I became a first-time mum during the height of the pandemic. Becoming a mum for the first time is already a stressful period full of new experiences and challenges. Add to that the stress of returning to work, having my son in daycare and not being able to see family and friends, all while the cloud of Covid hung over us and it was too much. I wanted to be with my little one in the safety of our home for as long as possible.
I initially started with just bows because as a boy mum this gave me the opportunity to dress up little girls in cute outfits. I connected with other mums in business who inspired me to expand my business. Over time, our range has grown to include many more children’s accessories and décor but bows are still our biggest seller.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
They say sleep when your baby sleeps, but I was busy trying to get all my orders made during my 6-month-old’s nap times. It worked, until he started cutting down on naps and my orders started growing. These days he supervises me and reminds me every day why I’m working so hard.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
Working collaboratively with other amazing mums and women in business was a big breakthrough for me.
I purchase bibs for gift boxes through ‘Smith & Sadie’, staging props through ‘Forever Botanic’ and I get my product photos done by Raaniluxe. All of these businesses are run by beautiful women. I support them and in turn they support me. I’ve developed a great network of women who have shared so much advice and they have helped me build my local customer base.
