It was after becoming parents that Tameka Copley and her husband discovered a gap in the market when it came to infant clothing. They went in search of clothing that would protect their daughter from the harsh sun, midges and mozzies, as well as keep her cool on hot days, but they struggled to find anything suitable. This is what prompted them to create their own, and Rugrat & Co was born. Their infant fishing/outdoor romper not only protects little ones from the elements, but is also comfortable, practical and stylish. Made from lightweight, quick dry polyester/cotton material, the romper has mesh-lined back vents to allow air flow and to keep your little one cool. It has adjustable sleeves that can be buttoned to any length and incorporates the press stud bottom to allow for quick nappy changes – perfect for those family adventures! Here Tameka talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the inspiration behind their business, their biggest breakthrough, and their hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
My husband and I have always shared a dream of starting our own business together. Coming from business backgrounds, we’d throw around ideas every now and then, but nothing ever felt quite right. We didn’t want to start just any business-we wanted it to be something that truly meant something to us, something that reflected who we are and the life we live. After years of brainstorming, we finally decided to take the plunge, but it wasn’t until we became parents that we found the idea that would change everything.
In 2021, we welcomed our beautiful baby girl into the world, and as first-time parents, we were excited-and maybe a little nervous-to figure out how to balance our active outdoor lifestyle with our new role as parents. Living in Darwin, NT, we’ve always loved being outside, whether we’re fishing, camping, or heading out on day hikes to explore the stunning waterholes in our area. Being outdoors is just part of who we are. Naturally, we wanted to bring our little one along on all these adventures.
We searched high and low for infant clothing that would shield her from the harsh sun, pesky midges, and mozzies, while also keeping her cool in the sweltering heat of the Northern Territory. Despite our efforts, we couldn’t find anything suitable for younger babies, especially clothing designed for those constant nappy changes.
So, we thought, why not create it ourselves? And just like that, the idea for Rugrat & Co was born. We designed the Infant Fishing/Outdoor Romper with our little one in mind-something that would not only protect her from the elements but also be comfortable, practical, and easy for us as parents to use. From sun protection to quick nappy changes, we wanted a product that made it easier for families like ours to enjoy the outdoors together.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
After countless hours of testing materials and tweaking samples, and choosing a colour range, we were finally ready to launch our product. But this was just the beginning. Being based in Darwin gave us a unique advantage, and we were lucky enough to secure a stall at the famous Mindil Beach Markets. This is where our journey truly began-introducing Rugrat & Co to the community, one family at a time, in the heart of Darwin.
The next challenge was building our brand from the ground up-everything from creating and designing our website to navigating the world of social media marketing.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
Throughout our journey, we’ve celebrated many small wins. From heart-warming messages from customers telling us how much they love our products to adorable photos of little ones adventuring in their rompers, each moment has reminded us why we started Rugrat & Co in the first place.
However, one of our proudest achievements so far has been expanding our reach across Australia. Seeing our rompers stocked in stores nationwide has been a huge milestone for us-knowing that parents everywhere can easily access our products to keep their little explorers safe and comfortable. It’s a dream come true to know our brand is making an impact, not just locally but all over the country!
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Balancing work and family has been one of our biggest learning curves. When we first started Rugrat & Co, it was the two of us doing everything-product development, marketing, customer service, and shipping. Our daughter was still so young, so we had to find ways to integrate work into family time without letting one overpower the other. It’s not always easy, but it’s rewarding to see our business grow while keeping our family at the heart of it all.
