The idea for Born Maternity came about when Bronwyn Richardson was pregnant. Struggling to find affordable, quality and comfortable clothing that didn’t come from big box stores, she jumped at the chance to take over this awesome little business. Wanting to stay home and spend as much time with her little one as possible, it was also a great way to have the best of both worlds. Their range includes the most comfortable maternity and feeding clothing, from maternity jeans, denim skirts, cargo pants and leggings to maternity tees and dresses, along with feeding singlets and tees. Here Bronwyn talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the inspiration behind her business, how she balances work and family life, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
After falling pregnant with my first in 2022 and my clothes not fitting anymore, I struggled to find maternity clothing where I had choice on colours and styles. Other than your large, big box stores, we don’t have any other clothing options for pregnant and feeding mums for affordable, quality clothing.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
We had come across this awesome little business for sale that had a lovely owner who unfortunately lost her passion for it due to her own personal circumstances. One night, after my partner finished work, we hooked up the trailer and started the 8-hour drive up to Sydney. We made it as far as Yass, arriving around 11pm, and found a spot to park the car and sleep. Not ideal being 6 months pregnant, sleeping on a blowup mattress in the back of the car and living on fast food, while zooming up interstate! After an early start the next morning, we continued to Sydney, met the lovely lady who handed over all her knowledge about the clothing and suppliers before turning around and heading back to Shepparton. What a whirlwind start. From there, we set up our garage as a storeroom and have a little shop front in our house where we accept one-on-one shopping experiences.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
There are plenty of items of clothing out there that could do the job, but I have designed items that will be amazing. It’s not just while you are pregnant or just while you are feeding – they can be used for both and beyond! These items of clothing our reviewers have told us will be game changers.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Most of my work is done while the little one is down for a sleep. I also have a very supportive fiancé and we work great as a team. He will get the stock out of the storeroom while I pack the orders and organise postage, all after our little one is in bed. There are also times when I need to call on my parents or the in-laws to look after our little one while I get some important business work done. We are blessed to have great family support around us.
