We talk to mums whose kids were the inspiration for their business ventures. This week it’s Julia Simmonds of itchy baby co.
What inspired you to start the business?
My son Christian was suffering with severe and chronic eczema. His eczema had him admitted to hospital and I had spent many long nights not understanding what I could do to help him. My practical and emotional battle with this debilitating skin condition inspired me to use my experience as a pharmacist to develop natural products to help him and then help others sharing my same struggle.
What makes your products unique?
Our products are developed using well researched natural ingredients which are chosen on the basis of their properties to benefit eczema and itchy, dry skin. These include intensely moisturising, soothing, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-itch properties. Our products do not contain chemicals, added nasties or fillers, which dampen down the quality and concentration of natural ingredients and can cause skin dryness.
Top tips for combining motherhood and a successful business?
Don’t lose sight of why you started. The reason I started was to help children and parents like me and Christian who were struggling to learn how to best manage eczema. Without having become a mother my business would not exist and my journey with Christian is strongly intertwined in everything to do with itchy baby co. Knowing the emotional impact eczema can have on parents who are seeing their child uncomfortable and irritated and understanding the complications eczema can lead to such as skin infections needing hospitalisation motivates me every day.
Best advice your mother gave you?
Rise and shine. My mother used to say this to me every morning and now I say it to my children. As an adult ‘rise and shine’ is still the thought I start the day with and now every day I choose to try to shine. Thanks mum!
Best and/or worst Mother’s Day gift received?
Each Mother’s Day I look forward to the handmade cards and little gifts my children make. I keep them in a box and know that as they get older the value of these little hand-crafted gifts will forever increase.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Greet opportunity with ‘yes’. Keep an open mind to all possibilities, accept that you will make mistakes and have a plan to bounce back and keep going.
Future plans for the company?
To keep listening to our itchy baby co. family and continue to develop innovative products and resources to help young families manage their children’s eczema so they can enjoy a great quality of life.
