Whilst meeting with close friend Jess while they were both on maternity leave, Julie noticed they were both experiencing the same problems.
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Julie told Kidspot: “Ellie and I were travelling with him a lot around Asia and back home to visit family in her first year while I was on maternity leave and I really noticed how I didn’t have a nappy mat or nappy wallet that did everything I wanted.”
This made travelling or even visiting family incredibly difficult.
After months of frustration the pair created a nappy clutch and changing station which allows a parent to use it one handed.
Jess and Julie decided to start a business despite living in different countries.
In total, the two mums spent £15,600 setting up their business and over a year and a half researching it.
Julie and Jess tested 13 different models until they were finally happy with their product.
Julie said: “We would get together, do a massive shop at Spotlight and sit at Jess’ dining table and come up with designs until 2am with a needle and thread and a glue gun. Neither of us had ever sewed before, so it was hilarious.”
They made a point to not use PVC in their products so that they were gentler on babies skin.
Julie confessed she was pregnant with her second child the day Ben & Ellie Baby launched and was born 9 minutes after the product went on sale.
The savvy mum said she would stay up till midnight completing orders whilst managing her household.
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The pair supported each other throughout the development of their sharing tasks.
When one mother needs a break the other will be there to help carry the load.
The mumpreneurs have now made more than £179,000, with some months topping an incredible £10,000.
The online store now offers a range of clutches handbags ideal for carrying your little ones necessities.
Julie said: “I still pinch myself that people are buying what we have created from scratch,” Julie says.I’m really proud that this side hustle of ours has turned into a fully fledged business”
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