PUMPKIN & Bear Handmade Childrenswear might only be a few weeks old, but the small, family-run business is certainly cutting a pathway to success.
Jessica Stanton started making clothes for her son Arthur, who was born in April, and the handmade outfits proved to be a big hit with family and friends who came to visit or saw photos on social media.
The former Oakwood Primary School and Sir Thomas Boteler High School pupil decided to launch her own business and the rest, as they say, is history.
Here, in our next Trader of the Week feature, Jessica tells us how she juggles her new business with her family life and how she plans to expand the business making matching outfits for parents.
What’s the name of the business?
Pumpkin & Bear - Handmade Childrenswear
When did you open the business?
September
Are you local to the area? Did you grow up here?
I grew up in Warrington in the Great Sankey area. I went to Oakwood Primary School and Sir Thomas Boteler High School. I also lived in Orford during my early twenties before travelling around Australia.
Tell me a bit about your business
Pumpkin & Bear is all about making fun, high-quality clothes for children and babies. We’re a super small family business that’s just starting out. I do all the sewing, my partner Joe helps with everything else and my baby Arthur is the inspiration behind it all. It’s really important to us to support other small and independent businesses and this is where we source all of our fabrics and materials.
Jess, her partner Joe and little boy Arthur
What do you do? What services do you provide?
We make clothes eye-catching clothes that are child friendly. We offer a made to order service which means customers can choose clothing that represents their baby’s personality.
Why did you decide to open your own business?
We wanted to turn a passion into a means of supporting our family. It’s such a wonderful way to spend time together as a family. We really enjoy looking for fabrics and new clothing options together and making clothes for our son.
What’s your business background?
I don’t have a background in business, my partner and I really are learning as we go!
It's all dragons and smiles in this outfit
Why this type of business?
My partner and I love to be creative. It’s such a pleasure to make things for other people to enjoy. It also allows me to work around my baby and meet other parents, which is great with us being new parents ourselves.
What makes your business different to others in the same area/field? What sets your business apart from your competitors?
We try to make everyone feel included. It’s important to us that people have a positive experience with our business. We try to support other small businesses like ourselves and we hope others will do the same.
A space-inspired outfit
Why do loyal customers return to your business?
We offer a personal and friendly service with clothes that last. We involve them in the process providing updates throughout.
What’s next? What do the next few months hold for you and your business?
We have so many exciting things in the works. We’re currently exploring other fabric and clothing options. We’re also looking to extend our sizing and product range. We’ve had some requests for an adult range, which we would love to do. I love matching my outfits with my son so it’s definitely something we’re going to explore! We would also like to get out to some market events.
Arthur modelling the ladybirds and leaves outfit
How can customers reach you?
By searching Pumpkin & Bear Handmade Childrenswear on Facebook or by visiting facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085966549319
If you would like your business to appear in our Trader of the Week feature, email heidi.summerfield@newsquest.co.uk
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