If you have followed me for while now, you will know that there are two major driving forces behind my photography...
Helping and encouraging Mums to exist in their family photographs and supporting other local Mums in business.
We have *so* many businesses here in Kent which are owned and run by incredible local Mums and I think that should be celebrated.
...so, each month (or as close to that as I can get!) I have the absolute honour of introducing you to one of them!
This month I would love you to 'meet' Katie Ireland, Kent Mummy-of-two and the proud owner of Wren and Rose Clothing - bright and comfy clothing for the adventurous little ones in your life.
I recently spent a lovely morning with Katie at her home studio in Maidstone...
I got to see her work her magic on one of her beautiful pieces and while she worked, we chatted about how passionate she is about creating well-designed children's clothing which is made to look great, but more importantly, made to last.
Tell us about your business and what services you offer?
Wren and Rose Clothing is a children's clothing brand offering fun, colourful and comfy outfits. Clothes that last out all the adventures little ones will go on and that will make beautiful hand-me-downs for others to enjoy.
I mainly make harem trousers, rompers, dresses and sunhats in fabrics which aren't necessarily what you would see on the "high street".
I also tailor outfits to the needs of the people buying them, for example if a little one is perhaps shorter in the leg than "standard", or needs a long leg but smaller waist size etc, because I make everything to order, I can tailor it to be the right fit.
Is there a story behind the name you chose?
When I first started a business I was called Crafted by Katie and I actually started out making greetings cards whilst at university. I soon started integrating fabric into card making and then making small items such as purses, glasses cases and handbags.
Having learnt to sew when I was little, this sparked something in me and I decided to go on an Adult Education Course learning how to make my own clothes.
When I had my first child, I really just wanted soft, comfortable clothing that was not all pink and flowery - so I turned to making harem trousers out of colourful fabrics and this then grew. Cards went by the wayside, and children's clothing took over.
I rebranded last year to Wren and Rose Clothing to realign my name to what I now actually do. I've got two little ones now and one's middle name is Wren and one is Rose - and I thought they went beautifully together - so there's the story of my new name!
What do you offer to your clients that no-one else does?
There are so many gorgeous brands out there now that make clothes that you wouldn't see in the main high street stores, and I am one of them - I like to choose fun, bright and comfy fabrics to make clothes that make people smile and that are comfortable for little ones.
I also have a range of clothing specifically for little ones who need to wear pavlik harness or similar due to hip dysplasia - I've been making harems and rompers to fit over harnesses for a couple of years now and they are very popular - I offer patterned fabric which many brands didn't when I started on this part of my business.
I feel such joy seeing little ones in these outfits.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Good question! To be honest, I love a browse of a haberdashery (preferably in real life, but will always love a scroll online of some of my favourite small fabric shops) - and I'll choose what I'm drawn to - usually its seasonal in colour so as we are entering Autumn I'm mainly selecting fabrics which are a bit more earthy in colour - greens and rusty oranges.
I mainly like designs with animals on, or that have a good geometric pattern on - just bought some Bowie-esque lightning bolts for example. I'm not sure I'm necessarily "on trend" but I buy what I love and I think my customers join me in it and seem to like it.
What is your favourite part of your job?
Well, I have ups and downs as we all do. Most of the time, I love sitting at my desk of an evening and making something - it's my time, I can listen to a book or podcast or catch up on some TV shows.
It still amazes me sometimes when I make something new for someone and I think WOW, I just did that - usually I go and do a show and tell to my husband for him to give me a high five over it too. It's a little micro win!
There are times when it can be tough, trying to juggle the business and family life. I think that's why, at the moment, W&R as my little side hustle is perfect - I'm not overwhelmed by it, it fits in.
But what I will ALWAYS love, is people sharing pictures of my outfits on their little ones, especially if it's a bespoke piece, or tailored to individually fit and they look smashing in it.
Happy dance every single time.
If you are looking for beautiful, handmade clothes for your little one or as a gift for someone close to you, please visit Katie’s Etsy store here and give her a follow on social media...
Claire xx