Q. Tell us about your business

Bobby Rabbit is a design-led children’s toys, gifts and home décor e-tailer, which started life as a blog back in 2012 when I was on maternity leave.
Previously I was a product developer at Habitat’s head office and launched their kids’ collection, so I’ve always had an interest in this area – so much so that I used to go to trade fairs as a hobby! The shift to blogging about it whilst being mum to a young toddler seemed like a natural progression. My vision was always to evolve the blog into an online store, once time (and children!) permitted.
I invested in branding from the start, as I recognised the importance of a strong foundation and brand look and feel. In 2015 my blog evolved into an online shop, which I ran from my garage. Traffic was good from the outset, largely because I already had strong brand awareness and website following. It was essentially tried and tested before launch, which is a brilliant model to follow as it bypasses the uncertainty new businesses often face. Since then, my business has experienced incredible growth year on year, and I now have my own studio and third-party fulfilment provider.
We don’t just sell beautiful children’s products, but entire bedroom ideas too (our ‘Bedtime Stories’ are a collection of magical room ideas created using products from our shop and inspired by children’s imaginations). Everything we do is guided by our brand ethos of ‘treasure when small and remember with a smile when tall’.

Q. What inspired your business idea?

I had a soft toy as a child, which was a gift from my Nana on my first birthday. I loved him dearly and still do today, as he encapsulates so many happy memories, feelings and emotions. He’s called Bobby Rabbit, and he inspired the name and ethos of my business. My hope is that our customers may find a ‘Bobby Rabbit’ of their very own in our store.

Q. What’s the best part about running your own business?

I’ve always been ambitious, which is probably why I have been able to create a thriving business out of a hobby. Getting up every day to focus on my hobby is definitely the best thing about running my own business.
I also source from trade fairs in Paris twice a year and discover new brands, which I just love. It’s obviously been more challenging over the past 18 months as the shows didn’t happen, but I’ve managed to source online and have a collection I’m really proud of.

Q. What do you find most challenging?

I am my own manager and find it really tough as there’s no one checking in on me or helping me make decisions – I am the ultimate decision maker, so the buck stops with me. I tend to make wise decisions, but not always, and as a perfectionist I struggle if I have made a wrong move.
I also find it hard to separate my work life from my personal life, particularly when I love what I do so much. It can sometimes be all-consuming, so I have to force myself to put on my ‘out of office’ and have the self-control to put work to the side.

Q. How do you keep motivated when the going gets tough?

Whilst I love what I do, running a business is tough at times. That’s why I like to chat things through with my team and voice any concerns. It’s really important not to allow things to build up and become an issue. And if things do get me down, I put on my running shoes and find some headspace. I love to exercise – I always have – and find it really helps manage stress and anxiety.

Q. How has Jo supported you?

Jo has always been a big support to me, and not just with her sage legal advice. She has taught me to stand up for myself and not to take any rubbish. As a small business, you can sometimes get pushed around a little, but Jo has always looked out for me and has encouraged me to be strong.

Q. What’s your biggest learning?

My biggest learning is not to take things personally. When things don’t go to plan, it’s so important to acknowledge it, learn from it and then let it go. You achieve nothing by beating yourself up.

Q. What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were setting up your business?

I now realise that one person – me – can’t do everything. I wish I had known how to be a better delegator and to allow other people to get on with the task in hand.

Q. Which businessperson would you most like to have dinner with?

Jo Tutchener Sharp of fashion retailer Scamp & Dude.
She has launched an incredible business with an amazing, inspirational personal story. It is so important that brands connect with their customers on a more personal level, and Jo has definitely achieved this and more.

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