This week we couldn't decide on which designer to have for our designer of the week so....we have chosen 2! yes 2 designers of the weeks!
Aspiga and
Babyface are our lucky designers..Enjoy the read.
I set up
aspiga seven years ago after visiting Kenya on holiday, and falling in love,
not only with the country itself, but with their stunning sandals and so many
of their other wonderful hand made products. Luckily, many of you also seem to
love their products, so the company has expanded rapidly over the last few
years.
I now have
6 suppliers in Kenya (where the majority of our products are made), who are
individuals, with small work forces (not large factories) giving much needed
jobs to local men and women in their community. The work they receive from
aspiga, they often tell us, ensures their livelihoods and that of their
families. Please take a look at our Producers link to find out more.
I am
especially proud that aspiga, is not only selling some fabulous accessories,
but is also helping to fight poverty in Africa, through trade.
We are
also proud that we donate a percentage of our profits to The Brydges centre, a
children's orphanage just outside Nairobi, who struggle financially on a daily
basis, to carry out their hugely valuable and necessary work.
I feel
very fortunate that I now have a reason to visit such a beautiful country, with
some of the friendliest and happiest people I have ever met.
In 2012 we have expanded our range quite
extensively realising that people visiting our website are normally shopping
for their holidays, so we now sell some fantastic swim wear and beach wear
brands, along with great jewellery and accessories – hopefully making us your
“one stop holiday shop”
Babyface
Designs Ltd was founded in 2003 when designer Grainne Roche and business
director Aileen Mitchell had a vision to produce high quality, stylish
children’ s bedding. The two sisters went in pursuit of a suitable factory to
develop Grainne’s designs in India. The positive feedback they got from friends
and family (all mums!), prompted them to develop this idea further. They began
by selling Babyface products at trade fairs, set up the Babyface website and
the brand Babyface was launched.
Grainne
and Aileen have continued to develop and expand the Babyface brand over the
past five years. The successful worldwide mail order and wholesale divisions
continue to grow at an aggressive rate, with the aim that Babyface will soon be
one of the most influential design companies in the Children’s Interiors
market.
Taking
inspiration from the adventures in children’s literature, Grainne’s designs
follow the latest trends in children’s themes and textiles. Her signature bold
colours and attention grabbing style brings a refreshing look to this market.
Grainne is always looking for new opportunities to introduce the most stylish
products into the Babyface brand. Her objective being, to meet the needs of
busy parents, who want a designer look in their child’s room, without the
hassle!
The Babyface collection of classically designed children’s bedding is not only
affordable to the average parent but also practical, making it more and more
popular. We only use high quality natural fibres in our products, allowing our
bedding to be skin friendly and machine washable.
Designing
and developing products is a time consuming business but the rewards have been
significant to both our customers and businesses alike, with some of our
suppliers now commissioning their own exclusive ranges.
2012 is an exciting year for us, we now hold a
solid position in the marketplace and continue to grow and expand the Babyface
brand.
