Feature on Creative: Baby Bird Basics

This week we are excited to feature Andrea from Baby Bird Basics, the face behind a exciting new range of baby bandanas that will be in store very soon. Watch this space!    

How did Clever Bird Banter/Baby Bird Basics begin? When/Where/how did it all start?
I started my blog, Clever Bird Banter in 2010 while I was still living in the UK. It was a creative platform for me to express myself and a way for me to document life happenings and things I did/liked/found.

The idea for Baby Bird Basics came about after we moved back to South Africa from London - my experience as a mom has helped me to recognise a gap in the market for funky/different baby-related clothing/accessories that I found were generally limited here, and/or usually quite expensive...

With the initial focus specifically on Bandana Bibs, because they are pretty much a staple in our daughter Addison's day to day wardrobe, and because people often comment on the ones she wears, I decided to make and sell them for others to enjoy too. As of 25th September 2013, we have another little Baby Bird in the nest - Julia - and, as you can see below, she looks equally as cute in her Bandana Bibs as big sister Addi!

Why do you do what you do?
I love being creative - on my computer and in real life - sewing and crafting is a great way to balance out all the hours I spend behind a computer when I'm doing graphic design work! I am also not JUST a mom: being entrepreneurial and creative is something I don't want to 'lose' while being at home with my children - it's also a great thing to share with them and hopefully something they can learn from.

When you were younger what did you want to be when you grew up?
An actress! I loved drama school and up until matric, that was the plan (I am SO glad I never pursued drama/acting beyond school level, phew!)

What inspires you when designing new products?
My beautiful children of course!

What are your hopes and dreams for your products?
I hope to build the business over the next year and I would really like someone to come on board and help with the production side of things so that I can focus on the more creative and business focused parts of running a small business.

About you... What's your - Top Song? Top Food? Top Beverage? Top Place? Top Movie?
Song: Hmmmm, so many, where to start? Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol and Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers
Food: I'm a cliche - pizza and ice cream - and all the bad things like chocolate and puddings!
Beverage: am I allowed to say wine?! Red preferably! Top soft drink is DEFINTELY the Orange and Rooibos Ice Tea from Woolies
Place: Ahhhhh, London - my second home - I miss it!
Movie: Again, so many - but I do love 'Beaches' with Bette Middler A LOT!

Imagine you are heading out for dinner with a bunch of creative geniuses - who would be sitting around the table with you?
A bunch of kids - no one can beat a child's imagination!