Move over corporate nine to five grind.
The Mumpreneur movement is a real thing and has spawned a wicked army of talented local creatives (including a few dads) who’ve carved a career path in decking out stylish babes and kids of the Gold Coast.
If scrolling through some of these Insta feeds doesn’t make your ovaries burst, we don’t know what will…
Brave & Fearless
This award-winning Miami-based mumpreneur is a bundle of inspiration, creativity, and grace for any aspiring mums out there. Not only has she been recognised nationally for her mummy business acumen, but her edgy designs “for the rad little lad” have attracted a bevvie of followers kitting out their wee dudes in mini leather jackets, felt bowler hats, and acid wash muscle shirts. If, like creator Rachelle Harvey, decking out your baby boy in blue or Disney prints kills you a little on the inside, you’re going to love Brave & Fearless. Find ‘em online or popping up on occasion at The Village Markets.
Alfie
You know those ridiculously cool mini humans—those who can still count their birthdays on one hand—you’ve seen swanning around the Gold Coast with their equally stylish parents? Chances are they’ve been decked out by Alfie. Mother of two, Kobi Neville is a local shining star for children’s apparel with individuality; including the funkiest party shirts, logo print long-sleeve tees, caps, and beanies. Buy online or touch and feel in person at gorgeous Burleigh kidswear store, Dragonfly.
Good Time Trunk Co.
Possibly the most adora-bubble trunks for little men we’ve ever laid eyes on, Good Time Trunk Co. is a Gold Coast-born brand with matching dad and son styles and animated prints, including their latest line with a South American flavour. The story behind the brand is super cute too. As a kid, one half of the husband and wife team loved collecting quirky fabrics for his mum to custom make his shorts; spawning a lifelong love affair with boardies. Now with a permanent home at collaborative Burleigh boutique, Good Time Trader, or available anytime online.
Bubbles Lane
Bubbles Lane is the work of a southern Gold Coast-based mum of two. Often with a pop-up at The Village Markets, this colourful online store is overflowing with practical soft goods to deck out your nursery or nappy bag. From cute-as-a-button dribble bibs, headbands, quilts for the cot or pram, throw cushions, and fabric baskets for keeping the mess tucked away. What’s more, they are created (hubby even designs the fabric prints) and lovingly made by hand right here on the GC—that’s one efficient mumma!
Two Tykes
Another Gold Coast mumpreneur success story, Two Tykes’ sweet baby suits sell in retailers all over the country. Two Tykes was born when two sisters both became mothers for the first time, creating a brand that uses nothing less than 100 per cent certified organic cotton and toxic-free dyes. Seriously though, these are just the cutest printed bebe suits ever! Track ‘em down online or in Gold Coast boutiques Harper Lane in Southport and Dragonfly in Burleigh.
Catch a Falling Star
While plenty of savvy homegrown retailers have the fashion angle covered, we are loving Burleigh-based Catch a Falling Star who design the cutest wooden toys, puzzles, musical instruments, and games for your budding mini human. Educational toys that’ll withstand the rigour of your little tyke and no doubt uncover some hidden talents inside their wee minds. Find them online, full time at The Good Time Trader, and popping up at The Village Markets.
Sweet Child of Mine
Dang, why weren’t these uber cute threads around when we were kids? Babes these days have epic style, thanks to local brands like Sweet Child of Mine. Their rompers, leggings, printed shirts, and patterned skirts are both bohemian and rock ‘n’ roll inspired, and made for fresh-out-of-the-oven infants right through to little ladies. We bet you’ll be leaving heart eyes all over their Instagram feed.
Yoli and Otis
Byron born Yoli and Otis is a go-to for the conscious mother, with a darling line of children’s wear that uses nothing but organic materials and herbal dyes in their accessories, baby carriers, and clothing. Their one-piece wear-your-baby wraps spawned the brand, while Yoli and Otis’ classic yet whimsical clothing designs are perfect for the gentle princess. *melts heart*
Little Winnie
We don’t know how this Byron-based supermum of four finds time to squeeze out her stellar line of ethically-made children’s sleepwear incorporating hand-spun 100 per cent organic cottons and classic designs. Once you’ve gushed over photos of her angelic daughters in their sweet-as-pie Little Winnie wear, you’ll want to snap up one of everything for yourself.
House of Ziggy
House of Ziggy founder Lucy knows that raising a bub can cost a small fortune, especially if you’ve got an obsession with picture-perfect bebe posts on Pinterest and Insta. Her pre-loved collection of baby and kidswear is hand-picked with only the best making it to the market stall racks, often at a fraction of the price. ‘Cause it’s never too early to start their love of vintage.
Little Renegade Company
Living in the sunshine state sure has its perks though the sun is brutally unforgiving, especially on virgin skin. Which is why Little Renegade Company and owner Amy is on a mission to put a cute leather peaked cap on all GC ankle biters. You can find them at Sanctuary Cove’s monthly Mummy Tree Markets, across the border at Mama and Me Markets in Mullumbimby, or check their website for retail stockists.
Done shopping for your wee one? Here’s 10 of the best fashion retailers on the Gold Coast when you’re ready to splurge on yo’ self.
Photo Credit: Little Winnie, Yoli and Otis, Brave & Fearless, Alfie Est. 2011, Bubbles Lane; and Brooke Darling for Metropolist