With a love for fashion and design, Kezia Baker has an eye for classic styles, but wanted to find clothing she liked that was neutral enough to match with her baby boy, as well as being breastfeeding friendly. This inspired her to create her own ethically made clothing collection of beautiful, classic styles for mums and their little ones. Here she talks about the challenges she has overcome along the way and her exciting plans to expand the gorgeous Kezia range.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
Ever since I was a little girl, I loved designing and drawing clothing (even though I was never any good at the drawing part). I then went through high school dreaming about starting my own fashion brand and doubling as a model for it (even though I am super short, a girl can dream right?). After starting my first sewing lessons through spotlight classes, it was then that I knew I wanted to learn all I could to make my dream become a reality. I went on to study a diploma of Fashion Design & Technology and fell completely in love with the fashion of eras past (especially the 1950s). I love the classic elegance of the ’50s and, most of all, their love for all things “matchy matchy”.
Once I graduated, I had no idea on how to actually start my own business with no financial backing. Fast forward a few years, I got married and had a darling baby boy. He was my inspiration and motivation. In true ‘Kezia’ form, I tried my best to match with my little man. However, I found it extremely difficult to find mother-and-son matching clothes that were classic, elegant and breastfeeding friendly. The first few months of motherhood had me fooled into thinking I had all the time in the world to start my own business. What a steep learning curb I had in front of me!
With the help of my husband, family and a little bit of savings, I managed to release my first collection of beautiful, classic styles for mamas to match with their minis. Whether they had boys or girls, I wanted to cater for them all!
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
I started out with a few sketches and a few fabric prints (I also love textile design). I found an ethical manufacturer to bring my designs to life. I did a little social media marketing course to help me with socials and roped in my little brother to do my website (with the help of my talented father). It’s been SO difficult with COVID. Like most businesses in these uncertain times, it has caused confusion and delay, however, my beautiful, ethical manufacturing team is currently based in Bali and they have been so wonderful and so patient. Even though this has been such a long process (over a year since I officially started working with my Bali team), it has been such a beautiful growing season and every problem seems to work out just fine, not always as I had hoped, but still for good.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
I think my first biggest breakthrough was actually getting in contact with a manufacturer and getting samples made. Previous to this, I had never got past the designing and dreaming phase! And to be honest, I probably would have taken much longer to actually start the process if it wasn’t for my close friend who had just had a baby a month after me. She told me one day that she was getting samples made for her future brand. Seeing her begin the process inspired and helped me realise that it is possible for a new mum. She was gracious enough to share her contacts and help me along the journey, which I am so grateful for.
