Business Mum Week: Alison from Arabella Miller

October 8, 2009 by Brenda
Filed under Business Mum Week, Family, TGF Features

Who are you?

I’m Alison Rothwell, I’m married to Ron and we have two daughters and a working cocker spaniel. We live in Lancashire, where I lived until I was 18, after spells in London and Glasgow.

Name of company?

Arabella Miller, I manufacture organic cotton clothing for babies and children.

How did you get involved in an eco business?

I launched Arabella Miller because my youngest daughter developed eczema and organic cotton eased her skin irritation. When she outgrew her babywear, I looked for some funky t-shirts, couldn’t find any I liked and so I decided to set up my own business to fulfill the gap in the market I had identified.

Manufacturing organic cotton clothes opened my eyes to the reasons why it’s important to choose organic cotton clothing. By combining organic certification (giving transparency and peace of mind), with high quality and funky designs (to appeal to customers who prioritise style over ethics), I think I have managed to produce something which has the best of both worlds. This ethos is at the heart of my approach. I want to do my bit to make ethical fashion fun and appeal to the mainstream of consumers.

What is the best part of being a working mum?

I love the freedom that self-employment gives you, being in charge of your own business is very exciting. I would mention flexibility too – being able to work as and when you can so you can fit your work more easily into your life – but at the moment I seem to be working 24/7 !

What is the worst part of being a working mum?

I think that it’s still the eternal juggling act of managing work and homelife. I’d much rather be juggling my own business rather than someone elses though!

Your top tip to other mums thinking about starting an eco business?

Make sure you do your market research and have a clear plan of action. Seek out business mentors and network with like minded entrepreneurs.