If like me you’re a parent with a penchant for independent children’s clothing lines as a result of instagramming – you’ll already be familiar with the phenomena of incredible handmade leggings/clothing for children that are available right now. And if this is you, Sparkle & Roar is just the store for you. Annoyed at the gender biased clothing that the high street predominantly offers – Tanya, the boss babe behind Sparkle & Roar opened up shop to sell awesome kids clothes and craft custom orders, too. DIY your thing? Tanya also offers a DIY option by selling super cool fabric (some of which she designed herself!) and sewing patterns.
When was your company founded and where are you based?
I founded my clothing making company in 2015 and am based in Cambridgeshire.
How many are involved in your small business?
It’s little old just me on the clothing making side.
What inspired you to start your own company?
I was so annoyed at the gender biased clothing that the high street shops always stock and wanted to dress my boy in something other than blue or trains or diggers. I’m a bit of a rainbowphile!
Did you have a background in business prior to starting your company?
I had no background in business at all but have been sewing since I was a child so I was confident in that aspect of things.
Did you run into any problems or resistance while launching?
Not at all, everyone in virtual and real life has been really supportive and helpful. I do have an IT background otherwise I think the technical side of websites and photo editing would have been a bit tricky.
How do you get the most out of your day?
I don’t. I need to find a balance between spending time with the kids and working. At the moment I’m constantly doing both at the same time and it’s a bit stressful. But toddlers don’t operate to schedules, so it’s difficult trying to create a schedule where I work at a certain time or play at a certain time.
How is your family a part of your business choices?
Everyone is involved, whether it’s a pattern I’m drafting or fabric I’m designing or even colour combinations on an outfit, I use the kids as guinea pigs for my designs to check the fit and concept. The other half has to help with heavy lifting :)
What music inspires you?
It’s got to be metal, heavy but melodic!
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not working?
I like to sleep. How very boring but it recharges me and I feel so much more human after a nap.
What do you see in the future for your shop?
I see more originality and expanding my pattern drafting and fabric design side. I’d like to make a bit of a break away from what everyone else is doing and making at the moment.
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