Did you know the average family will have spent over $500,000 on their child by the time they leave school. Is it any wonder that businesses that are based on children’s products or services are killing it.
This week we shine a spotlight on 10 amazing small businesses that are focused on delivering the goods for kids and their famiiies. From organic skin care products to disco parties these kid’s biz are breaking new ground.
Bop till you Drop, NSW
Bop till you Drop (BTYD) is run and operated by owner and director Cathy Randazzo. She is very passionate about children. She firmly believes that dance and music can aid a child’s self-confidence and creative expression. At BTYD, entertainers inspire children to dance to their own beat. Cathy tries to create a safe place for children to be themselves. After running the business for several years, she managed to grow it to around 30-40 parties every week. This allowed her to fulfil her goal of expansion. After considerable amounts of research, Cathy managed to produce a formula for franchising. She has now expanded to Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Wollongong, Central Coast.
Little Rockers Radio
Little Rockers Radio was founded by Sarah Morrissey in 2014 after she failed to find a children’s radio station for her children to listen to. At the heart of Little Rockers Radio is children’s health (both physical and mental) and the 24/7 online station not only plays songs, nursery rhymes, story time and jokes, it also features daily movement exercises by Ready Steady Go Kids, fun-key yoga and Happy Smile Little Meditations. Little Rockers Radio now averages 75,000 listener sessions a month and is partnered with Australian Radio Network as the first Australian Children’s radio station available on iHeartRadio.
Love to Dream, NSW
Sydney-based small business, Love to Dream, was founded by Hana-Lia Krawchuk in 2009. Hana discovered the perfect solution for every mother’s nightmare. She created an ideal swaddle for babies. After incredible success amongst her family and friends, Hana decided to take things to the next level. Within 12 months, Love to Dream became the best-selling swaddle in Australia. Now she supplies to over 350 bricks and mortar stores around Australia and 20 countries internationally.
Kippins, Queensland
Founder of Kippins, Heather and David Rowland, never imagined how a hunt for a product would turn into an international success. The Rowland family operate a small family business called Kippins. The centrepiece of their product range are the organic cotton cuddle blankies. They are a group of loveable characters that are made for babies. What started out as a search for a cuddle blankie for their baby has been sold to over 450 retail outlets in 28 countries.
Little Innoscents, Victoria
Little Innoscents was founded in 2007 by Antonette Golikidis after she fell pregnant with her first child. She was constantly hunting for baby products that were chemical free and was frustrated to find only a limited number of products which were hard to come by or too expensive. Antonette decided to create the products at home and spent 10 months mastering the ingredients. She formulated a nappy rash cream, massage lotion, massage oil, body powder, body and hair wash, vapour rub balm and organic soap. Her range is known to help ease a variety of childhood health conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis.
Playgroup NSW, NSW
Playgroup NSW was started by Rosemary Roebuck in 1972, when she was looking for friendship and support as a mother of two young children. She invited a few families to meet her in her Sydney home. Several months later, 33 similar groups across NSW had affiliated under the banner of the Playgroup Association of NSW. Today, Playgroup NSW hold around 1,000 sessions each week. They are a not-for-profit organisation that support families and strengthen communities through playgroups. Sessions are formed in such a way where parents and children come together to meet in a friendly environment to connect, play and learn.
Bizzibrains, Victoria
Bizzibrains was founded by economist Nic Lansdell, with over 10 years of experience in design and environmental markets. The idea for Bizzibrains came about when Nic’s daughters began using their names in bedtime stories. In 2013, she produced an app where children are able to create characters which turn into illustrated stories full of fun, educational interactions. I imagine was Bizzibrains first app. It was designed to enhance a child’s literacy skills, encourage creativity and form independence.
Aunty Rozzy, NSW
Aunty Rozzy is a series of books and cd sets which encourage children to read, sing, dance and socialise while education them about healthy eating. It was founded by professional musician and educator, Ros Tesoriero. With incredible experience in both education and entertainment, Ros understands the connection between music and people. It was her aim to create a positive experience for children through music.
The Party People, NSW
The Party People was founded by Mala Salakas in 1985. She would dress up as ‘Patches’ the clown catering for kids parties across Sydney. Her love for kids p arties led her to open a small party shop in New South Wales. Today, the business has been handed down to her sons Dean and Peter Salakas (pictured above). They employ over 40 staff and operate the largest retail party supplies outlet in Australia. They stock over 20,000 unique products and also specialise in decorating.
Kids Fashion Blogger
Kids Fashion Blogger (KFB) is an online website for trendy girls fashion founded by Sandi Zaljevic. Sandi’s passion for kids and fashion emerged after having two little girls. Sandi writes blogs that are fun and quirky interpretations of today’s children’s fashion. Parents have turned to KFP for fashion and lifestyle inspiration advice for their children. Readers also get a glimpse of Sandi’s family life in Melbourne.
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