What better way to celebrate International Women’s Day than by chatting to a local female Entrepreneur – Sarah Cooke. Sarah did what many of us dream of doing and found inspiration in her motherhood for a business that helps mothers look and feel great. Halia Rose has achieved both local and national recognition and has an impressive string of awards and press appearances. Not only has she created an awesome business, but Sarah is committed to the wellbeing of mothers and also recently started the “Feel Good Mums Hub” to promote self care and build a community of supportive women.
Tell us about Halia Rose – what is it that you do and where did you find the name?
Halia Rose is an award-winning stylish AND practical gifts and accessories business for Mums, babies and children
The name Halia Rose comes from a mix of my inspiration and roots… both of my children were born whilst we were living in Singapore and I wanted something to reflect this as they were (and continue to be!) my inspiration plus also my English roots. Halia is the Malay translation for Ginger and Rose is the flower of England…my daughter also has ginger hair and her middle name is Rose!
What inspired your own business and why did you chose this area?
Like all good ideas, they come from a need. With living abroad when I had both my children and after a long and difficult birth with my first child, I really struggled physically and emotionally. With a young baby, sleep deprivation and no wider support network nearby, I wanted to feel like “me” again and being able to wear something designed for me was part of this.
My body hadn’t popped back to its pre-pregnancy shape so buying clothes was not something I enjoyed doing at the time but wearing gorgeous jewellery was something I could do, however, I couldn’t find anything that I liked to wear that was also safe for me to wear around my baby. I also noticed that colour really affected my mood and emotional wellbeing and I recognised other mums were in the same boat. The idea for Halia Rose jewellery was born! I believe every mum deserves to look and feel good (however old your children are!)
My baby-safe ethical jewellery collection is designed with Mummy style in mind but is also practical and durable for busy mums. Made of 100% non-toxic and BPA free silicone it can be tugged, pulled, chewed etc and won’t break (the jewellery is also dishwasher proof so you can keep them clean and as good as new every time you wear them!) Not only gorgeous as a statement piece day or night, they are ideal as teething accessories or fiddle beads when breastfeeding.
The Halia Rose collection has since evolved to now include a capsule clothing collection, with flattering styles to suit your body shape whether that’s through pregnancy, breastfeeding or to feel fabulous on holiday.
I also have gorgeous Gift Sets for Mums, Babies and Children too, so whether you’re looking for something thoughtful to celebrate a Newborn Baby, Children’s Birthday, Mother’s Day or a Just Because gift, we have beautiful options for all ages filled with stylish yet practical accessories.
As a busy working Mum, running your own business you’re an inspiration to others. What advice would you give to other Mums thinking of taking the steps to start their own business?
- If you have an idea and a passion for something, then you’re half way there.
- If you have the opportunity to follow your dream, then go for it! You’ll never know what may happen if you take that first step but you’ll always wonder “what if?” if you don’t. Of course it can be challenging at times but nothing worthwhile in life is ever easy!
- Keep going! There will always be negative people (including family and friends!) out there who criticise what you are doing. If you believe in your business then you can make it happen.
What has, given you the biggest smile running the business so far?
It’s always lovely to be recognized and I have won several Awards including Gold at the Best Baby & Toddler Gear Awards and Silver at the Made for Mums Awards. Personally I have been nominated for several National Entrepreneurial Awards as well which has been incredible.
I have also been featured in numerous publications including the Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph, Reveal magazine, OK! and Metro to name a few.
But for me, the biggest smiles come when I receive amazing feedback from happy customers and knowing that my products and gift sets are being well-received and loved by others.
You’ve just started the Feel Good Mums Hub. Tell us about this – what it is and what made you start it.
Often the world we live in is busy and there is a constant juggle of family, work and me-time.
I’m a big believer in the saying “you can’t pour from an empty cup” and I truly believe that in order to look after your children and families in the ways that you want to, you have to look after yourself too.
From my personal journey and struggles, business experience and qualifications in the healthcare industry (I’m also a qualified massage therapist and previously worked on some of the world’s largest healthcare brands for over 15 years) so I wanted to create a community to help other Mums, sharing my expertise, tips and primarily share our experiences with the aim of Feeling Good.
https://haliarose.co.uk/
