We couldn't be more excited to introduce you to the first TVM Startup Stall recipient for 2017 - Bambita.
From the southern sleepy town of Murwillumbah, Tiffany Bell, founder of Bambita tells us about the inspiration for her label and behind the scenes of running a small business.
In a short paragraph, tell us about your background?
Growing up, we lived in a few places from Cabarita to Hervey Bay , but always coastal. My brothers and I would spend after school and weekends in the back rooms of surf shops my mum owned or managed. After finishing high school in Hervey Bay, I moved with the love of my life, to the Gold Coast. I tried to avoid heading back into study, so I took on a marketing traineeship at a tourist attraction and then an apprenticeship with a top salon. Working in a salon where my job was to wear pretty dresses, blow dry 70’s inspired waves and read Russh magazines, I knew I never wanted to work away from a creative industry again.
After the arrival of my first born and inspiration behind Bambita, Ivy, I headed back to study a Bachelor of Communication by correspondence with the intention to always work for myself and never for the man. It gave me the confidence and inspiration to take a leap and put myself out there.
After following my partner through a few mining towns in country New South Wales for a few years, we’ve finally set up permanent residency in the Northern Rivers. After being away from the ocean and the green countryside for so long, we have a new found appreciation for god’s country.
What made your pursue your creative passion?
Being the vintage, crochet and floral dress addict that I am, I was always looking for cute mini me things to put Ivy in. I found that there was way too many glitter encrusted and mass produced fabrics so I went out on a limb, had some patterns and samples made, got such an overwhelming, positive response and evolved from there.
When did you take the plunge and start your own business?
After many set backs, including another little headstrong female to the mix, Bambita finally opened in September of this year.
What does your brand consist of?
Bambita consists of 70’s inspired smock dresses, bell bottoms and pinafores in the softest of indian panel prints specifically made for little girls sizes 1 – 10.
Where is the label designed and made?
Designed in the Northern Rivers and hand made by Sue on the Gold Coast.
What inspires you?
I’m a huge collector of vintage dresses, specifically the 60’s and 70’s. I love the idea of recreating pieces, which are modern enough to wear for kids these days and could be kept for generations.
What are your plans for the brand and where do you hope it takes you?
2017, I’m hoping to gain a few more stockists to spread the Bambita love across the country. Overall, I would love to have a storefront, that’s the ultimate dream.
What were the biggest challenges when launching your brand?
I import all the fabric, because I find the indian cotton is magical. Not having fabric available onshore and underestimating the popularity some items would have has definitely been challenging. A few parcels are still lost in transit.
What is the best thing about having your own business?
1. Having 100% control over the creative process.
2. I can go from packing orders and negotiating with suppliers to jumping on trampolines and eating iceblocks in an hour flat.
One piece of advice for someone hoping to start their own small business that you wish you’d been told?
I think everyone has the potential to have a small business, but the people you see putting themselves out there are the ones with the guts to follow their dreams. Life really is too short to do something you hate.
Find Bambita debuting at TVM this Sunday 1st January 2017.
If you've started a small business within the last three months and are interested in joining TVM, apply for the TVM Startup Stall - We'd love to hear from you!