Mother and daughter team, Natasha Dickinson and Alexandra Pike ‘Bumble’, are the Founders and Creative Directors behind the stylish and award-winning children’s fashion label, Bumble & Ava.
We had the privilege of chatting to one half of the talented duo, Natasha. From interiors to good design, her love for Kenya to the juggle of motherhood and running a business as well as what’s next for Bumble & Ava, prepare to be inspired and go totally wild over her gorgeous designs…
HI NATASHA, WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
An early start with the girls, nursery drops offs and then a much needed coffee. I try and get some work done in the morning or do some exercise. Then the afternoons are action packed with the usual swimming, ballet and general taxi service – ferrying children to hang out with their friends! The evenings are when I get most of work done and I try and close my laptop by 10pm.
HOW DO YOU TAKE YOUR COFFEE?
Flat white with Oat Milk.
BUMBLE & AVA IS BOTH ETHICAL AND FAIRTRADE AND THE FACTORIES IN KENYA THAT MAKE YOUR CLOTHES HELP SPONSOR CHILDREN THROUGH SECONDARY EDUCATION, TELL US WHY THIS IS SO IMPORTANT TO THE BRAND’S ETHOS…
Our family has lived in Kenya for 3 generations and when we began this adventure we felt a huge desire to support their growing manufacturing industry. We are so proud to be able to manufacture under the World Fair Trade Organisation are as we are a children’s brand we loved knowing that part of their projects included helping families and supporting education which is such an important gateway for opportunity.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND IN INTERIOR DESIGN, HAS IT INFLUENCED B&A IN ANY WAY?
I am passionate about interiors and aesthetics. I learnt to be brave with colour and prints. Bumble loves mix matching fabrics and has an amazing eye for combinations. I also learnt that although trends are relevant and followed, it is timelessness that is even more important. Children’s clothes get passed down through siblings and generations if they are well made and timeless. Providing longevity to our clothes is very important to us.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT KENYA?
We have so many happy memories and have spent our family time in Kenya. It is a magical place to grow up as you are outside the whole time. The Kenyans are so positive and everywhere is teaming with people and colour. There is a very strong sense of community. It is also the most beautiful country- amazing mountains, the whitest beaches, wildlife and adventure….I could go on. We love it!
HOW DO YOU JUGGLE WORK AND MOTHERHOOD?
On limited sleep and with lots of help and support. Both are full time jobs! I am also a big list maker. The girls are still so young (Ava 4, Stella 2, Ruby 4 months), but I know it will get easier when they start school and nursery. Not sure what I am going to do this summer though!
WHAT’S NEXT FOR BUMBLE & AVA?
Very excitingly we are launching a Sleep Well Collection in September. It is a collection of beautiful bed linen, weekend travel bags for children, softest brushed cotton PJs and much more. We are always busy thinking of new designs and ideas- but we will also always sell our best loved signature Ava dress!
Go To: bumbleandava.com
SHOP:
-
- Coral Ava Dress, £36 (Was £49)
-
- Burgundy Star Ava Dress, £49
-
- White Horse Pantaloons, £20
-
- Children’s Cot Bed Quilt Doves/ Burgundy Star, £75
-
- Grey stripe Pantaloons, £20
-
- Harlequin Print Activity Bag, £18
-
- Mustard Floral Bloomers, £18
-
- White Horse Ava Dress, £49
DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at [email protected]
Inspiration/ImageCredits: bumbleandava.com
