Words by Ayesha

Imagine a little bub laying in a crib staring at a space baby mobile and wandering off to a deep sleep or a baby waking up from a restful nap and cooing and babbling while looking into a tropical rainforest themed mobile smiling at the beautiful toucans and monstera leaves hung over the crib. This thought itself would bring joy to a mom’s heart. This is the goal of Babyroom.mv.

Babyroom.mv is an Instagram boutique selling flawless handmade items made by Shiyana and Aliya. Their product range covers baby mobiles, baby nests, sleeping bags, soft toys and name banners. These products bring an uplifting aura to any baby room or nursery as it gives a whimsical or dreamy feel to it.

Two like-minded young women, Shiyana and Aliya embarked their crafting journey and ventured into a partnership for doing business as they got to know each other from work at Airport. As adults a big part of our day is spent at work with people who we already share a common goal with. “Starting up a business among us was not difficult as we are similar minded and share our thoughts, ideas and goals with each other” Babyroom.mv started off during last year’s sudden lock-down with the free time in their schedule.

“We have a common circle of friends. Our very first baby mobile was as a gift to a pregnant friend. We made it from felt material and assembled it on a piece of wood. For another friend we made a babynest, which is a little baby carrier with light padding on the sides, so it’s easier for a young mom to bundle up and carry a baby rather than with just a blanket or use it as a bassinet for a newborn.”

Babyroom.mv’s Instagram feed is filled with beautiful mobiles in vibrant colours and various themes. With the encouragement from their friends, they launched their insta shop during 2020. As soon as the insta shop was up the orders started piling up. “Most customers are moms-to-be or someone who is looking for a gift for a new baby. Orders came through mostly from word-of-mouth recommendations or after seeing our products on Instagram” Aliya explained.

“Our aim is to give the new mothers something they are satisfied with. We let them choose the colour palettes and themes. We further discuss with our clients and give them recommendations,”

Baby mobiles are a must-have item for every baby and considered a useful item for new moms. It is believed baby mobiles help keep the baby entertained and engaged in the crib while a mom may get a quick chore done. “Customers tell us our mobiles have helped their babies from being continuously held to be self-soothed. It has kept babies occupied and in the crib for longer and that it has given them time”

According to Shiyana, a challenging piece was an underwater themed baby mobile. She elaborated “It was inspired by a foreign design. It had a big octopus on it with other sea creatures hanging from the octopus. This was made in soft pastel colours. This was different from what we were used to”

Aliya agrees that a lot of thought and energy is required for a product to appeal to the targeted customer. “We discuss ideas all the time and ask each other what would work and what wouldn’t. We are equal partners in this business although Shiyana does the sewing bits. A design which was popular among our customers was a “Kaabah” themed mobile. Most customers say it is very appealing to the eye and gives a peaceful and calm vibe”.

As the lockdown has come to an end, keeping up with full-time work and baby rooms orders and other commitments must be quite challenging. Yet these young entrepreneurs take charge of things and keep their business in order.

“With full-time work we have to use our time very wisely if we are to keep up with our deadlines. We allot days to source the required materials and for cutting, sewing and delivery. From finding material to delivery everything is time, energy and effort to create something unique. Even finding materials takes a lot of time as we try to provide the customers the requested colours. Sometimes we purchase materials online, but the lockdown was a bit of a challenge. Running this business as partners helps a lot too as we support and push each other to meet deadlines”

“We are satisfied with our work. The reviews we get from our customers gives us great joy. It is our belief that welcoming a new baby is an important part of someone’s life and we are delighted to be part of this in someway” concluded Aliya.

We @ Ka leo are proud of young female entrepreneurs who are adding to the local brand repertoire and wish Shiyana and Aliya to thrive in their crafty business venture.