I have always been obsessed with old fashioned toys. A weakness that makes me purchase so many little pieces in a hope that my little loves want to play with them forever. Pieces that you can have for your own littles but then hold on to for many generations to come. Recently we purchased a Dolls House from the lovely ladies at Pots and Bumble called the ‘Rosie’ house. One of their many collections and so dreamy that I love to sneak a play when they are in bed.
I am in awe of their creation, which opted me to ask them for a quick interview to pick their brains on how they come up with such a magical concept. Little did I know that they would have many more ideas in the pipeline.
Firstly the biggest congratulations on coming up with such a unique idea! Tell us a little bit about how you came up with this gorgeous concept!
Francesca : We originally created the Pots & Bumble dollhouse because we couldn’t find anywhere in Dubai offering what we where looking for – so we made it ourselves!
I just LOVE the name Pots and Bumble. How did you come up with the name?
Laura : Thank you – we’re so glad you love it! We wanted to name the business after our youngest girls’ as we first built the dollhouses for them. Lottie’s nick-name is ‘Lottie pots’ & Alba’s is ‘Bumble’ – the combination had such a ring to it, that it really was a no brainer!
What advice would you give to other “Mumpreanors” with a dream?
Laura : Just go for it!
Francesca : I think regardless if you’re a mum or not, if you’re passionate about something & can’t sleep for thinking about it then you have to act on it.
How do you manage to balance your work and family life with 5 little loves under 8?
Francesca : I think trying to find that balance will always be challenging… I try to schedule work as much as I can on the mornings that the kids aren’t with me. With Pots & Bumble it helps that Laura and I are both in the same boat, so any meetings that we have together are usually just at home, with the kids keeping each other entertained.
Laura : We do alot of family meetings which includes all of the kids. We find this easier as they all play together. Rosie (my biggest) thankfully looks after them all. We cook dinner together and brainstorm, design and plan, whilst the Daddy’s are off building, painting and ignoring us. We have a great balance which works so well for us all.
Do you have any mentors/people that have inspired you along your journey? Who are they?
Francesca : Since arriving in Dubai 8 years ago, I’ve been lucky enough to have worked alongside so many creative and extremely hard working women – who have taught me a lot. I’m always pushing myself to keep learning, so I think it’s important to surround yourself with people who encourage that and want to see you do well.
Laura : For me it was you and Milly from @bycamillahind a meet up that happened in Park House on Kite Beach over yummy pancakes and lots of coffee. Before that meeting this was all a dream and we really didn’t know what people would make of our idea. Your’s and Milly’s reaction was so amazing that it gave us such a boost. Which inspired us to go forward with the planning.
What is your best advise to women out there with a burning idea?
Francesca : I would say research & go see what’s out there already – is there already a market for what you want to do? The reason we created the dollhouse, is because we couldn’t find what we were looking for.
Laura : I am very lucky with my partner Frankie. She knew exactly what was needed for so much of it – Especially the computer side of things. Thankful we met so many people that could give us advice along the way and pushed us to figure things out and learn as we went along.
What does a typical day look like for you? Do you have any rituals?
Francesca : I’m a morning person too, so if I’m up before the chaos erupts, I like to have a cuppa tea in peace and plan my day ahead; I always keep a notebook beside my bed as I like to write everything down – ideas, to-do lists etc. After school drop off is when I work or run errands and my afternoons are mostly spent at home with the kids.
Laura : I get up at 5am. It is the only way to have a cup of tea ad breakfast in peace! I try to always be ready before I wake my girls up. I have everything that we need for the day ready the night before, uniforms/clothes out, lunches and snacks done. I love to be prepared so there is less chaos.
How do you unwind?
Francesca : A hot bath, a glass of red or listening to a good podcast.
Laura : Oh a good Mani/Pedi. I love a cold beer, watching something like ‘working mums’ or ‘the let down’ anything easy to watch in my PJ’s. When the beer is not an option – A cup of tea and cadburys is a winner.
You both make motherhood look so stylish! Any tips and tricks for those of us feeling a little blah!?
Laura : Dry shampoo! Dry shampoo every single time! Good make up is a top investment and an added bonus if you can do a french braid. Winning combo’s right there.
Francesca : Since having the kids, I’ve always opted more for comfort than fashion trends – I think if you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing then you’re more likely to feel good about yourself. My staples are anything denim, a simple pair of trainers and a cross body bag. Failing that, a blow dry or a nice mani/pedi will always lift your spirits!
If you could give one piece of advice to Mums who are trying to live their dream of having it all, what would it be?
Francesca : The quote; ‘you can have it all, just not all at once’. I live by that now because it’s so true! Just be kinder to yourself & stay grateful for all that you do have.
Laura : Appreciate what you have because you probably have far more then most people have and should be grateful for it all. Feeling proud of the girls I have raised – Realising they are great girls makes me feel so thankful.
I am feeling so inspired by these two women.
This quote comes to mind…
When you admire something about another woman, tell her. Get into the habit of lifting each other up!
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I look forward to many more hours of peace while my little loves enjoy their very own Pots and Bumble home.
Helly x