A mother of two inspired to launch a reusable nappy business after postnatal depression has seen her eco-friendly business expand from strength to strength. Worried about her children’s futures and the health of the planet, the entrepreneur made the swap to reusable nappies for her second child.
Launching Modern Cloth Nappies in 2019, Stephanie worked from the family home, but the award-winning business grew, and more storage space was needed. With the £5,000 grant, Stephanie was able to buy a second-hand portable cabin, saving it from landfill. The upcycled unit now acts as the company’s head office and storage space.
Stephanie said:
“When I applied for the grant I was shocked that someone gave me the chance. Someone believed in me. It’s changed my life in terms of my home life because the business has a home, I have a place of work now.”
Help towards the move came from North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC), in the form of a Business Start-Up Grant. The six-month programme, launched in 2021 with the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership, targeted businesses under two years old or those who were looking to start a business.
Sonia Baigent, LLEP Board Member and Chair of the Business Gateway Board, said:
“Sustainability is a key pillar of the LLEP’s Economic Growth Strategy and it’s wonderful to see how Stephanie’s idea for improving the environment has turned into a growing business. Our Business Gateway Growth Hub advisers are always interested in hearing from people with innovative ideas for start-ups in Leicester and Leicestershire and we can help to get start-ups established.”
11 district businesses, including Modern Cloth Nappies, benefitted from the support, which also included training sessions and access to one-to-one business advice.