A Surrey woman has started a children’s clothing business during the lockdown and the experience has reawakened her creativity following her fertility journey

Natalie Robertson opened BonBonBon, named after her three-year-old daughter, Bonnie, in Epsom and has recently won an award for the innovation at the Ewell Business Awards 2021, according to Surrey Live.

She said: “It’s important for women out there to know that if they’ve gone through something tough, you can regain back who you were. So doing this company has meant a lot to me.

“Getting back into the creative industry after taking time out to have my daughter is very tough. Especially for us, because I took time out from being a full-time fashion designer because I had fertility issues.

“I really had to focus on looking after myself, focusing on that being a priority of my life. Starting this company really has been a way of gaining back my identity before I had fertility problems.”

Coming from a previous career in the fashion industry, the idea for the business came to her in February 2020.

She said: “I wanted to get Bonnie some new clothes and I love supporting local because I know how hard it must be to run a small business. One of my best friends suggested I make the clothes myself, being a fashion designer.”

The 36-year-old started making leggings for her daughter and selling an extra pair she had made, and she hasn’t looked back.

The business is now flourishing, after a few hard times during the lockdown, and Natalie is delighted to be recognised for something so positive from something that was a tough time for her and her family.

She said: “The recognition is really heartwarming.”

Did you start a business after a fertility journey? Do you feel you may have lost yourself during an IVF cycle? We’d love to hear your story, email mystory@ivfbabble.com.