Anne Freeman, an award winning former milliner has turned her talents to a surprising new design format; babywearing.
Tell us about babein.
babein is all about stylin’ wraps for babein mummas who wear their bubbas!
Our fashionable digital-print stretchy wraps are 100% Australian made, from Certified Organic Cotton/Spandex, right here in Melbourne by the lovely folks at The Social Studio. They’re a fab organisation dedicated to creating professional development and opportunity for young members of the community who have experienced being a refugee.
What inspired you to start babein?
When I had my first bub late last year I had no idea that the term “babywearing” even existed! My BF gave me a stretchy babywearing wrap as a gift and what a gift it was! Like so many newbies, my gorgeous little bub would fret and fuss if I tried to put him down. So we LIVED in our stretchy wrap for months. There was only one problem though. It was SO boring looking! So I thought I would go out and buy one that was more fashionable, something that would suit my style and make me feel more like my old self. When I realised they didn’t exist, babein was born!
Tell us about your career and background.
In another life, in a time far far away, I was a milliner – I actually took out the top Millinery prize for the Melbourne Cup Carnival back in 2000 as well as having a number of my award-winning designs exhibited in the Racing Style: 50 Years of Fashions on the Field exhibition a few years back – so the move back towards fashion, textiles and design has been really delightful.
Describe a typical day for you.
A typical day for me is centred on being a mum. My baby boy, Davis (Davie to his pals), is 13 months now and he is the kind of little dude who believes that resting is for chumps. So we’re pretty intrepid. For anyone, like me, that never really grew up: I highly recommend having kids. I have the best excuse now for being on the swings, on the slide and in the sand pit.
Oh, and when he’s napping or has gone to bed for the night you’ll find me frantically smashing out social media posts and press releases and trying to keep on top of orders and inventory. This is basically what I do instead of Keeping up with the Kardashians!
What advice do you have for those wanting to start a business?
Oh I saw one of those cheesy McCheese inspo-quote things the other day that was perfect: “Don’t be told you can’t by those you haven’t even tried.” GOLD!
Also, you don’t need to be an expert on every damn thing so don’t beat yourself up over your shortcomings. Focus on what you’re amazing at and what makes your heart sing and get help with the rest.
What’s next for you, and babein?
Right now I’m really focused on getting my brand out there so I’m shouting from the rooftops, so to speak.
It feels like a huge challenge but then again Davie is trying to walk which seems like a way harder task so I’m using his never-say-die attitude as inspiration!
