Maternity brand Gooseberry Pink, located in Torthorwald, is also hoping to enter into a charity partnership this year.
Founded by Laura Draper, it produces designer pregnancy tops in luxury organic fabrics. She was inspired after hearing about an artist painting designs on a pregnant friend’s bump and was motivated to replicate the idea in maternity wear. Her goal was to help expectant women look and feel fabulous using luxurious organic fabrics that are kind to the planet. Laura said: “I’ve always had a creative streak, and a love of fashion, and knew I wanted to do something special with this. After being inspired by ‘belly art’ I had the idea to start up Gooseberry Pink. My vision was to create a collection of stylish maternity tops featuring fashionable designs and amazing artwork for women who are experiencing the beautiful and natural process that is pregnancy. It is such a special time and I am honoured that my designs can help women feel great about themselves.”
The company has been boosted by success in last year’s Virgin StartUp campaign when Laura was one of 69 entrepreneurs across Scotland to receive a share of over £1.2m in StartUp Loan funding, as well as access to mentoring.
Her 2018 strategy starts next month with the launch of the ‘Baby + Child’ organic collection and a new range of tops. Also this spring, will come the launch of a partnership with ‘Every Mother Counts’, which will see Gooseberry Pink gift a percentage of the profits to the charity. Laura said: “As well as wanting the brand to be ethically produced, my aspirations for Gooseberry Pink were to promote and support a charity that helps women. We are excited to be teaming up with Every Mother Counts, an amazing charity that works to make childbirth safe for every mother, everywhere.”
