“The business was inspired by my three-month-old daughter, who always had her bottom on show. I was constantly pulling down her dresses and that’s when I decided to design a fun range of leggings around this concept.” Meet the founder of kids’ clothing label Blade and Rose…
Amanda Peffer, 43, lives in the Lake District, Kendal. She lives with hrt husband, two children, Harvey Blade, nine, and Issey Rose, seven, and Maverick – their 12-year-old border collie
What’s your home like?
We moved in last August. Our old house was flooded so it was heaven to move into a new build – so fresh and shiny. It’s still a work in progress and we haven’t managed to put any pictures or curtains up downstairs yet. It is a completely blank canvas as all our old fixtures and fittings were skipped.
What time are you up in the morning?
6.30am.
What wakes you up?
My alarm.
How do you feel?
Exhausted.
What do you do first thing?
I have just got wifi speakers around the house, so the first thing I do is put some funky music on. Then wake the kids up.
In three words, describe mornings in your home?
Hectic, entertaining, funny.
Tea or coffee?
Coffee x 2.
How might the rest of your day pan out?
Drop the kids off at school then head straight to the office, which is just around the corner. Kids are at after school club until 6pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Tuesday it’s swimming straight from school, Fridays are our play day from 3.30pm.
What’s your workspace like?
We have a big unit, which is just around the corner from school. In our office there is myself, my husband Jon – who works mainly on international distributors and accounts – Pam, the angel and organiser of the office; she looks after all the invoicing worldwide, orders, sage updates, customer service and much more. Then Laura deals with the dispatch of orders, website updates and key accounts. Faye, our designer, came in this year as we have lots of new products… she also deals with the manufacturers. Adam packs all the orders in the warehouse and our dog Mavrick wanders around with his toy waiting for someone to throw.
Where are the kids when you’re working?
School and after school club. We moved to the Lake District 14 years ago, which we love, but it means we don’t have the luxury of grandparents nearby any more.
Tell us about your business…
I founded Blade and Rose while on my maternity leave with my second baby, and named the company after each children’s middle name. It was totally inspired by my then three-month-old daughter, who always had her bottom on show. I found myself constantly pulling down her dresses and that’s when I decided to design a fun range of leggings around this concept. A major component of the development was to ensure that the quality of the fabric was durable, functional, would wash well and most importantly, that it was soft and kind to children’s delicate skin.
What’s the greatest challenge when running your own business?
Having enough hours in the day! Getting the balance right: job priorities, kids time, time for myself.
What makes it all worthwhile?
Seeing our business grow.
Are there aspects of the production that you delegate to others; do you enjoy, for instance, the creative side but not the accounts?
I love all aspects. I do delegate as I wouldn’t be able to do everything myself, but I am still fully involved with all areas.
Are you a happy lone worker, or do you enjoy the buzz of a shared workspace?
I love our office, everyone gets their head down. But we still have the office banter. We all make the teas.
What’s the secret to career success?
Hard work.
Is the juggle real for you… do you find it difficult balancing parenting/relationship/me-time/time for friends/career?
This is the hardest bit to control, still find it difficult.
Describe an ideal weekend?
Friends, family, walks, Sunday lunch, playing out.
If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow, where would it be?
My bed.