Parenting

Why ‘giving back’ is central to Nicole Verrocchi’s new babywear brand

4 September, 2022 . 0

Her baby’s cancer diagnosis inspired mum Nicole Verrocchi to create an affordable, eco-friendly babywear range that supports children’s charities.

As her two young children learnt to stand and take a few tentative steps, Melbourne mum Nicole Verrocchi wanted to ensure they were rugged up for chilly days, but could also move around safely.

She realised there was a lack of babywear onesies in the market that allowed her son Raffi, now 4, and daughter Flossy, 2, to be comfortable all day but offered a bit of extra support when they were on their feet.

The spark of an idea led to Nicole creating Bambi Mini Co., a unique, organic clothing range for babies and toddlers that will become the first clothing range to be stocked exclusively in Chemist Warehouse.

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How personal challenge inspired purpose

Establishing the business and creating the range has been “almost like a saviour” for Nicole, after Raffi was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2020.

“I slowed right down and I was unsure about whether to continue ahead with the business as I wanted to give Raff and my family my everything,” Nicole says.

“I decided I wouldn’t give it up and this would be something that I’d do for Raff and for Floss.

“In turn they were my inspiration and motivation to keep going.”

The family have spent a lot of time at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital over the past two years as Raffi undergoes treatment.

He is now in the final stage, which is due to finish in February.

“Raffi is a trouper,” Nicole says.

“He’s so amazing right now and is such a different boy.

“He still has a bit to go but it’s all positive news and it’s upwards and onwards from here.”

Ensuring Bambi Mini Co. works with local communities is important to Nicole and the brand is planning a range next year, where proceeds will be donated to support children’s charities.

“After Raffi’s diagnosis, it changed our perspective and purpose in life,” Nicole says.

“We want to build giving back into the brand.”

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Babywear made for the modern baby adventurer

One of the main pieces of the Bambi Mini Co. range will be a wrigglesuit with grippy gel soles, which will be made from 100 per cent GOTS certified organic cotton using gentle, sustainable dyes and comes in reusable packaging.

“I noticed there wasn’t a lot of organic babywear that you could buy off the shelves for less than about $30-$40 and that also combines some really cool, fun prints,” Nicole says.

“I also found the quality wasn’t amazing, and I was really looking for longevity from a zipsuit.”

The range will also have a strong environmental focus.

“Our brand is based on quality and environmentally-friendly production, from the cotton itself to the dyes that are used,” Nicole says.

“Your babies are in zipsuits all day, so my No.1 goal was to create a safe, durable and fun product that parents feel confident dressing their bubs in.”