Designer baby clothing, accessories & mummy stuff

Being a busy mum of two has not stopped Jenny Bowes from starting a successful business. Working from her home in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, Jenny launched her online boutique www.katiedora.co.uk in December 2005. Katie Dora, named after her late grandmother, sells beautiful items from fashion to homewear, with an emphasis on funky baby accessories.

“The concept of Katie Dora came about when I was looking for baby products for my own son. I started with designer changing bags and it quickly grew to incorporate a range of desirable lifestyle products” says Jenny, who buys her stock from the UK and overseas. Many of the items are exclusive to Katie Dora and include hip designers such as Timi & Leslie, Kath Kidston, Noya Huynh, Bumble Bags and ZPM.

Katie Dora customers can choose from a wide assortment including Jewellery: a selection of striking contemporary fashion jewellery for a touch of glamour; At Home: a range of timeless home accessories incorporating frames, storage solutions, fragrance and cushions; and especially for the little ones, Dinky Dora, where toddlers can choose from soothing ‘first aid companions’ and nifty chalk mats to a pair of colourful scrub pants.

Best seller, the Me Tee!!, a hand appliquéd personalised t-shirt for the under two’s, is perfect for a new addition, a christening or birthday present or just for fun. And, the tees are timeless - keep forever on a favourite teddy or place in a frame to display on the wall. One happy customer says “I just wanted to say Jake’s Me Tee! is LOVELY, thank you so much. I will be recommending you to everyone and buying lots of birthday shirts!”

With a degree in marketing and 10 years experience in the field, Jenny is able to draw on her skills when sourcing and marketing her products. “It has not been easy. I am doing everything in-house right now while the business grows. I am always looking for new ranges and innovative ways to market the website”.

Katie Dora is being positioned as an exclusive online store for any woman wishing to treat herself or her child, or find unusual gifts. “I want to take the stress out of shopping for women who can’t access specialist shops. Katie Dora offers essentials at good value for money while still having that luxury feel to it. I want my customers to feel pampered when they shop at Katie Dora”.