We've just taken our first full collection (Spring/Summer 2024) to our first trade show 'Pitti Bimbo' held in Florence, Italy and were delighted to scoop Pirouette blog's "One of ten Green Brands to fall in love with" awards.
We've been feeling every emotion since our return, the trade show was a new environment for Akwa Baby and to take ourselves internationally was driven by confidence in our concept, our product and our messaging. But, as business owners and creatives, you're always going to feel that fear - feeling it but doing it anyway!!
Meeting so many amazing brand owners, journalists, curators and suppliers really reinforces how many good humans there are in this world. There's a genuine support and community amongst this industry.
We took our youngest with us, Z (19 months), who dazzled everyone daily in her Akwa Baby outfits and general charm, travelling and working with a toddler absolutely has it's challenges (and in 40 degree heat) but somehow she made the days a little brighter and started so many conversations for us!
Last night we filmed a debrief between Ogo and myself, just asking some hard questions about what we've learnt, what we need to do differently and how we're feeling post-event. It'll be announced on this week's newsletter and posted to our youtube channel, so stay in touch via newsletter sign up for more :)
Happy Monday
Claire x