Redditch entrepreneur proves that ‘kids should be kids’

The shrewd ‘eye for an opportunity’ of a female entrepreneur is giving parents throughout the UK a high quality alternative to big chain stores and mass produced children’s clothes. Danish-born Malene Stanley has used her experience as a mum of two to launch a new website aimed at providing a unique range of t-shirts, dresses, trousers and tops for boys and girls. Kids Should Be Kids, which has been supported by Business Link West Midlands, has been set up to make it simple to purchase online; making life easier for busy parents. More importantly the company is based on the fundamental

view that kids should be dressed as kids and not as mini adults! The website has already recorded over 1000 hits, with customers keen to purchase the hip and trendy clothes. Malene continued: “When I used to go back to Denmark, I made a beeline for the shops and brought lots of different outfits for my two girls. “When we got back to England, I found that lots of parents were asking me where I had got the clothes from and whether I would bring some back for them the next time I was out there. This got me thinking and the next thing you know I’m starting my own business.”

Spurred on by the initial interest, Malene sourced a number of licensing agreements with Scandinavian products and began to look at ways of designing a purpose built e-commerce website that would act as a single point of contact for the business. At this stage, the Redditch-based entrepreneur tapped into support from Business Link West Midlands, who provided advice and expertise on business planning, financial forecasts and marketing. “It’s always a big challenge and a certain leap of faith to start your own business, especially when you’ve got children to take care of.” Malene added: “However, I received the right help exactly when I needed it and knew that there was a definite demand for what I was offering." specialise in providing a range of clothes for babies and young children through to 10 years-old. At any one time, the site aims to showcase over 50 different products, with secure orders placed online arriving within three days of payment being made. There are also plans to expand the service to include jackets and coats and a small selection of clothes for mothers. “I’m a big fan of flexible working and this is something that the UK is sadly lacking in. As and when the company expands I would like to provide employment for mums and dads, who can plan their hours around looking after their children,” explained Malene. Business Link West Midlands is expected to help over 70,000 businesses and individuals thinking of starting a company with information, with a further 16,000 receiving intensive support from experienced business advisers by 2010.