A retailer making an appearance at our final two markets for 2011 is Shady Days. A wonderfully innovative brand that not only has your kids looking stylish but also protects them from the sun's harsh rays... what a great concept.
Shady Days sells clothing and accessories for the 1-6 year age group and their garments take into consideration the recommendations of SunSmart, the Cancer Council of Victoria's internationally recognised skin cancer prevention program. This means their designs ensure high levels of protection for all young children who love to get outside.
Here is the duo behind Shady Days, Colleen and Laura, to give you some more background on their brand... (thank you ladies)
Are you more sugar or spice?
Colleen - When it comes to sweetness I leave that up to the kids, or my not so infrequent snacks. As for me, I’m definitely more spice.
Laura – I’m addicted to everything sugary and sweet but am definitely more spice myself.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Colleen - Despite my sun protective efforts for my daughter at a summer day barbeque, she still got too many ‘kisses from the sun’ a.k.a. sunburn. Mortified, I went shopping for clothing that would cover her up in the sun, unlike the pretty dresses and strappy singlets she had in her wardrobe. When I went home empty handed I thought I’d found a gap in the market that needed to be filled. The Shady Days concept offered us a creative outlet in which we worked on a product we really believed in. It’s even better when we receive affirmation from customers about the designs and the sun-protection concept.
Laura & Colleen's little people :)
How did you name your business?
We wanted a name that was reflective of our sun protective message and design objectives but that also conveyed the fun and fanciful days that childhood is full of. It didn’t take us long to settle on Shady Days.
What is your favourite piece from your own range?
Colleen - It’s hard to choose, but the family have been getting out and making the most of the spring sunshine lately in, not surprisingly, Shady Days gear. I love the rugby top – it covers all the bits prone to sunburn with a collar and long sleeves, it is loose and comfy and easy to whip on and off. Evey and Hugo wore theirs all weekend and they looked really good on as well!
Laura – I’m partial to our Peace, Love & Mung Beans! hoodie. It’s been getting a massive workout in our house at the moment because it’s great for spring when the mornings are a bit fresh but the arvos heat up. It can be worn all day long and protect the kiddies from all the elements we encounter.
Where else can we check you out?
Our website is www.shadydays.com.au where you can see our full range and check out lots of sun protective information. You can also check us out on Facebook.
We will be at Sugar & Spice's last two markets for the year. This Sunday in Ballarat and Sunday 4th December in Woodend. We’ll also be attending the Piccadilly Market in Geelong on Sunday 20th November and Mathilda’s Market in Caulfield on Sunday 27th November.
