#FollowLittleWildBears
Meet Claire McDermott an entrepreneur hailing from Belfast, originally from County Tyrone (Carrickmore). Founder of a sustainable children's clothing brand, her journey from academia to business reflects a commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Juggling entrepreneurship with raising three kids under five, she finds support and collaboration in AwakenHub. Join her in building a top-of-mind children's brand focused on sustainability. Follow her journey at Little Wild Bears.
Where are you from and where do you live?
I'm from county Tyrone (Carrickmore) and I live in Belfast
To get us started - how would you describe yourself in 6 words or less?
A gal with a heart & guts
Describe your business and what prompted you to start it?
I sell children's clothing and accessories. It helps mamas (& aunties, nanas, friends) build a capsule wardrobe for their fave little people. I love shopping for my littles but didn't always find it easy so I thought let's make it easier for myself and others. I focus on making more sustainable choices through oversized fit and promoting longer wear. Disrupting those predefined and oh so narrow baby sizing ranges. 'Grow with baby pieces', and neutral tones makes gender neutral styling & handing down so easy! The birth of my second baby & the weird world of lockdown kickstarted my business. I found a confidence to take the plunge & say goodbye to the corporate world I worked in for so long. My idea of motherhood had to have freedom and happiness.
Tell us a little bit more about you?
I graduated from Queens University Belfast with a Social Sciences Degree and University of Liverpool with a Master's in Research Methodology. I've always worked in research (starting as a research assistant when I was studying). I've always been a bit of a nerd when it comes to collecting data and exploring the world. I've definitely applied this to my business which makes me feel part of 'my old life' I guess. My now husband and I spent a number of years in Liverpool (a city so close to our heart), moved back home, got married in Spain & 3 babies later..it's been a whirlwind… add in a career change along the way too!
Fill us in on your female founder journey…
It's been a rollercoaster the last 3 years. It really has. It becomes your all. Your whole heart is in it. It has to be. One of the best (& surprising) parts has been meeting so many lovely supportive small business gals who become your cheerleaders & friends. I do miss work mates and 'a team' but those girls give a bit of that back! I've loved escaping the corporate world, I love the freedom. It's hard juggling it all with 3 under 5 and there's a lot of late nights. But it's a better balance for me & that's what coffees for!
Why have you joined AwakenHub?
To become part of a community. Missing work pals, it's brilliant to build your tribe. Supporting each other and helping each other succeed.
Have you an ‘ask’ which we can share with fellow #Awakenhubbers?
My ask is to help me spread awareness and make connections to potential partners, suppliers and collaborators across Ireland and UK.
As a founder - what are your non-negotiables?
I'm inspired always by my 3 babes. It all started with them. Being a mummy has lead me to this pathway. I build eco friendly culture into my business from the choices I make, people I work with, materials I use etc. But I'm always wanting to learn more and connect with other businesses. It's been a really enjoyable part for me.
Where do you see yourself in 12 months and 5 years time?
To be a top of mind children's clothing brand. To have loads of little children wearing our collection & for babies to grow with this brand. To have connected with other female founders, wanting from each other and becoming friends along the way.
What are your top three tips for other women founders?
Baby steps Try it anyway (doesn't have to be perfect) Deep breaths :)
To finish up with what are six words to live by?
Just do your best.
