eco nino + a giveaway

In preparation for baby's arrival I've been searching out organic, mama-made and ethically produced products. Indeed, the baby world is swamped with the opposite - polyester, candy pink and badly drawn teddy bears. I've only bought necessary items so far, including a new change mat to fit on the top of a chest of drawers. But finding a change mat cover that fit my above criteria was proving to be a challenge. So, as I do quite regularly these days, I gave up on bricks-and-mortar shops and ventured onto the net where I happily stumbled across eco nino. The company was created by mum-of-two-boys Kylie and she continues to grow her business - in fabulous leaps and bounds.

She has been incredibly generous and has offered me 9, yes, 9 eco nino change mat covers to give away. The beauty of the product also lies in its practicality - it fits any change mat because it is designed like a fitted sheet. If you would like to go in the drawer to win one (and if you don't have a baby, I promise you, it will make a fabulous gift) just leave a comment below and I'll drawer the winner next Tuesday 7th June.

For more about eco nino, read on for an interview with Kylie.

Edit: For those of you who inquired about stockists - visit the eco nino facebook page

Jodi: What inspired you to start Eco Nino?

Kylie: The label really grew from a personal need, as I was not in favour of covering my change mat in terry toweling nappies or any of the covers that were available at that time. I started to make my own change mat covers, which were very rough as I cannot sew to save myself, and people started asking for them. It just grew from there.

Jodi: Have you done anything like this before?

Kylie: I am always creating something and have quite a love of textiles in particular. Previously I was a teacher and never thought I would be starting my own business, but chose to join the number of Mums that want to successfully run a business from home. I love the fact that I can (with a lot of help from Grandparents I might add) work my hours around the boys. I have the best of both worlds.

Jodi: Why organic?

Kylie: Really the choice was made for me as my two boys suffer from eczema and I always attempt to choose low allergenic or organic materials for them as they react to everything! As a family we really try to make decisions around the home that are positive for the environment and after researching the processes of organic cotton farming versus traditional cotton farming, it reinforced my choice. I love that the fabric is made specifically for the eco nino label.

Jodi: Can you please explain the design and creation process?

Kylie: The covers are designed by myself and manufactured overseas under strict certification. As I mentioned before, the fabric is specially designed and spun for the label, which gives it some individuality. The process from beginning to end has been quite a steep learning curve, as I have never had to oversee or manage production like this before. I would really love to have the covers manufactured here in Australia and am hoping to achieve this in the near future.

Jodi: What do your customers love about Eco Nino change mat covers?

Kylie: I think my customers enjoy the simplicity of the design, having an affordable option that becomes a part of the nursery design and is functional at the same time. The colour range really will suit any nursery décor and the design is pretty timeless. Apparently, they also launder well and dry quickly (funny what becomes important when you are a Mum).

Jodi: Your plans for the future of the business?

Kylie: Every week, I am asked what else will I be adding to the line. I am quite overwhelmed with the support I have received from customers and the eagerness to see what is coming next – it is just great. The label is still so new and my time has been devoted to making sure the covers are high quality and distributed well (the age old adage of doing one thing and doing it well).