This started off as a social media post, but I’ve realised it was WAY too long for that (I’m not that good at being succinct!) so it’s now the first blog post on this page!
I’ve been putting up lots of posts about my shop since starting my social media, but I’ve not put anything about me. Some of you will know me from Sling Library sessions and Babywearing Consultations but – if you don’t – here’s a bit more info:
I’m Roamy and I’ve been working with parents and babies for over 10 years now. I set up a Sling Library in Eastbourne 9 years ago (the Anniversary is tomorrow! The day I’m opening the shop).
The beginnings
I started a Sling Library as – cheesy as it sounds – I wanted to help people. I’d really struggled when my eldest was born. He didn’t want to be put down. All the things I’d read told me I ‘should’ put him down.
The first 6 months were spent with lots of tears from him (and me) and a pretty stressful, difficult start. I had post-partum depression and it really wasn’t a fun time.
When he was 5 months old I was researching framed backpacks and ‘discovered’ the types of baby carrier that I now retail. I tried one out and couldn’t believe how comfortable he felt and – best of all – he wasn’t crying! He was getting cuddled and I was able to move off the sofa – get things done and get out and about.
This really was a changing point for me and I honestly believe it was the start of my post-natal depression improving. You can read more about this in my blog post here: https://roamyhuntconsultancy.co.uk/postpartum-depression-and-babywearing/
Starting a Sling Library
We relocated to Eastbourne in 2010 and – shortly after arriving – I set up a Sling Meet; basically somewhere where parents with an interest in slings and babywearing could get together. When our youngest was 3 months old, and our eldest had just turned 2, I decided to set up Eastbourne Sling Library – to help others not struggle the way I had. What started off as a monthly get-together in a cafe, quickly grew to fortnightly and then to additional venues being added. In 2012 I completed my Babywearing Consultancy training, so was then able to offer one-to-one Consultations.
By 2014 I was retailing as well as hiring out carriers, running weekly sling library sessions all over East Sussex and helping people all over the South East with Consultations. I’d also started working with manufacturers – writing blog posts and working at Baby Shows on their behalf as a Babywearing Consultant. I renamed to East Sussex Slings to better reflect the wider area I served.
Relocation
In 2016 we relocated to Petersfield, so it was a bit like starting again from scratch – I was hugely well known as ‘the Sling Lady’ all over East Sussex, but no one knew me here. Another name-change followed – to South East Slings.
Fortunately it didn’t take long to grow my reputation in Hampshire and I was soon running fortnightly Sling Library sessions in Hampshire and Surrey, plus having stands at local Baby Shows across the South East, and working as a Babywearing Consultant and Guest Speaker at National Baby Shows. Consultations – both in person and via video-call continued to be popular. I split South East Slings into Roamy Hunt Consultancy for the Consultation side, and South East Slings for the the retail and hire side.
My YouTube channel has grown beyond anything I could have imagined! I started with just 3 videos back in 2014. There are now over 100 – demonstrating all the most popular carriers and carry positions – with the most popular videos getting 1,000’s of views every month! I love that I’m able to help people all over the world with these videos and the lovely feedback they receive makes me very happy.
So why a shop?
Well, it’s fantastic being able to help people at baby groups and pop-up sling library sessions, but I know how difficult it is getting out of the house for a specific group or time.
Example 1: Baby FINALLY falls asleep after a really grizzly morning and you don’t want to risk waking them.
Example 2: There’s a poonami 2 minutes before you’re about to leave and by the time you’re all cleaned up and changed – plus baby has been fed again – nearly an hour has gone.
Example 3: Your baby swim class clashes with the sling library session and you just can’t fit both in to the day.
Example 4: The idea of going along to a mum and baby group – however friendly – is just too daunting right now.
There are SO many reasons that can prevent someone being able to come along to a group.
Consultations are another option but if you’re not 100% sure whether a baby carrier is right for you and your baby – you just want to find out more info and maybe see some options – you’re not necessarily going to want to book a one-to-one Consultation.
Consultancy and Retail
By having a shop – which is open five days a week, with one day a week dedicated to one-to-one Consultations, plus two evenings – I hope to make it as easy as possible for people to access my help and advice.
The option to drop in is a 6-8 hour window, 5 days a week.
The option for a one-to-one Consultation – at home, at the shop or via video-call – is still there, with clear times and availability.
The South East Slings website still retails all the carriers in the shop, so if people prefer to purchase online they still can.
I’m also happy to help people with existing carriers at the shop – even if not purchased from me. There’s a £5 charge for this, redeemable against any purchase made on the day.
Baby Gifts and more
I’ve also been able to add the most wonderful collection of new baby toys and gifts. I am unbelievably excited by the beautiful selection of gifts, teethers and other products I’ve been able to source. Many of these are from local, independent businesses and it’s lovely to be able to support these amazingly talented people.
So, that’s all about me! My children are now 9 and 11 years old (how did that happen?!) and you may see them in the Shop during the holidays. They both remember being carried and will chat to you about what they remember, which is lovely!
I look forward to seeing lots of you very soon!
Roamy x
Lots of links for you!
WEBSITES
Bambino Baby Location and Opening hours
South East Slings – to see all the baby carriers and accessories available at Bambino Baby and to purchase online, plus lots of blog posts about different baby carriers
Roamy Hunt Consultancy – for more information about Consultations and to book
You Tube Channel – with over 100 videos of me demonstrating all the most popular carriers, in various carry positions
FACEBOOK
Bambino Baby
Roamy Hunt Consultancy
South East Slings
INSTAGRAM
Bambino Baby
Roamy Hunt Consultancy
LINKEDIN
Roamy Hunt Consultancy
