Who We Are…

Victoria Hampson, NBS Founder
A degree in Chemistry, “staying up all hours” running bars, then opening Chertsey business Natural Baby Shower in 2007 with two young children at her feet: you could say Victoria Hampson has had a varied career.

In her pre-baby days Victoria took a year out in New Zealand with IT Consultant partner, Clifton. Never one to relax, the businesswoman opened an Auckland bar in 2002. But a very welcome, if unexpected, pregnancy changed everything.

Realising that late nights and morning sickness never mix, the mum-to-be turned her back on Auckland’s intense nightlife to focus on her pregnancy. “I was amazed by my changing body,” she remembers. “I started thinking about how different chemicals might affect my unborn child.”

The couple flew back to the UK with a six-week-old Dylan. But NZ, with its burgeoning natural babycare movement, had a lasting influence on the new mum.  As her baby grew, so did a business idea.

In June 2007, when second son Marley was 15-months-old, Victoria launched Natural Baby Shower: a website packed with info for expectant parents, which stocks beautiful, chemical-free baby products and gives advice on holding “tack-free” baby showers.

“Back then Brits thought Baby Showers were Americanised and a bit tacky,” she explains. “But in NZ they were small, friendly gatherings – definitely no horrible games allowed! I wanted to spread the word.”

Soon NBS’s premises grew from the kitchen table, pushing Clifton’s company out of the office-cum-shed in the garden! Finally, nine-months-ago, NBS opened its own boutique in Chertsey.

Like all mums, juggling work and home life continues to challenge Victoria. “Starting up was the hardest time,” she recalls. “Working at my kitchen table, trying to appear professional whilst caring for two small children.”

Sometimes things have been really tough. Dylan, her first-born, was hospitalized ten times with asthma, and a five-week-old Lola went to special care with bronchiolitis. In Victoria’s own words, it was “dreadful.”

The kids though, have benefited from Mum’s business with a nursery crammed full of beautiful, non-toxic clothes and furniture. Victoria personally tests most of the products with the help of her brood.

“Only items that are both great value and high quality are sold,” she explains. “And of course, they have to be really safe.”

Favourites include the Yoomi Bottle, the Cuddledry Towel, and the Merino Cocooi Newborn Sleeping bag. “And I have so many more!” she smiles.

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Mary Malyon, NBS Blogger

Mum-of-one, Mary has an opinion on most subjects especially if it’s connected to parenting or organic living – so blogging for NBS is perfect for her.

She recently moved back to the UK from NZ with her two-year-old daughter and partner Marc, a cricket-mad Canterbury-boy.

He works from home as well, and they’re currently sharing childcare – whether this works out in the long-term remains to be seen!

Mary has written for The Guardian Online, The Big Issue, Wanderlust,  The Greenwood Guide and The Natural Parent.

@MaryMalyon

 

 

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Natural Baby Shower’s Boutique in Chertsey

With over 800 products, including furniture, gifts, clothing, toys and cloth nappies. Plus bespoke fingerprint jewellery & framed imprints it is well worth a trip

Standard opening times are Monday to Friday 10.00am – 5.00pm. Saturday openings coming soon!

If you wish to visit outside of these times, please call on 01932 570835 and we will do our best to oblige.

Our Address…

The Coach House, 25a Windsor Street
Chertsey
Surrey
UK
KT16 8AY