From inception up until the setting up process, how did you start your business?
Mamma Bella – maternity for the beautiful mum, was born in June 2005.
It has quickly become a favourite for the mums of Melbourne looking for quality fashion forward maternity wear, for their pregnancy and beyond.
My partner Enza Formoso, who is a fashion designer and dressmaker and I as mothers had experienced first hand how hard it was to find stylish, affordable maternity wear.
Both having gone through two pregnancies each we knew there had to be something better out there, and so our adventure began and we have never looked back since.
Women should not need to compromise their own individual style just because they are pregnant or nursing their newborn.
We believe all women have the right to look and feel fantastic whilst going through the most emotional and physical challenge in their life.
It is this philosophy that drives us to provide our customers both in store and online with a selection of the best maternity and non maternity labels they feel will endure the many stages ahead.
Did your Greek Australian background help you or impede you during your early days?
Being both from Greek and Italian backgrounds, we found it was the perfect combination for our idea, and our business name. It always helps our local customers when they enter the store and have the advantage of speaking their own language, both Greek or Italian.
What would you say stands out as the comparative advantage of your business over the competition?
Because we cater for such a niche market, we find customers travel from all around Melbourne to visit our store.
We have an extensive range of evening wear for that special occasion and also have a great range of casual wear, including denim jeans, cargo pants and workwear.
Most of our products are sourced from local manufacturers and most garments are designed and made in Australia, which allows for the highest expectations in quality and fabrics.
Mamma Bella, as the name suggests, is dedicated to making motherhood beautiful at every stage.
We offer a friendly and relaxed shopping atmosphere, whether it’s you first or fourth baby we can tailor a wardrobe to suit your individual needs.
Our return customers speak for themselves; many are always happy to drop by for a chat and show off their new bundle of joy.
This is the testament that we love what we do and so do our customers.
How is business currently?
Business is trading well given the current economic climate. The difference we suppose being that our business is a necessity for the pregnant woman.
What is your vision for the future of your business?
Our long term plans involve designing our own range of evening wear and wholesaling it throughout other outlets in Australia, expanding our internet business www.mammabella.com.au even more throughout Australia and overseas and keeping our feet grounded and loving what we do even more, every day.
Do you have any tips for young entrepreneurs?
Any business idea has risks involved, but if you don’t take the chance, you will never know the outcome. If your idea is a unique one and the necessity is there, we say go for it!