Two months into life as a new mum with baby Alex in her arms 24/7, it quickly became apparent to Angela Davies (nee Kostakis) that the beautiful jewellery she once wore now resembled more of a hazard; a reality to which most mums can attest.
But then there was silicone.
“I went in search of something that I could wear which would be a lot safer and more hygienic around my child, and came across silicone jewellery,” Angela tells Neos Kosmos.
The same material used to make bottle nipples and dummies, it is non-toxic, durable, environmentally friendly, and many would agree, fashionable. But, she admits, there wasn’t a great deal of variety.
“Most silicone jewellery that I came across was more for the baby, and I noticed that there weren’t many options to pair with, say, a ‘going out outfit’.
“Not that you go out much with a two-month-old!” she adds with a laugh. “But I still wanted something that looked fashionable.”
Having heard similar reports from like-minded friends with bubs, it was then that she decided to take matters into her own hands.
Based out of her home in Melbourne’s west, Angela started creating pieces of her own, trading under the name of ALEX KIDD & CO, which was inspired by her son Alex, and, well, you guessed it – Alex Kidd from Miracle World Sega.
“It was huge for my generation in the ’80s and ’90s when it came out on the Sega console!” she says.
Each piece is designed and handmade by Angela personally, and she is committed to sourcing the highest-quality materials on the market.
“I source the best variety in silicone beads and use nylon fabric to create and design quality fashionable pieces that my customers will love to wear.”
There are currently three different styles in the ALEX KIDD & CO necklace range, available either with a pendant, round or abacus beads, along with bangles in a range of colours. While customers are spoilt for choice in terms of design, they also have the option to choose their own colour combination.
“We love taking custom orders,” says Angela. “If there is something in particular that you have in mind, or just feel like being creative, we will work with you to create something unique and personal.”
Despite having only recently launched the brand’s online store, the business owner says she has been “overwhelmed by the positive response and support from other mums” who are in love with the choices.
In a way, this is Angela’s empowerment project. Having worked for Foxtel for eight years, it was after being made redundant and taking the opportunity to travel with her husband to visit family in Greece that she realised a yearning to express herself creatively.
But she never envisaged being able to run her own business, made possible through a new-found ambition and strength instilled in her by her son.
“After having my first child my priorities changed,” the entrepreneur admits. “And things I thought I could never do became a welcome challenge.”
It now sees her juggling business “around naps, bottle feeds and doing laundry” but it’s something she enjoys beyond belief.
And she’s taking that empowerment and sharing it with the other mothers in her life, who are a constant source of inspiration.
“Most necklaces are named after mothers I know, and a few were inspired by women in my wonderful mothers group.”
But it takes just one look at ALEX KIDD & CO to understand why her customer base ranges beyond the mummy market, perfect for anyone looking for that something different.
And if you like what you see, you’re certainly in luck, with plans to expand the range of styles and options.
“ALEX KIDD & CO is just getting started,” Angela says.
“We will also be introducing our exclusive collections in the near future and are hoping to offer more baby and kids products on our online store, so stay tuned.”
* Note: Jewellery should not be given to a child as a teething toy, and must be worn by someone over the age of 13 years.
For more information and to view the complete ALEX KIDD & CO range, visit www.alexkiddco.bigcartel.com/ and the label’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ALEXKIDDCO/