The NEW RANGE is LIVE!!
Phew, this new drop has been a long time coming. After a lengthy maternity leave – the end of which I kept pushing out time and again because I was just loving my time with my boy so much – I was ready to get back into the swing of things. I planned a new range for go-live summer of 2023, and even had a brand-new supplier lined up as I was keen to experiment and see if I could increase efficiency (my old – and now still current- supplier, just took a fairly long time to turn production around, in my humble opinion). The sampling process was started, and all looked amazing. I’d lined up design collaborations with two designers, one of whom I’ve been able to push on with and bring her pattern to life for this range (I’m looking at you Roxanne from Arrange Studio). The print samples looked amazing, and the fabric sourced was spot on. Deposit was paid and we were ready to roll.
Sadly, my new manufacturer could not quite get the fabric right – it kept shrinking, and the quality ended up not being absolutely perfect – which is what Nightire is all about – perfect quality bamboo sleepwear and sleep accessories.
This unfortunately meant that I missed the boat on production deadlines for all the big sales milestones in the year (think summer, Black Friday, Christmas), and so with a big move from UK to South Africa looming and no new stock to speak of, I pondered putting Nightire on ice – maybe for good. I decided to take a few months over the course of the move to re-think, re-strategise, or to just put this baby of mine, that I’d been grooming for almost seven years, to bed.
Not one month into the hiatus, inspiration struck again, and I just couldn’t help but let the gears start turning on thoughts for new designs, prints, collaborations and marketing plans. Not to mention the countless messages that I received from loyal customers asking when they will again be able to get their hands on their favourite PJs. At the same time, my old (and current) manufacturer reached out to say they’ve managed to procure The Nightire Fabric (TM) – because it really is made up from scratch specifically according to my specifications, and they were ready and keen to start production if I was. Felt like kismet, decided to take the leap.
A few months on (far too many months, because these folks really are as slow as can be BUT that does mean their labour practices are fair & their quality of work is considered), we are at launch week for the three new styles that I’ve been so excited to bring to market since the beginning of the year. Two short sets – one that’s the aforementioned pattern created in collaboration with Arrange Studio from South Africa – a bold and bright pattern to suit the bold and bright nature of their interior products; and another set that’s a remix of a golden oldie – the clementine shorties in a frill finish with green stripe contrast finishes.
And my piece de resistance, a new nightdress style that’s quite reminiscent of the night gowns of the olden days – long, frilled, lace-finished and covered in delicate details. Feminine yet fashionable (adorned with lemons, this season’s citrus fruit du jour) even if I do say so myself.
I’ve also got new bedding coming out for everything from adult to kids cot bedding, hair scrunchies made of bamboo to help you keep your tresses at bay while you sleep – without breakage – and kids & adult robes in the mix too. So much exciting stuff to sell and let me tell you I’m feeling all kinds of anxiety re the pressure to sell it – but using this lil’ blog post as a kind of diary entry (to the masses – ha), and to take the opportunity to reflect on what I have worked on and accomplished while bringing up the sweetest toddler AND baking a new baby – incoming October 2024, all while moving to the other side of the world and settling into a new normal.
Thank you for being here for the ride with me – you have no idea how much I appreciate your ongoing support, both emotionally and financially;) Hope you love something from the new range – any questions, holla at me.
