In this new section of our Blog we will introduce you to our lovely designers. We love to hear their stories, how they started and what inspire them. Join me in this journey to find more about the fabulous mompreneurs behind Bonjour Baby Baskets products.  

Today we have the pleasure to interview Sarah Robbins, the powerhouse behind numpfer™. They offer the softest swaddle blankets and bibs I ever seen! Handmade in British Columbia, Canada. 

Why was Numpfer created?

numpfer™ was created from a need, when my baby girl was born she stayed in the BC Women's NICU for the first three days of her life. The hospital nurses always used washcloths as bibs, which were very absorbent but didn't reach all the way around her neck while usually resulted in a very wet outfit. Once we were home my hunt began for a super soft, organic, very absorbent, functional yet stylish bib. I soon realized that what I was looking for did not exist so I ordered the softest organic terry cloth I could find and came up with a design that would be multi functional, super absorbent and tie on the side so that my baby could comfortably lay on her back and we didn't have to fuss behind her delicate neck. I believe I created the best bib on the market and I had to share it with other parents and caregivers and so numpfer™ was born. 

Tell me a little bit about yourself and your family.

I am a stay at home working mother of one adorable little lady named Charlotte and wife to my lovely husband Sean. We live in Vancouver, BC and love it! My days usually consist of play dates, parks and finding fun things to entertain my busy toddler. I fit work in where ever I can, usually when she is sleeping. We recently set up a nanny share with another family which has been fantastic for Charlotte and for me. I  have more time for numpfer™ and for myself and Charlotte gets to play with her best friend for 3 mornings a week. 

Tell me 5 things that people do not know about you.

1) I am in love with France. Before we had Charlotte we went to Europe twice and immediately fell in love with France. The country side, the way of life, the food, the wine, we would love to move there one day.

2) I love to cook. My favorite cookbook right now is from Gwyneth Paltrow "It's all Easy" i have "it's all Good" and i have made more out of that book than any other.

3) I have worked in restaurants for most of my working years, hence why I love planning www.sipandsavouryvr.com benefiting the BC Women's NICU.

4) I am trying to have a "greener" thumb, I haven't had much luck in the past... This year planted a little garden with blueberries, strawberries, carrots and peas (lots of peas). Wish me luck...

5) I love to create. My husband and I are currently making an ottoman from scratch. We couldn't find one we really liked for the price we wanted to spend so we decided to build it. It's going to be navy blue, I pretty excited about it. 

What is the greatest lesson you have learned from motherhood?

Motherhood has taught me so much about myself and love. It has made me more motivated than ever to be the best person I can be for my daughter. I want to be a strong role model for her and teach her that she can do absolutely anything in her life.  I would say the greatest lesson would be patience and being in the moment. Being in the moment can be my biggest challenge with working from home and having all my work emails and social media on my phone...

Who inspires you?

I am defiantly inspired by my daughter she gives me the strength and the determination to be the best I can be.  I am also inspired by all the women in my life, they are strong, independent, kind, supportive and honest. These women are my mum, my granny, my mother-in-law, my sister-in-law, my cousin,  my family, my friends. I am so thankful to have these incredible women in my life.

Tell us about numpfer charity collaborations.

Charity collaborations are a very important part of our business. numpfer™ began from a need while Charlotte was in the BC Women's Newborn ICU and because of their life saving care we give back to them in a big way. We started giving back on our first anniversary by making an exclusive silver edged numpfer™ bib and blanket which benefited that BC Women's Newborn ICU. During that time we also collaborated with Modern Fort (www.modernfort.com) in their newborn packages. Last November we organized our very first Sip and Savour benefiting the BC Women's Newborn ICU, this incredible tasting event was a huge success raising over $50,000 which went to purchase biliblanket photo-therapy units used to treat babies born with jaundice. This year we are doing it again! October 3rd at the Pipe Shop at shipyards in North Vancouver and tickets are available at www.sipandsavouryvr.com

How do you balance motherhood and running a successful business?

Finding the balance is a ongoing challenge for me, I am trying not to let the "motherhood guilt" take over and realize that I don't have to be there for everything and that it is great for her to have experiences with friends and family without me and while she is with them I can build my business.