Local Flair Issue 29: Little Bedoo
The struggle of finding cultural clothes for your little ones in the UAE is too real, but when I came across this local business Little Bedoo, my search was finally over. Little Bedoo is a a traditional gulf clothing brand for babies and toddlers, and they stock the most adorable kandooras, dishdasha, jalabiyas and accessories such as bibs too. I speak to the lovely co-founder of the business, Marwa, to get an insight into how it all began and their goals for the future. P.S. Giveaway at the end of the post!
Tell me about Little Bedoo.
It was launched last Ramadan. The concept was born 6 months prior when my husband went to make himself a kandora and decided to get one made for our then 8 month old son. To our surprise, the tailor refused to make it, saying the size was too much of a hassle and so he went to another.. and another.. and they all refused for the same reason. He was sharing the story with his childhood friend (and now partner in this start up) and they joked about this being a great business idea. The next day, Little Bedoo was born.
What’s the most rewarding part of your business so far?
We have put a lot of effort into offering high quality products and ensuring great customer service so it is very rewarding when customers share photos of their little ones or give us good feedback whether it’s regarding our products or customer service. We also recently partnered with a recognized charity where we give back to underprivileged children, which drives us to continue to grow the business and contribute more.
What’s been the most frustrating or challenging aspect of your business, and how have you overcome it?
At first it was actually finding someone willing to manufacture our products. After that, it was keeping up with demand especially during peak seasons like Ramadan or Eid, which we now know to give ourselves plenty of time prior to stock up.
What materials do you use for the kanduras and accessories (bibs), and where do you source them from?
All our products are manufactured here in the UAE. The kandoras are made of the highest quality Japanese 100% spun polyester. This ensures that they are soft, breathable and crease free. Our very first jalabiya collection was recently launched and those are made from modal cotton. Our priority is to ensure breathability and softness in our fabrics so that our little customers are very comfortable in them.
How do you find new design inspiration (especially the Kandura Onesie) and what makes the designs of Little Bedoo so unique?
The kandora onesie came about very simply when we were thinking how to make a kandora a practical item of clothing for babies. Our inspiration comes from wanting to offer something innovative yet in line with traditional influences.
I absolutely adore the patterned Bibs and Hamdaniyas in your store. Which other traditional pieces would you love to include in your store?
We are constantly exploring new products to add to our range – our main focus was to launch the girls collection during Ramadan and now that we’ve done that we can focus on expanding that and adding more accessories and products.
What is the smallest size and largest size you cater to for customers of Little Bedoo?
Our products dress babies and toddlers from newborn up to 3 years.
Tell me about a day in your life, as the co-founder of Little Bedoo?
I wake up at around 6 with my son and spend the morning with him after which I or his father drop him off to nursery. During those 4 hours I try to do all the “work” that takes place outside the house such as attending meetings, making trips to suppliers, tailors, etc. My second shift starts in the evening – that’s mainly when I prepare orders or work on our social media content. Throughout the entire day I’m responding to emails/messages etc. However, this is just my day – in the background there’s my husband, his partner and his partner’s wife who all significantly support and contribute to the business in different ways (from tech related matters to financial ones as well as creating social media content and helping with product innovation, R&D, etc)
What advice would you give to other women/mothers looking to start up their own business in the UAE?
I think it’s all about time management (which I’m still trying to master) and support systems – As long as you have the right support around you and manage to plan your day well, you can get it done.
Where would you like to see your business in 5 years time?
We’d like to see Little Bedoo grow – both by expanding our range of products as well as entering new markets. We want to continue to provide parents with the opportunity to conveniently dress their little ones in trendy outfits that embrace their tradition, all the while giving back to less fortunate children through our social initiatives.
Mummy On My Mind Review
As soon as I set eyes on their little store on Instagram, it was love at first sight. Marwa very kindly sent through a Kandura onesie as well as one of their best selling bibs for Little Z, and it came so beautifully packaged. The traditional clothing, modeled by the cutest little ones as can be seen on their Instagram page, are not only easy on the eye, but I love that the material is super soft and crease free. The ideas from Little Bedoo are innovative, and stylish at the same time. I have personally gone through the struggle to find both my boys a traditional kandura for Eid mornings, and on most occasions had to adjust the length of the store bought kanduras by sewing it shorter myself. I also love the idea of having the kandura as an onesie because I found that a normal Kandura usually rides up, leaving Little Z’s legs bare, but I no longer have that issue with Little Bedoo’s Kandura onesie.
I am also so happy to see that they have now launched a little girl’s line too, with some gorgeous looking jalabiyas. I think it’s fair to say I absolutely adore their designs and would highly recommend Little Bedoo if you are looking for traditional gulf clothing for your little one, whether it be for Eid or the weekly Jummah prayers.`
Giveaway!
Little Bedoo and Mummy On My Mind are holding a giveaway for your chance to win a Little Bedoo Bib! Little Bedoo’s traditional shemagh patterned bibs are highly functional and stylish at the same time. They are proudly made in the UAE using the finest fabrics which are extremely soft and absorbent. With two adjustable snaps, this bib is recommended for babies as well as toddlers up to 2 years. The giveaway will run from 23rd July to 30th July. All you have to do is:
- Follow mummyonmymind and littlebedoo on Instagram
- Like and comment on the photo of the Little Bedoo giveaway with the hashtag #LBgiveaway
- Tag 5 of your friends who would be interested in the comments section of the photo.
Please Note: This giveaway is open to UAE residents only, and is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administrated by or associated with Instagram. All the best!
Thank you Marwa for sharing insights into your adorable store and how the idea came about. For more information and to have a look at all the pieces on offer, head to their website or follow them for updates on Instagram.
Note: All photographs in this post belong to Little Bedoo and have been used by the owner’s permission.
