BOLTON-based children’s brand Belo & Me has enjoyed rapid expansion.

Mum-of-two Rachel MacGregor, aged 33, launched the online brand in 2011 and has seen it grown from strength to strength.

She initially started selling jute lunch bags but made the decision to change the direction of the brand when she spotted a gap in the market following the birth of her first child.

Scouring the globe for products that are a little bit different, the brand has also recently launched it’s own line of products that have really driven growth.

Rachel, of Hill Cot Road, Sharples, said: “Our wardrobe dividers are such a simple idea but they’ve been enthusiastically received by our customers leading to sales of over 7,000 sets in the last six months.

“We’ve also seen phenomenal growth in sales of our yummy mitt of which we are the sole UK supplier. We’ve received rave reviews about them. Not only are they the perfect weight for younger babies, their design allows babies to chew from any angle!”

Belo & Me saw steady sales over its early years, but unperturbed and determined to succeed, owner Rachel kept at it, testing new products and investing in product design.

Success hasn’t just been handed to the company, it’s been a tough slog but it’s starting to pay off. Rachel said: “I’ve grown the business around having my two children. I’d be sneakily doing emails whilst they slept or sitting in play centres negotiating with suppliers! It’s been a rollercoaster but I love the challenge.

"My house was covered in boxes of stock until very recently when I got a garden office, my husband is thrilled to see the back of them!”

She added: “I even did an event just after having my son so had to breastfeed him at the stand. Having had two children I can honestly say I don’t even know what having maternity leave is like as I’ve never stopped!”

Inspiring parents with her story, Rachel is now helping other new mums achieve the work/life balance, employing a small team. Belo & Me aren’t stopping now, with a future focus on expanding the business and continuing to deliver contemporary and innovative products.

Discover Belo & Me and follow their journey using @beloandme across all social media channels.