Interview with Racha Fajjari - TV Host, entrepreneur and creator of BABYLICIOUS.CH

I had the pleasure of interviewing the beautiful TV - host, entrepreneur and now Mother...Racha Fajjari. Hearing all about her new business, Babylicious ...an online shop for fashionable babies, kids and Mom`s.  

 

Racha and her gorgeous baby boy Maximilian

HHAN: So firstly congratulations on the birth of your gorgeous baby boy Maximilian, you and Tom look like very proud parents. Is it everything and more than you imagined it would be?

Racha:  Yes, it was just an unbelievable feeling to hold Max in my arms for the first time...it was unconditional love from the moment we laid eyes on each other. Funny how life works out because if you told me two years ago that I’ll be married and a Mother today I’d probably would have not believed you....but the man of my dreams came along and from day one we knew this will be it...

HHAN: You have had quiet a year...taking on Motherhood and a new business...so what inspired you to start Babylicious?

Racha: During the first trimester of my pregnancy I was lucky enough to travel all over Australia and America with my husband. As you can imagine, there was lots of "baby shopping" (although often forgetting the season and size should match☺ being an over excited new pregnant shopper!) I discovered so many cool brands that I couldn’t find in Switzerland which inspired me to start my own business ....and that is how Babylicious was born.....an online shop selling special items from all over the world for fashionable babies, kids and Mom`s. 

HHAN: What are the Babylicious "must have" items for our tiny tots this winter?

Racha: For winter we are focusing on keeping your babies snug and cosy with the finest Scottish cashmere, velour and cotton.  Found in timeless shades of beige, grey, babyblue, off white and pink.... but get ready for next summer as it will be very colourful and fun!

Some of our best selling items perfect for Zurich`s cold winter!!

Uggs also available in pink

Barts Chicka set

Bellybutton grey cardigan

Amplified Rolling Stones hoodie

HHAN loves these jeans from Bellybutton with the comfy waistband...too cute!!

HHAN: What new and exciting things are planned for Babylicious next year?

Racha: Oh it is going to be a good year! We have Tommy Hilfiger, Paul Frank, Baby of the Beast, Bugaboo and many more cool brands on board.........and most importantly the grand opening of our Babylicious store in Seefeld, Zurich.  It will be a great place for Mom`s to shop as well as hang out and enjoy a coffee.  Also expect to find new product ranges such as furniture and other practical must haves at Babylicious. Can`t wait till it opens in May 2011!!

HHAN: I love the intergrated coffee shop idea...Mom`s in Zurich definitely need more cool places to hang out ...exciting!

Racha: That’s exactly what I thought and yes, my girlfriends and I are looking forward to our new "Mama hang out". We are going to create a cool and relaxed atmosphere with obviously good music:)....it will be a new concept for Zurich.... plus it will be practical with a dedicated section for Mom`s to breastfeed in privacy.

HHAN: You sound like a very busy bee...how are you managing your new role as a Mom and starting a business?

Racha: I’ve been a workaholic my whole life. I am used to juggling many things at the same time. ....and let`s not forget, I have a wonderful family that helps me run my life with my baby boy, dog, hectic household and growing business. We are just a great team!!

HHAN: Any advice for other Moms who are trying to be entrepreneurial?

Racha: Yes, start while your pregnant and do something you can handle from home.  Also make sure it’s something you are passionate about as it is not so easy to just start a business ...you need to build a good network. It took me five years to get there.....but where there`s a will there`s a way!!

Stroller choice?

Bugaboo Cameleon, navy blue

Max`s favorite toy?

The crochet rattle “monkey” from Bellybutton
Bellybutton monkey rattle

Nappy changing..Mom and Dad or just Mom:)?

Generally mum – every now and then Dad ☺

Thanks Racha and I look forward to shopping and hanging out at Babylicious next year!! 

www.babylicious.ch

Interview with Melanie Guenthardt from the fabulous "Lovers Lane" shoe store in Zurich

I am excited to share my first interview with Melanie Guenthardt. A Mother to the gorgeous two and half year old Ava and co - owner of the fabulous shoe store "Lovers Lane" in Zurich....how "High Heels and Nappies" can you get?!!!

Melanie left the banking world after falling pregnant and when Ava was a year old she set out to pursue her dream of opening her own shoe store. Which has injected much needed edge and style into Zurich keeping us up to speed with the latest shoe designers.

HHAN:What makes "Lovers Lane" special compared to other shoe stores in Zurich?
MG: We like to be on top of the latest trends offering a range of shoes from hip and edgy designers who are creating buzz in London. We are excited to be exclusively stocking the amazing Nicholas Kirkwood and Charlotte Olympia this Fall Winter.

HHAN: The interior of the shop is very unique, tell me about the inspiration.

MG: We feel shoes are very sensual and sexy and wanted to create a feminine boudoir environment to capture this mood. The architecture is inspired by the lanes in London. Imagine strolling down a lane at night peering into windows displaying gorgeous objects of desire.

Drawing of shop interior

HHAN: What should a shoe lover except to find when visiting your store?

MG: She will find her dream shoe which will make a killer fashion statement ....yet she can also find comfy flats which are perfect for Mothers who need to be practical yet want to be stylish. In the end of the day comfort is key to all our styles as you want to be able to dance the night away in your 4 inch heels!

HHAN: So lets talk trends, what should we expect for Fall Winter? We are all dying to know what you think will be the "Must Have" shoe and bag of the season, the perfect "investment" and of course the silly "splurge" which sometimes just has to be done!

MG: "Must have" boot: Nicholas Kirkwood lace bootie 

"Must have" sandal: Charlotte Olympia Eve

"Must Have" Handbag: Stella McCartney Falabella Bag 

 

Best investment shoe: Kickapoo Stella McCartney over knee boot

Best Splurge: Valentino red bi-colour sequin clutch     

 

HHAN:Still on the topic of style... do you think your style has changed since becoming a Mom?

MG: Yes definitely, I am much more practical these days. Even though I am now a Mom I still think it is just as important to feel and look good. One thing that has not changed, I still build my outfit around my accessories...a designer pair of shoes sets the tone and can be easily mixed with more affordable clothing labels such as H&M.

HHAN: How do you manage to balance being a Mom and pursuing a career?

MG: I concentrate on the Marketing and PR side of the business so I am quite flexible and can work from home. Ava goes to a day care two days a week and of course I am lucky to have the support of my Mom who looks after Ava when I am away on my buying trips.

HHAN: What advice do you have for other Mom`s out there..

MG: To keep following your dreams, maintain and pursue your interests so you are not always talking about dirty nappies!

HHAN: ...like a blog :))

HHAN: What are Ava`s favorite shoes at the moment?

MG: She loves Pretty Ballerinas, she has a few pairs which she wears all the time!
www.prettytballerinas.com

HHAN: What is your favorite luxury children's brand?:

MG: Mmhh..would have to be Bonpoint www.bonpoint.com

HHAN: And the perfect budget store?:

MG: Definitely Baby Gap...I loved the recent Stella McCartney range ....but it didn`t end up being so budget! www.gap.com

Thanks Melanie, I really enjoyed our chat and discovered we share many of the same views including the love of beautiful shoes!!

So girls..I would definitely recommend a trip down "Lovers Lane"
www.loverslane.ch 

Address: Baerengasse 4, 8001 Zurich