Rozie Hicks created Bump’n style to help mums-to-be feel strong, beautiful and confident during pregnancy and motherhood, without breaking the bank in the process. They rent great styles that flatter changing bodies, for a fraction of the purchase price. She is passionate about women on this special journey at such a special time in their lives, seeing them shine in clothes that make them feel great. Here Rozie talks to The Natural Parent magazine about what inspired her to start Bump’n stylethe challenges she has overcome along the way, the pros and cons of running her own business and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to create your business?
The inspiration for Bump’n style it actually came from a personal misfortune during my pregnancy. Right before my baby shower, I was in real time and ended up making an impulse purchase. Let’s just say, the experience wasn’t the best – hot, sweaty changing rooms, terrible lighting and a sense of pressure from others waiting. Long story short, I dropped over $400 on two dresses, only to realize one didn’t fit well and they wouldn’t take it back! Needless to say, this dress hung sadly in my closet, a constant reminder of that stressful shopping trip. But hey, every silver lining has its cloud, right? This experience planted a seed in my mind.
I thought, “There has to be a better way for pregnant women and new moms to find clothes that make them feel good and confident without breaking the bank!” And thus Bump’n style he was born. Our goal is to provide a cool, comfortable space where moms-to-be and new moms can try on clothes at their own pace, find styles that flatter their changing bodies, and all for a fraction of the purchase price.
I am so excited to be on this journey with other women, helping them feel amazing during one of the most special times of their lives. It’s truly a blessing to be a part of the motherhood journey and see them shine in clothes that make them feel fantastic.
The launch: How did you get started in the first place?
Bump’n styleIts launch was a quiet, determined hustle, born in the heart of Dunedin and fueled by a mission to help other mums shine.
October 2023: The month it all started. Passionate about empowering moms and with a keen eye for second-hand steals, I scoured online markets and local thrift boutiques. Every brand new or barely worn dress I’ve found promises a second chance, a chance to make another mom feel beautiful and confident during her special journey.
From the beginning, my friend Bianca (@BicancaPhotography) has been a superstar supporter. Her incredible photos aren’t just product shots. they are stories. Through her lens, she captures the confidence, joy and beauty of motherhood in real moms rocking our dresses (and adorable baby bumps!). My awesome friends and sister were the first models – lots of laughs and outfits laughed! Those first photos became the heart and soul of my Instagram page, showcasing Bump’n style beyond clothes.
Transforming a space into a mommy oasis: Dad and hubby helped me transform our downstairs workshop. We gave it a fresh coat of paint, rolled out some stylish rugs and filled the shelves with gorgeous dresses. This wasn’t just a place to try on clothes, it was a place to relax and for moms to find clothes that made them feel amazing.
We are still a young startup, a work in progress fueled by passion and a lot of heart. But every rental is a milestone, every mom’s smile is proof of the vision I had. So the next time you see a mom rocking a fabulous one Bump’n style dress up, remember – it all started with a few favorite treasures, a supportive lens of a friend and lots of love for mums.
Innovation: What has been the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
Bump’n style it’s still finding its footing, but seeing familiar faces return is the biggest thrill! Repeat customers tell me they love the convenience, the confidence boost and finding styles they wouldn’t otherwise try. Every return visit feels like a small victory, like I’m really helping moms shine!
Honestly, it’s a messy balance. Half the week, I work as a health coach at a busy medical center. The second part of the week, I wrestle with my two-year-old daughter while I wrestle with spreadsheets and dresses at home Bump’n style improvised studio. Bedtimes are a valuable battleground for emails, evenings a hazy bedtime story and inventory updates.
It’s not picture perfect, but my daughter’s sticky fingerprints on the studio mirror are a reminder of why I do it. Seeing her eyes light up as she “helps” is pure joy. My husband, the ultimate teammate, shares the late night load, currently working 70 hour weeks to allow me to spend extra time with my daughter and turn my passion into a business.
The truth is that it is a constant juggling act, sometimes at extremes. But seeing a mom leave my studio feeling confident and beautiful is the reward that makes the tired eyes and coffee stains worth it. Bump’n style it’s not just a business, it’s a messy, real and heartwarming extension of my motherhood journey. My daughter, my partner in crime, is my little queen at the center of it all.
