Today we’re talking to Zenobia from Blue Roo Inc, creators of one of our most popular products, both with clients & at our house! My son Max loves this one – Bingo Australia. I’ll let Zenobia tell you all about this fabulous fun game for the whole family! ​

Tell us a little about Blue Roo Inc: 
Blue Roo Inc was born from a love of wildlife and art! Blue Roo Inc create and innovate Australian designed products. Blue Roo Inc are a manufacturer and distributor of premium Australian gifts and souvenirs.  
We proudly support Australian artists to bring you inspiring artistic and educational products for the domestic and international markets. We are 100 % Australian owned. ​
 
How did you get started? 
It all began with an idea.  We wanted to showcase the best of Australian wildlife, in a learning through play resource.  And that’s how using the centuries old Bingo concept was adapted into Bingo Australia! the possibilities were endless and we had so much fun endlessly researching each animal for this game. I am admirer many artists in Melbourne.  We approached Sarah Hardy with the task of illustrating 64 animals for Bingo Australia, and we were so grateful Sarah agreed.  We were both eager to get started on this huge project.  7 months later, all the illustrating were complete and we just loved how each animal came to life with its own little character.  
 
Where did your business name come from? 
I wanted something to become an umbrella brand name for other products in the future (hopefully).  Blue Roo Inc was decided after lots of other business names were considered.  Sounds crazy, but I always visualised a blue kangaroo for my logo! I have a love for watercolour art, so I asked Sarah to design me a watercolour splash logo of a blue kangaroo.  I fell in love it immediately.  
 
My first creation was… 
Bingo Australia!  
 
Currently, binge-watching… 
Yellowstone!  Mainly for the amazing dramatic scenes of the Montana mountains and plains.  
 
Best business advice you’ve received… 
There will always be people that are the ‘naysayers’  If you have an idea, and a strong gut feeling, go for it! Don’t look for validation and trust your instincts.  
 
The best advice I’ve been given… 
Be kind and have compassion for all living things. Face into the truth, no matter how hard that may be.  

Your favourite quote… 
Carpe Diem. 
 
On the weekend you’ll find me… 
In Fitzroy or Brunswick (Melbourne), checking out all the amazing vegan restaurants and cafes (I’m a huge foodie)! 
 
What can’t you live without? 
(I should be saying my kids etc ha ha) But I don’t think I can live without a really cold glass of Sav Blanc.  
 
I’m always inspired by… 
Creativity.  I love seeing other people create and being creative myself. I find it deeply inspiring to lose myself in a project.  
 
Summer or Winter? 
SUMMER all day every day.  
 
My home is… 
Noisy and fun.  My two daughters bring a lot of fun and comedy into life.  
 
I admire… 
Women. We have this amazing ability that with no matter what life throws at us, we still get up in the morning to run a business or go to work.  Provide care to our families and be all things to all people. We truly are an amazing underrated army of workers.  
 
I need… 
A cup of Yorkshire Tea every morning when I wake. Then I can speak.  
 
Every morning I… 
Aim to work out… or go for a run.  
 
Last book you read? 
Right now, it’s all about podcasts and Ted talks. Sadly, can’t remember the last book I read!  
 
3 favourite words… 
Kindness, compassion, tolerance.  
 
Dream holiday destination… 
A safari lodge holiday in Kenya.  

Thank you so much to Zenobia from Blue Roo Inc. If you'd like to know more about Bingo Australia or any of the other wholesale kids gift ideas I have here at Knee High Agencies, I'd love to chat! 

​I’m excited to introduce you Natalie, who is not only the creator of one amazing New Zealand brand, but two! Pretty Brave is a gorgeous footwear brand stocked in over 250 countries & Crywolf is an outwear brand designed to get kids back into the great outdoors! Let’s meet Natalie.

Tell us a little about Pretty Brave & Crywolf: 
Pretty Brave is a creative footwear brand from New Zealand, designed for little ones and parents with style. Each season we release new collections that are adventurous, fashion-led and always original. We partner with podiatrists to ensure the ultimate fit and are focused on being there for every step of a child’s journey as they progress through the stages of walking. Stocked in over 250 stores from Bermuda to Belgium, Pretty Brave is fast becoming the footwear brand of choice for children aged 0-5 years. 
​
Crywolf is the outerwear brand for kids that want to play! Our founding vision is get kids outside to the greatest playground there is - the great outdoors. We provide them with high performing and fun products to do so. With a focus on sustainability, we design quality products that will stand the test of time and anything else adventure loving kids will throw at them. Our growing collection has the Crywolf child ready for the elements, including 100% waterproof Play Jackets, packable Puffer Jackets, the innovative Magic Jacket (featuring a magic print that appears when wet) and natural rubber Rain Boots. In 2021 discover our new accessories range of Beanies, Back-packs and umbrellas, as well as Reversible Vests and Organic Cotton Sweaters. 

How did you get started?
The journey of Pretty Brave began in Valencia, Spain, where I lived for 5 years with my family from 2010. I wanted to bring something back to New Zealand that the Spanish were renowned for. I love shoes and I knew there was a gap in the market for quality, fashion inspired children’s footwear. I would pack my kids in the car and drive south to the heart of the Spanish shoe industry and literally door knock and introduce myself in Spanish, as a girl from New Zealand who wants to make baby shoes. The journey took me around the world and eventually back home in 2014 where Pretty Brave was launched.  

The concept for Crywolf began in 2017 when we were living in Bermuda for the America’s Cup sailing regatta. I was managing Pretty Brave remotely with an amazing team back home, and in between living an island lifestyle and supporting the racing, I began sampling rainwear. I had such a clear vision of an outerwear brand for kids and knew there was a real opportunity. The first samples started arriving in to the tiny island store and I started talking to people about my idea. To set up a whole second brand on top of Pretty Brave was possibly a moment of madness, but I was encouraged by friends and just went for it!

Where did your business name come from?
These are the words we often used with our children Skye and Blake, when we threw them into Spanish schools and language. They constantly inspired me with their resilience and ability to overcome any challenges. I would often say to them “Aren't you pretty brave!” 

The inspiration behind Crywolf comes from a tongue’n’cheek tribute to the underdog. In children’s stories the wolf is always made out to be the bad guy, but I think he is just misunderstood! The Crywolf brand is playful, unique, intelligent and devoted to the family pack - just like the wolf. 

My first creation was…
Pretty Brave: A shocking pair of blue suede moccasins. 
Crywolf: A waterproof Play Jacket that has become our signature product.

Currently, binge-watching…
Anything European crime drama.

Best business advice you’ve received…
When the going gets tough my husband Tim reminds me “If it was easy everyone would do it!”.

Favourite piece in your current collection…
I can’t wait for the new Pretty Brave child sandals to launch this summer. Designed alongside podiatrists and produced with our manufacturing partner in Indonesia, the Frankie and Rocco Sandals feature a padded insole and supportive heel to create the ultimate combination of style and comfort. 

My favourite Crywolf product is the Magic Jackets that launched this season in 2 colourways. A special print comes out in the rain and I love how it encourages kids to play in the rain and it captures what the brand is all about.
Summer or Winter?

Summer girl at heart, although with Crywolf being a winter brand, I am certainly partial to a good rainy day!

My home is…
My happy place.

Every morning I…
Get coffee beans grinding and light a fire.

Last book you read?
Roboot, by Jodie Fox (Founder of Shoes of Prey). An honest and inspirational read about the highs and lows of building a global business. The first half about her footwear journey could almost be my autobiography.

If you could collab with anyone who would it be?
Collab-ing at the moment with beautiful women’s brand Beau Coops - launching next April 2021. Crywolf would like to collab with Pretty Brave of course!

Dream holiday destination…
I often say I left half my heart in Spain, so take me back to dear friends, the best food and wine and the crystal clear waters of the Balearic Islands.

A big thank you to Natalie for taking the time to complete my questionnaire – I loved getting an insight into her creative mind! If you’d like to know more about Pretty Brave or Crywolf, please contact me for more information about these and many more kids fashion wholesale options here at Knee High Agencies.

The countdown to the festive season begins! 2020 has put an emphasis on quality family time & making more educated choices in terms of sustainability & our planet. Providing thoughtful, quality gifts that meet these needs are going to be even more important for families this year.

I’ve put together some of my most favourite gift ideas from the range here at Knee High Agencies that will enhance quality time with family & friends & be friendly to the earth.
​

​Bingo Australia - Quality Family Time
Who hasn’t loved a family board game recently? This one is a firm favourite in our house! All the fun of the traditional game of Bingo but this time with all Aussie flora & fauna! Educational & fun! A great quality gift for family overseas or for your little ones to learn more about where they live from Blue Roo.

​Fuel Their Imagination with Reading from Wild Eye Press
Reading is an important skill for children. Reading to children is another wonderful pastime that encourages quality family time & will enhance a lifelong love of books. Grab one or more of these beautiful stories from Wild Eye Press, Australian authors & artists collaborate to create stories of Australia that will inspire the little ones in your life.

​​Soft Toys Designed to Cuddle & Play
Soft toys are always a favourite gift! The amazing range from Dou Dou et Compagnie & Histoire D’Ours encompasses a range of toys in the softest styles, guaranteed to become family keepsakes. Whether it’s a quality classic like a beautiful bear or rabbit or something a little more magical like a fairy princess & unicorns, these brands are French favourites for a reason!

​Back to Australia, the home grown range of soft toys from OB Designs uses ethically produced materials to reduce their environmental impact. Feel great knowing these super sweet soft animals will keep your little one’s company while also being kind to the planet!  The hardest part will be choosing just one!

​Misterfly is another Australian brand producing gorgeous gifts! These gifts are more suited to our littlest friends & family. A stunning range of comforters & rattles that will keep the most stylish of parents & bubs happy with this on trend palette & style!

​Eco Friendly Table Wear
Looking for a gift for your little loves that is practical as well as fun? How about the amazing table wear ranges from Little Woods & Emondo Kids! High quality silicone, sustainable bamboo, no toxic fillers & biodegradable make these options the safest possible for little people. Super fun designs, shapes & colours, these pieces will make dinner time fun!

If you’d like to explore any of these options, please contact me! I’d love to talk you through the wholesale ranges available to you.

Renae

​Today we’re meeting Effa, one of the amazing creatives behind the gorgeous timeless organic baby clothing range Indigo & Lellow. Gender neutral, no toxic chemicals & a desire to slow down fast fashion, this range is one to watch! Welcome Effa!

Tell us a little about Indigo & Lellow:
Indigo & Lellow produces organic baby clothing that is gender neutral. We use GOTS certified organic cotton in our range as it is kind to sensitive skin. It’s luxurious, super soft and most importantly does not have any toxic chemicals included. Each range is designed to work with each other to try and slow down this fast fashion cycle and stop people thinking of fashion as a perishable item. As well as being practical, our prints are gender neutral so the clothes can be used again and again and passed down. Our values centres around organic, sustainability and reducing waste.  Also due to my son’s allergies, I wanted to create clothes that were soft to baby’s sensitive skin and at the same time be practical for parents. 
 
How did you get started?
Indigo & Lellow started in October 2018 after I had my second miscarriage and was trying for a second baby. I was still working but started Indigo & Lellow as a side hustle hoping for a rainbow baby.
 
Where did your business name come from?
Indigo & Lellow - two colours of the rainbow - was in memory of the two babies I miscarried in 2018. Lellow is how my son used to pronounce Yellow. In late 2019, my daughter was born. The name Indigo & Lellow represents my kids here and in heaven.
 
My first creation was…
My first creation was the Zoo Collection, made of prints of the many animals my son and I saw on our many visits to the zoo.
 
Favourite quote: 
“We need to accept that we won’t always make the right decisions, that we’ll screw up royally sometimes—understanding that failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of success.” —Arianna Huffington.
 
Thank you Effa for taking the time to let us into the life of Indigo & Lellow. The gender-neutral prints in this range are gorgeous & are a wonderful new baby gift, offering peace of mind with its sustainability values & super soft organic cottons. If you’d like to know more about Indigo & Lellow or any of the other baby and children’s eco fashions please contact me directly, I’d love to help you!

Tell us a little about Misterfly:
MISTER FLY is a stylish yet practical range of newborn accessories, that look so good in the home, you simply can't live without them. The range is full of playmats, muslins, blankets, backpacks, bibs and rattles. Each range combines a simple neutral palette with modern and playful prints. Our products are designed to be functional, affordable and practical for everyday use. Mister Fly is now stocked in over 200 stores in 18 different countries.
 
How did you get started?
Mister Fly was created by Alex Skurrie and Kara Toovey in 2015. Both with fashion backgrounds, we decided to design a range of playmats that would be not only fit seamlessly into their stylish homes, but would also be machine washable, of lasting quality and also reasonably priced to create the ultimate newborn gift.
Our team has also expanded to include CFO Marcus Toovey, as well as a designer and warehouse manager, so that Mister Fly can continue to bring you the unique products that are adored by the entire family.

Where did your business name come from?
The word ‘Fly’ came from the love of travel and the word ‘Mister’ after we both had sons in 2014.

My first creation was…
The BUNNY playmat.

Currently, binge-watching…
Anything on Netflix!

Best business advice you’ve received…
Work hard and be patient.

The best advice I’ve been given…
Do what you love, no point waking up to a job that you don’t enjoy.

Favourite piece in your current collection…
Kara: Woodlands waterproof playmat.
Alex: Sage bunny backpack.

Your favourite quote…
“Style is very personal.  It has nothing to do with fashion. Fashion is over quickly. Style is forever”. – Ralph Lauren
 
On the weekend you’ll find me…
Hanging out with our families.

What can’t you live without?
Kara: Vodka
Alex: Wine

I’m always inspired by…
Kara: Travel and family.
Alex: Family and fashion.

Summer or Winter?
Kara: Summer
Alex: Both!

My home is…
Melbourne.

I admire…
Kara: Friends and family.
Alex: Anyone with their own style.

I need…
Friends and family (and travel!)

Every morning I…
We both like to exercise.

Last book you read?
Kara:   Pieces of Her by Karin Slaughter.
Alex: More of a magazine girl….

My dream dinner party guest list…
Kara:   The entire cast of Friends
Alex: I don’t know where to start?  Kate Winslet…

If you could collab with anyone who would it be?
Olliella.

3 favourite words…
Kara:   Love, Dream and Happy
Alex: Love, Respect and Happiness
 
Dream holiday destination…
Kara: Spending 4th of July in New York followed by Mexico on the way home.
Alex: Snow

A huge thank you to Kara & Alex from Misterfly for taking the time to answer my questions & allowing us to get to know both them & the Misterfly brand a little more. If you’d like more information on this wholesale children’s brand or any of the other kids and baby wholesale products on offer here at Perth's premier kids wholesaler, Knee High Agencies, please let me know!

Tell us a little about Bobux:
Bobux was founded by Chris and Colleen Bennett, in 1991 in New Zealand. Thirty years ago next year! Chris was struggling with the fact that baby shoes available on the market either wouldn’t stay on his daughter’s feet or restricted their natural movement and development. So in true Kiwi innovative style, he set about creating the original leather soft sole shoe with elastic that was soft, comfortable and secure - and of course looked good. Today we design and manufacture shoes right up to size 33 EU, and Bobux are worn on children’s feet all over the world.

How did you get started?
I’ve been designing with Bobux for 17 years, and it’s a joy to continue to bring Chris and Colleens creative vision to life in every shoe I design. Everything we do is still built on a core philosophy of not just making good shoes but making the best shoes for children as they grow, develop and learn to explore the world around them.

Best business advice you’ve received…
Never copy. If you do you might copy their mistakes!

On the weekend you’ll find me…
Doing home renovations (I am now an expert wallpaper stripper and painter) and I also love designing new spaces. I love cooking great food and drinking nice wine on the weekends for my family and friends and also going for lovely walks with my very cute dog, Fifi.

I’m always inspired by…
Colour, beautiful materials and nature.

Summer or Winter?
I am such a summer person. I love being warm and I love having longer days so there is more time to enjoy the outdoors.

My home is…
My sanctuary and it is filled with love, light, laughter and colour.

Last book you read?
The Lost Vintage by Ann Mah which is set in Burgundy, France. I have a fondness for anything French and their wine.

My dream dinner party guest list…
If they were all alive it would be Cleopatra, Marilyn Munroe, Coco Chanel and Ellen DeGeneres. And a meal cooked by Gordon Ramsey!

3 favourite words…
Follow your dreams.

Dream holiday destination…
The Maldives. The photos of it look too good to be true. Clear blue skies, crystal clear turquoise water, diving off your over-the-water villa and then snorkeling or kayaking, on a remote island… My next holiday however is in Queenstown, NZ in the middle of winter which I am so looking forward to; snowcapped mountains, amazing walks and scenery, luxurious vineyards and restaurants - and of course great company.

A big thank you to Nicola for taking the time to answer my questions! I hope you’ve got a little more of an insight into this amazing wholesale children’s brand. If you’d like any more information on Bobux & how you can stock them in your store, please don’t hesitate to contact me!