Getting to Know: Kate from OB Designs Eco Baby Toys
I’m loving getting to know the people behind the brands & labels available here at Knee High Agencies. As Perth’s premier children’s wholesaler, I’m always looking to provide my clients with quality stock for their stores. Sustainability & eco products are becoming an increasingly popular choice & I’m proud to stock OB Designs, an Australian business with some gorgeous baby eco essentials and toys. Let’s meet Kate & find out more about OB Designs.
How did you get started?
After I graduated University of Florida, I casually sold Jewellery from Indonesia to the USA & Australia to fund my travels. When I immigrated to Australia, I decided to learn international trade in-depth, so I landed a job at Cape Byron Imports as a buyer. It was a fabulous crash course on how to develop and import products. Then, I fell pregnant with Evie 18 months into my job. At that point, I gained enough experience to feel confident going out on my own which was my end goal anyway.
Where did your business name come from?
It started back in 2008, when we were thinking of a fun name for the company that captivated what we were about.
Our Wooden Teether Toys were very unusual, and our angle was to have Unique products. We originally called it Odd Bod Designs but then we changed it to O.B. Designs when we became a company. It sounded a bit more professional. Leesa (Original partner) and I used to joke that one of us was Odd and the other Bod but we could never quite agree on who was who.
My first creation was…
The Dingaring 3 in 1 toy. It’s a teething ring, rattle and soft toy all in one! We still it to this day but it is now called it a "Wooden Teether toy". I still love this toy and believe it is the BEST first baby toy on the market.
Currently, binge-watching…
"Alone". A series that started on The History Channel a few years ago about Hardcore survivalists seek to stay alive in extreme locations around the world. It is family friendly and we enjoy watching it together.
Best business advice you’ve received…
"Back yourself and be confident".
The best advice I’ve been given…
In life you have to be willing to give 90% and get back 10% sometimes.
Favourite piece in your current collection…
Ah this is a tough one.... Impossible to answer really! I love everything we create but the new Duke dog and Byron Bunny are So cute! Plus, the Canopy in Cinnamon and Rose Petal Pink. Our new crochet lines and ecofriendly teether toys are gorgeous too!! This 2020 Collection is our most beautiful designs to date, and we are just so proud of everything we have created.
Your favourite quote…
“Trust your instincts”. What good is intuition if you let second-guessing drown it out? The worst enemy of success is self-doubt.
On the weekend you’ll find me…
Hanging with my husband and 3 kids. We love hiking and surfing.
What can’t you live without?
My Family.
I’m always inspired by…
Heaps! Mother Nature most of all, fashion models, Interior design, Contemporary Artists and Fashion Labels.
Summer or Winter?
Autumn.
My home is…
Lennox Head, NSW.
Every morning I…
Drink coffee and exercise.
Last book you read?
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens - Great book!
If you could collab with anyone who would it be?
An Indigenous artist.
Dream holiday destination…
Morocco, Russia or Chile.
Thank you Kate! If you’re looking for more sustainable baby products or kids eco products, the range from OB Designs is gorgeous. Contact me directly for more information on OB Designs and all of the other options I have available here at Knee High Agencies.
