Emma Weldon, co-founder and director of Bumbles & Boo, on building a business from the kitchen table, the shift towards sustainable, organic and eco-friendly gifting and embracing challenges as opportunities to grow.
How long have you been in your current role?
Six years.
What is your greatest achievement at the company?
Bumbles & Boo began as a humble idea, nurtured from the kitchen table at home. Today, it has blossomed into a thriving business, operating out of a large warehouse and powered by a team of 11 remarkable women and mums. Along the way, we’ve forged incredible partnerships with our direct customers and some of the UK’s largest employers, providing thoughtful baby gifting for their employees, and we’re proud to collaborate with iconic names like John Lewis and Harrods. Every day brings fresh challenges and opportunities to grow, and that’s what makes this journey so rewarding. From small beginnings to big dreams – we’re just getting started!
Favourite part of your job?
I absolutely love discovering amazing new products and brands to include in our hampers and collections. Crafting beautiful, thoughtfully designed gifts that add a touch of magic to life’s most special moments for our customers and their families is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that our creations help celebrate love, joy, and new beginnings makes every step of this journey truly extraordinary.
Who is the unsung hero of the company?
Every single member of my team is a true hero. Each one plays a vital role in keeping our operation running seamlessly. From product design to customer service, picking, stock management, and packing, they pour so much care, love, and attention into everything they do. Their dedication and passion are the heart and soul of Bumbles & Boo, and they’re what make us truly extraordinary. I couldn’t be prouder of the incredible team behind our success.
What is the biggest change within the nursery/preschool industry that you have seen since you have worked in it?
Since our inception, we’ve seen an incredible shift toward sustainable, organic and eco-friendly gifting. More and more, our customers and clients are seeking quality, ethical products that align with their values. One shining example of this is our Planet Loving Mr. Fox hamper, an award-winning favourite that embodies our commitment to sustainability and thoughtful design. It’s a testament to how beautiful, eco-conscious gifting can truly make an impact, and we’re thrilled to see this movement continue to grow.
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Dream boldly but act consistently. Big visions are fuelled by small, meaningful steps taken every day. Surround yourself with people who inspire and support you, embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, and never lose sight of why you started. Success isn’t just about the destination – it’s about the passion, perseverance and purpose you pour into the journey. Keep going; you’re capable of more than you realise.
Biggest lesson you’ve taken away from the past year?
Mistakes aren’t setbacks – they are stepping stones to success. Each one is a valuable lesson that helps you grow, adapt, and refine your business for the future. Embracing mistakes with an open mind turns challenges into opportunities and builds the resilience needed for lasting growth. Every great success story is written with lessons learned along the way and every day is a school day.
If you could change one thing about the nursery/preschool business, what would it be and why?
We would love to see educational toys and sensory gifts being more accessible to babies and children everywhere. While we offer a wide range of gifts to suit all budgets, we understand that gifting can be a luxury that not everyone has the privilege to enjoy. That’s why we’re proud to support our local charity, The Cowshed, which provides toys and clothing to those in greater need. We regularly donate new and gently used toys and clothing to help give back to our community, ensuring that every child can experience the joy of play and learning, regardless of their circumstances.
