It’s not everyday that you get to ask a CEO about her knickers…but that’s exactly what we did!
#GetYourBellyOut were thrilled to sit down with the fabulous Nicola Dames of Vanilla Blush and ask her a few questions about her latest line of ostomy underwear….
For your latest endeavour you’ve taken on the challenge of designing some ostomy underwear that’s aimed at children. What prompted you to design a kids range?
‘Simple answer: kids have stomas. Also, it might be a better way of looking at it and describing it as ‘when the person is a child. The reason being, this conceptually protects the reality that we are a continuum throughout our life.’
What special features does the underwear contain?
‘They have the Vanilla Blush trade mark with left-to-right internal pocket, a great style, and are designed for comfort.’
They sound great! Tell us a little about the price point…
‘The range is available via the NHS or private purchase which will cost £27 for three pairs!’
We can see that you had some very special models join you for the photo shoot. Could you explain why you felt it was important to use those with bowel troubles over traditional models? (Great move!)
‘Personally, I would never use someone who the product was not intended for to model our garments. So this was going to be no different when it came to the children’s range. The proof in what you do, is so much more when you can visualise how the product can work. Both Robbie and Eilidh were very much all guns blazing and nearly running the shoot by the end! Eilidh even turned up with her own makeup on haha that did give me a laugh and as for her poses, she was outstanding. Robbie was keeping me in line, showing me which prop went with which outfit, it was so wonderful to watch how everyone was just so comfortable. I’d like to say a very special thanks to Julie Bastin and Sue Blackwell (Breakaway), Jenny Gow, from Buttony Bear, and to the Parents, Lesley and Rhona, for allowing this to go ahead.’
Aww sounds like you had a right hoot!
What were some of the challenges of creating a children’s range, rather than your usual more slinky adult range?
‘Appropriateness is of course an essential. Our stage in life when we are a child should be one of innocence, light hardheartedness and limits. All the rest can wait, and should wait, until adulthood.’
We would love to know which is your favourite pattern and why?
‘I love them all, but guess the black and white stand out for me, but I do love black.’
What are range does your new range cater for?
‘We start age 3-4, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10 years in both boys and girls.’
Super! Tell us where people can get ahold of your new range…
‘Our new range is available on prescription or to private purchase (Which we can ship worldwide!) from our website http://www.vblush.com ‘
So there you have it folks, an ostomy child friendly underwear range that’s beautifully designed with comfort in mind. With thanks to Nicola Dame for taking the time out of her busy day to speak with the #GetYourBellyOut campaign.