Finding baby products that are not only beautiful but incredibly practical has become a huge passion of mine. And I love getting to know the people behind such innovative products. I really just want to hug and kiss them and say “Why hasn’t someone come up with this before, you clever clever human being!!!” And what I really love is that more often than not it’s parents (more specifically moms!!) who have come up with these incredible ideas and made it their mission to find solutions to the challenges many moms face. It usually stems out of them wanting to find a solution for their own child.

Cecile, owner of Nordic Nuss is such a mom who when arriving from Norway in 2009 saw a need for this amazing sleeping nest here among SA moms. come and read more about her journey of her brand has developed to include other products too. For the record, this is one of my all time baby products I have ever owned. We have used it for co-sleeping, in her small bassinet and it will soon make its way into her big cot. Add to that the amount of times we have uses it to sleep out, on the lawn for picnics or just around the house, I think it’s safe to say it’s been the product we have used most!

Over to the lovely Cecile….

1. Is this your full time job? If not, what do you do?

Yes, since after I had my boy Max, this has been my full time job. I am a pediatric nurse by trade, but never gone through the process of getting registered here in South Africa moving here from Norway in 2009.

2. How and when was your brand born?

After we had our son Max in 2014 we traveled to France for a holiday to meet the rest of the family shortly after. We were looking for a sleeping solution for him while being there and seeing I was traveling by myself with my husband following after it was crucial for me to travel as lightly as possible. We came across the baby nest in Norway and my mom brought one with for us to France. We loved the product, used it for cosleeping, later inside the cot and took it with us everywhere. So snug, comfortable and super lightweight. It quickly became an essential in our lives. I had to introduce this practical product to South African parents and so Nordic Nuss Baby Nests were born. Lately it has expanded to include a cot bumper, I call Buddy Long Dog, a play mat and toweled bath robes and ponchos. All in my signature NN fabric which is a sweet animal woodland print.

3. Was it an overnight success or did you experience many teething problems?

I had a lot of interest from day one when I lounged my FB site with the baby nests, but experienced quite a few hiccups with the first CMT companies I went with. Third time lucky though and I have now found an amazing team who are reliable, delivers on time and with the quality I require. I feel so lucky to have found them.

4. What has been your greatest lesson in the industry? Any tips for people starting out?

I guess, don´t be scared to take chances. I took my first big one going with my heart and marring a South African. I have never regretted following my heart. Ask for advice and most importantly have fun with the process.

5. As a momtrepreneur what are some challenges you face with having to balance it all – family, work and other commitments?

Yes, definitely finding the right balance dividing my time between husband, work and kids. We now have two. Max 3 years and Nikoline 11 months. I get inquiries at all times of the day, weekends as well, so you constantly switched on and sometimes the difficulty is to switch off. It is not a 8-4 job. My son is in school, but I have my 11 months at home pulling cords and constantly by my feet while working and I do not have a nanny, so it is challenging for sure on busy days.

6. What is the dominant theme running through your product range? And what is your signature product?

My signature product is definitely my baby nests and the dominant theme is Scandinavian designs – simple, functional, neutral and delicate.

7. Who/what are your biggest influences? Or your greatest inspirations? ( I’m guessing your little ones!)

It is actually not for me. Well Max being born and us traveling led me to the baby nest, but being Scandinavian myself and loving the products coming from my world north has inspired me to make them, as we could not find them here. So for me that has been the biggest motivator.

8. What has been your biggest achievement thus far as a brand?

Firstly starting my own business having worked as a pediatric nurse before moving to South Africa finding self worth in still being able to contribute to the pediatric field, which is my passion. I love that I can  produce locally and offer these products to South African parents. Secondly having worked with a very talented designer on a signature fabric for NN that seems to appeal to a broad audience. It is gender neutral and gives me as the founder a lot of Scandinavian nostalgia.

9. What are your future hopes for you business?

I am hoping to expand with more quality Scandinavian products that can help and benefit parents in their daily lives.

Cecile, Hunter and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for giving us so many peaceful and snug night’s sleep and for allowing us to create beautiful pictures like this….

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bal9kh2BOJT/?taken-by=leighgeary

Don’t forget we are running a SUPER awesome Nursery Competition where you can WIN a Nordic play mat among other amazing products worth R13500! Go to the post at the top of The Mom Diaries page to enter or read more here!! GOOD LUCK! There are only a few days left to enter! xxx

Love Leigh x

Hi I’m Leigh! Did you enjoy reading this post? I really hope so and would love you to stick around a little longer! Please feel free to browse my blog for other articles or to keep up with all the latest news and to be the first to hear about some great competitions, come and find me me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also email me directly at leeloobaggins@hotmail.com or simply subscribe below and never worry about missing out!