"At UKSE, we work to ensure that ambitious, hard-working entrepreneurs have access to funds that will allow their businesses to flourish. "
Alan Stanley, UKSE
A new boutique specialising in luxury clothing and toys from a range of national and international brands has launched in Rotherham thanks to a funding grant from UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE).
Online store Rebel Petal Boutique has been established by husband and wife Simon and Rebekah Davies; selling a range of sustainable children’s clothing.
The family run business has been set up as a project that the couple and their four children can develop, as well as a legacy for their daughter, Tulip, who was sadly stillborn in 2013.
The launch of the business builds upon the pair’s expertise in retail and merchandising and provide a platform on which to launch their own sustainable, organic clothing range.
The funding from UKSE - an organisation tasked with supporting growing businesses in areas affected by changes to the steel industry – contributed to the development of initial fabrics for the planned Rebel Petal clothing range which has been designed by Rebekah and uses 'skin, soul and soil kind' organic cotton. The range will be available in Autumn 2019 and features prints including the bright and cheerful 'Happy Trappy' and the more delicate 'Tiptoe Through The Tulips' in homage to their daughter.
A percentage of the revenue from the Rebel Petal range will go directly to UK charity, 4Louis, who’s founders supported the family through the loss of their daughter.
The only UK stockist of VinRose, a Dutch luxe label that designs sustainable, comfortable and stylish children’s clothing, Rebel Petal Boutique has handpicked their range of stocked brands on the basis that they are sustainable, high-quality and, often, tried, tested and loved by the Davies family.
Rebekah commented: “As a family, we had been looking to start a new venture to allow us to bring our skills together and use our creativity and passion to grow a business that our children could be part of and add to as the brand developed.
“As a big family, we’ve faced the struggles with trying to keep clothes and toys in good condition in order to pass them down to siblings and other family members. This is why we’ve brought together all of our favourite brands that are sustainable, long-lasting, comfortable and can be enjoyed by both children and parents for years to come!
“We’re delighted to also announce the launch of our very own range which, without the support of UKSE, may not have been possible this early down the line and we’re both so excited to share it with our loyal customers.”
As the business continues to expand, Simon and Rebekah have plans to open a store in the local area and have their own Rebel Petal brand stocked in other independent stores across the country.
Alan Stanley of UKSE added: “At UKSE, we work to ensure that ambitious, hard-working entrepreneurs have access to funds that will allow their businesses to flourish.
“I’m pleased that our funding has allowed Rebekah and Simon to pursue their dream and would like to wish them both the best of luck with taking their business forward.”
