Isossy Children meets Onyinye Draws

This week Isossy Children meets Onyinye the talented illustrator and artist behind Onyinye Draws.

What inspired you to start your business?

The idea for the “Why I love my hair”  poster came to me from my 10 year old sister, her hair is natural but she often complains: “Why can’t I have it relaxed like all my friends? I want it straight”. I don’t blame her, children of African descent don’t have many natural hair role models to look up to, especially in books and cartoons, it is so hard to find a young black girl just being her natural self.

The poster was very well received worldwide through the use of social media and from there I made it my goal to celebrate young black children through my art by showing positive and inspiring images and tackling some of the serious issues that affect the black community.

What have been your favourite client experiences?

I think just knowing that children all over the world are identifying with my characters and learning to love themselves really makes my work worthwhile. One girl said she loved the drawing where the hair “stretches out to the moon” because she never thought her hair could grow long!

What advice would you give to someone starting up in your industry?

Be bold and brave, market yourself and just have fun with it!

What are your long term goals?

Well I’m working on a series children books at the moment to celebrate and educate black youth,  trying to get the message out to schools, libraries and most especially homes.

Isossy Children celebrates diversity through global clothing for children. Why do you think diversity matters for every generation?

As we are all different we should learn to celebrate our diversity! This is especially true in our time, where different cultures are sharing communities, so understanding and tolerance is key to keep relationships healthy. I believe we should educate children to appreciate diversity and learn to work together.

What words of wisdom do you think every child should grow up knowing?

You are awesome, just be yourself in everything you do and you can change the world!!

Contact Details

Email: onyinyedraws@gmail.com

Twitter: @onyinyedraws

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Onyinyedraws

Tumblr: http://onyinyedraws.tumblr.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Onyinyedraws

Instagram: Onyinyedraws

Isossy Children featured on Fluxlings Magazine

Check out this great blog feature of Isossy Children on The fantastic Fluxlings E-Magazine.

http://www.fluxlings.com/index.php/isossy/

Childhood is for dreaming, exploring and creating and that was always the plan for Flux – their ten year plus magazine mission in modern living.

Isossy Children profiled on Raggs and Rattle

In yet another example of our global coverage Isossy Children has been profiled on this Canadian Blog!

Read the profile here: http://raggsandrattle.blogspot.ca/2013/03/isossy-children-ss-2013.html


Raggs & Rattle is an inspired channel for a mommy and baby dash of style, where they share outfit creations and inspirations and much more.

Isossy Children featured on The Urban Fashion and Beauty Directory

Take a look at this recent profile piece on Isossy Children's latest collection - http://ufabdirectory.com/2013/02/05/tribal-spirit-for-spring-summer-2013/

Isossy Children featured on The Spanish Blog Bambuna

We just LOVE this blog profile of Isossy Children by @marionaunio of Bambuna! Part of it is in spanish! Nos Gusta Mucho! Read the full blog here: http://t.co/39y8lVnpNe

Isossy Children at Global Kids Fashion Week

The first Global Kids Fashion Week took place 19^th- 20^th March and Isossy Children was proud to take part in this ground-breaking high profile fashion event.   Isossy Children started off the week with an exclusive press day event at superb Wesley Hotel (MIC Centre) in London’s Euston.
The event was well attended and really well organised with lots of families and kiddie fashionistas.
Special thanks to The Kids Company for making this an event with purpose donations can be made online.

Isossy Children featured two looks on the catwalk; The Kokoro Dress  and The Omo Boys Suit. The label decided to go for co-ordinated black and white looks which is really a trending look for SS13. The Kokoro Dress is 100% silk and chiffon and the Omo Suit is in traditional African geometric Print. Isossy Children’s participation in the event was yet another example of its ethos of “Global clothing for kids”.

Isossy  Children prides itself on catering for the ever changing needs of its customers, and the new collection for spring summer 2013 has just a little bit of everything to make it truly special.  The brand is honoured to stand by its ‘Made in England’ manufacturing ethos, combined with the international African, Asian and Western cultures.  The fabrics and styling of these countries are evident within this vivacious collection.

Isossy Children was founded by Amanda Rabor in 2010. Isossy Children is a celebration of colour, vivacity, global influences and fashion. It offers children and their parents’ choice, style and design, which is why many of the pieces are limited edition prints. "It keeps our style unique and fresh. We want you to visit the website frequently with the knowledge that our styles and colours will change offering parents new ranges for all occasions", says Amanda. 

Notes to Editor
Request images and press release from marketing@isossychildren.com

Watch the video on runway at http://www.isossychildren.com/video.aspx?vid=15

The Kokoro Dress
http://www.isossychildren.com/showplarge.aspx?prodid=111&catid=16&subcatid=25

The Omo Boys Suit
http://www.isossychildren.com/showplarge.aspx?prodid=121&catid=7&subcatid=

Isossy Children featured on Pop Goes Fashion for GKFW

We hosted a fantastic Press and Bloggers Day at The Wesley Hotel in Central London this month.

We're so pleased that Pop Goes Fashion were able to come along and review our collection in person.

Please read the full review here: http://popgoesfashion.com/isossy-children-meet-and-greet-press-and-blogger-event/

Only Boys and Tomboys meets Amanda in this brilliant online interview!

The adorable and talented Louie from Only Boys and Tomboys meets Amanda and profiles Isossy Children in this fantastic interview! Take a look and leave your comments!

Isossy Children profiled on Inspirational You

Isossy Children took part in the Inspirational You Youth Fashion show on Saturday 23rd March - it was a superb event!
Read our profile here: http://inspirationalyou.org/2013/03/20/amanda-raboisossy/

Inspirational YOU is one of the UK’s must-attend events for those seeking to learn, debate, network, promote and increase their skills base in a positive and stimulating environment.

Isossy Children meets Charlotte Ball, Principal of The Young Enterprise School

At Isossy Children we understand and value the importance of education for children and so we were excited to learn about The Young Enterprise School which teaches children fundamental enterprise and life skills. Read about Charlotte's exciting vision and business journey here!

What inspired you to start your business?
I was inspired to start the Young Enterprise School after having spent several years working with new and existing businesses on their business plans and progression. This led to myself working with a number of schools and colleges and experiencing first hand the amazing passion young people had to not only learn but to want to create something of their own.


What have been your favourite client experiences?
One of my favourite experiences was recently during a positive image day where an autistic young man spent the day with us. He was so engaged in the speakers, was polite and had a real spark to him. After the day I found out he wanted to work towards going to university and was trying to get a new job. His attitude and outlook on life was fantastic and made it all worth while.


What advice would you give to someone starting up in your industry?
To be passionate about what you do, realise that being self employed is not all about flexible hours and being in charge. Have a good support network around you and be flexible, every day will be different and full of challenges.


What are your long term goals?
My goals change frequently, I set myself short term and long term ones and know to be flexible with these as life always throws the odd curveball at us. Currently one of my short term goals is to introduce a new set of qualifications into schools which will give young people ownership and leadership. Long term my goal is to ensure that we are able to provide as many tools and opportunities possible to the next generation.


Isossy Children celebrates diversity through global clothing for children. Why do you think diversity matters for every generation?
Without diversity the world would be a very boring place, we need to remember though that being different isn't a negative thing. We work with so many young people that have faced adversity and alot of the time it is due to a lack of education or understanding. I hope that all children grow up knowing that it's good to be different, it's what makes us special and amazing.


What words of wisdom do you think every child should grow up knowing?
That life is what you make of it, always set yourself goals and believe in what you do.

Contact Details


Charlotte Ball, Principal


Young Enterprise School


Twitter @teachenterprise


www.youngenterpriseschool.co.uk

Isossy Children gets fit with Kidz R Fit

Isossy Children loves to meet business owners who are passionate about raising the confidence of young children, Kidz R Fit not only raises child confidence but also makes them healthier along the way. Read about Tracey Davison's incredible business here.

What inspired you to start your business?

I was inspired to start Kidz R Fit after sadly realising how many adults had hated exercise at school and this had then led them to be unfit overweight adults. I wanted to encourage all children to learn to love exercise, children of all abilities. The main thing that came across with the adults was how they were made to look silly if they were not good at fitness or sport. We aim to improve confidence and respect through fitness.

What have been your favourite client experiences?

When a not so able child finds something they are good at and the rest of their peers see that and praise them. The boost in confidence that child gets, from being praised from those who are good at all things fitness, is enough to make you cry. Also finding an activity that the most reluctant child liked to do which was particularly true for our own unique programme Hoopstarz, which is an awesome Hula Hooping programme for kids and soon for adults.

What advice would you give to someone starting up in your industry?

Go to the best for training it will pay off. Treat people in the same industry as friends not as competition we can all learn from each other and there will always be enough clients to go around. When working with children always have Plan A ready but keep Plan B and C close by you may need them. Go for it its great fun and you get huge satisfaction. Look at franchise and license options ready made business for you.

What are your long term goals?

I am currently in the process of licensing our Hoopstarz programme I would love to see this go not only national but international so that we are helping to improve the health and fitness of children around the world. Our Kidz R Fit franchise launches in April meaning more people can run their own highly successful children’s health and fitness company and experience huge job satisfaction knowing they are helping improve the health of the next generation.

Isossy Children celebrates diversity through global clothing for children. Why do you think diversity matters for every generation?

Because everyone should be treated fairly and with respect, regardless of their background,  age or ability.  

What words of wisdom do you think every child should grow up knowing?

“Manners cost nothing” and “treat others as you would want to be treated yourself”

Contact Details

Tracey Davison, Kidz R Fit

www.kidzrfit.co.uk

tracey@kidzrfit.co.uk     07762104587

Press and Bloggers Day - London March 19th 2013

To register for our complimentary press pass visit: http://pressandbloggersgkfw.eventbrite.com 
Special Thanks to The Wesley (MIC Hotel and Conference Centre) www.thewesley.co.uk

Isossy Children featured on Only Boys and Tomboys

A BIG thank you to Anita of OB & T a fantastic blogger who just adores Isossy Children.

Read her blog profile of us here: http://onlyboysandtomboys.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/isossy-children-fashion-must-have.html

Isossy Children featured on My Child World

Read this lovely profile of Isossy Children on The My Child World Site.

http://mychildworld.blogspot.it/2013/03/meet-isossy-ethnic-contaminations-for.html

Mychildworld is a social shopping platform where you can find everything you need and like for your child!  Collect items, share them with your friends and buy what you want from thousand of e-shops worldwide.

Our New York Press and Bloggers Day was the best

The day before the event it snowed. Need I say more. It was cold and I really didn't want to leave the house to set things up, but these things had to get done.
Afterall, we put so much effort into promoting it in the social media, it was destined to be a success even if only one person arrived. We wanted to make it very special for our new friends.

On the day of the event, all the snow was gone. It was a crazy bright and sunny day.
The day was really special for us (me and my sister) because everyone we met had a story to tell about their experience of Isossy Children.

One blogger told me that she'd been pinning lots of our images, but never knew who the label was. That's taught me to ensure all my images are branded. I need help arggggh, but seriously, it's a really important lesson.

Another blogger, had the most adorable little boy, Micheal, and we ended up doing an impromptu shoot with him in the Omo jacket and a fabulous bow-tie his mother/blogger designed and made. She just happened to be a costumier in a previous incarnation. How fabulous is that?

I also managed to make a bloggers Nylon connection for live coverage of the up and coming Global Kids Fashion Week, which we are in btw.

One of the bloggers ended up taking some amazing pictures of me, which I'll be able to use for my headshots. This is a story for another time, but RSL management will be happy

To cut a long story short, it was just an amazing people orientated day. People spent time with us and we really did 'Meet and Greet' them.

People are amazing.
Amanda

Isossy Children featured on Fresh Kid Nation

We hosted our very first Press and Blogger Day in New York on the 9th March. It was a great afternoon and we had the pleasure of meeting The Fresh Kid Nation Team.

To read their review visit: http://freshkidnation.com/2013/03/12/isossy-children-press-blogger-day-in-brooklyn-nyc/

London is hosting the first ever Global Kids Fashion Week and Isossy Children is in it!

The back story
I've gotta say, being involved in Global Kids Fashion Week (March 18-20)is amazing. When I first saw the press on it last year I thought, we've got to be involved, but I didn't see a way in. Fortunately I sent it to  my sister and she immediately said "yes, read it properly there's a way in". And the rest as they say is history.

What does being in GKFW mean to Isossy Children?
I wanted to be part of this for obvious reasons:

• It's a global platform which gives alignment for Isossy Children
• It's a chance to introduce and  show the world Isossy Children
• But more than that, naturally, it's my wish for Isossy Children to be well received on this global platform.

Charity
It's amazing, but before I started Isossy Children, I really wanted to do something with The Kids Company, but felt that I was too small to approach them, I was waiting. We now have a chance to contribute in a big way and for that I'm really pleased as the show that we are in, Emerging Designers, SS13,  on March 20th 2013 contributes directly to the Kids Company Charity. Empowering kids is the future.


For More information see the links below
http://www.globalkidsfashionweek.com/more-designer-friends-join-gkfw/
www.globalkidsfashionweek.com

Until next time! Amanda XXX

Isossy Children learns a new language with Bambini Lingo

We recently discovered the amazing Bambini Lingo, a business which teaches babies to learn foreign languages. What could be more global than that for a wearer of an Isossy Children piece. In this interview we meet founder, Emma Magliocchetti.

What inspired you to start your business?

I accidentally discovered that babies are naturally wired to learn languages between the age of 0-4. We had an Italian nanny & I saw my 6 month old understanding both English & Italian, some extensive research later I realised that there were not any accessible language classes in our area for babies so young.

I think we have a fantastic opportunity to make a huge difference to their future, by tapping into their natural potential when the little brains are so perfectly primed to learn languages.

What have been your favourite client experiences?

The excitement I get from parents who have been looking for something like this to come along in their area & can’t wait to get their little ones involved.

Hearing how thrilled my clients are when their little one is conversing in a foreign language whilst on holiday!

What advice would you give to someone starting up in your industry?

• If you are starting up in this or any other industry, make sure you tap into the amazing free marketing exposure that social media can offer you.
• Keep your start up costs to a minimum; modern technology has made it so easy to set up a new company for under £50!

Babies learning a new language! How ADORABLE!

What are your long term goals?

I would like our bambini lingo programme to be offered in Nurseries & kindergartens right across the country, so as many children as possible are being given this precious gift.

Isossy Children celebrates diversity through global clothing for children. Why do you think diversity matters for every generation?

The world is becoming a smaller place every day, the older generation need to embrace this & the younger generation should be taught & shown as much as possible about their fellow countries & their cultures.

What words of wisdom do you think every child should grow up knowing?

Follow your dreams, don’t be a sheep, become a leader & others will follow - choose to do things the way you really want & don’t be put off by everyone else’s opinions, listen of course, but then make your own mind up.

Contact Details

Emma Magliocchetti

emma@bambinilingo.co.uk

www.bambinilingo.co.uk

07976 294604