PRESS RELEASE
Local business among the best in baby industry awards
Cambridge-based maternity business retailer Breastmates has been named a finalist in the prestigious 2022 OHbaby! Awards, with nominations in multiple categories.
The 2022 OHbaby! Awards celebrates the best products and services across the New Zealand pregnancy and parenting industry, and is run by OHbaby!, the country’s largest independent pregnancy and parenting brand.
The nominations Breastmates received in this year’s Awards include:
- Best Maternity Clothing Brand – Breastmates
- Best Pregnancy Aid – Breastmates Pregnancy Support Belt
- Best Breastfeeding Aid – Breastmates Clip-On Cami
- Best Baby Products Online Store – breastmates.co.nz
Breastmates founder and director Franny McInnes says she is delighted and honoured that her maternity business has been recognised in several categories in this highly competitive, well-regarded awards programme.
“As an online retailer with customers all over New Zealand and Australia, Breastmates doesn’t have the physical presence of a store for my customers to visit, so I have worked very hard at creating a virtual environment that is welcoming, user-friendly, and supportive,” she says. “I am committed to giving my customers a good experience that shows they are valued and appreciated, while supplying high-quality products that actually help mums.”
Franny is especially thrilled that her own original product designs – the Breastmates Pregnancy Support Belt and Breastmates Clip-On Cami – are finalists. “I design my clothing and products with real women’s experiences and needs in mind, and it’s very validating that my own homegrown concepts – designed right here in Cambridge – are being recognised alongside well-known international brands,” Franny says.
The mum of two boys says that curating a supportive community for mums-to-be and mums is her passion project. “I know that pregnant mums and new mothers are often tired, time-poor, and in need of some TLC. I want them to know they can count on Breastmates, and that I value their experiences, both as mothers and as customers. I want to make their interaction with Breastmates stand out as the highlight of their day.”
The Cambridge local founded Breastmates in 2004 with a $50 budget and one product, and now, 18 years later, the business is a recognised maternity brand and stocks hundreds of products. “I’m passionate about motherhood and helping mums, and Breastmates is a resource of good advice, helpful articles, and tried-and-true products that help mums feel successful and encouraged,” Franny says.
The 2022 OHbaby! Awards winners will be announced on 14 October, and Franny says she’s very humbled and gratified to have been nominated. “It’s wonderful to be acknowledged for what I believe are the two most important aspects of business: Good customer service and good product design.”
