About us
We’re delighted that more and more people are finding eco-friendly gifts, clothing and homewares in our store, and using us as their refill shop for their skincare products. But how did the story begin? And did you know we also provide baby-changing & nursing facilities?
Inspired by ‘Nugget’
Devon Eco Boutique (formerly Eco Baby Box) all started because of Nugget (Ollie). We found out we were expecting in September 2019... at the time I was studying full time (BA Business HRM) from home and suffering with PTSD after a traumatic event. I knew I wanted to work for myself because I could tailor the job around both family and my mental health needs, as I'm also diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. So with Ollie on the way, an Eco Baby Boutique and Organic gift shop in Devon seemed the perfect fit.
Whilst I was pregnant, and then in lockdown, I was busy building the business plan, market research, trialling products, placing orders for the following year (scary!!) whilst juggling my final year.
Ollie was born right in the thick of the first Covid lockdown April 2020 and a few months after, we moved to the beautiful town of Ottery St Mary in East Devon. My Mum’s side of the family grew up here and some are still here. (I can see why!) It really felt like the perfect home for us to raise Ollie, surrounded by so many woodland walks and closer to our family.
Shop launch
Eco Baby Box launched online in February 2021. Then in June 2021, when a baby shop was closing its doors in Ottery, I quite literally jumped in with both feet and had to snap up the premises. I opened the doors to Eco Baby Box September 1st 2021. In September 2022, Eco Baby Box became a trademarked business and although we changed our business name to Devon Eco Boutique in October, we still offer our award-winning Eco Baby Box Giftboxes . We just realised we needed a business name that would continue to grow with us.
By December 2022, we had moved into a new larger premises (at no.11 Broad Street) as Devon Eco Boutique – and expanded our range further to include plastic-free homewares, refillable skincare options as well as organic fashion and accessories for grown-ups.
Child-friendly facilities
For me it is important to be more than just a store. I want it to be somewhere that is warm and inviting... kid friendly, a place where new parents can take a break, weigh their baby, change or nurse somewhere comfortable. It’s a safe space someone can come to if they are struggling and need a friendly voice, or just want to leave the house (we've all been there), a shop where we have the facilities to make shopping less of a chore with toddlers in toe! Less daunting (especially in the early days) and somewhere just to rest your feet if you're tired on the way home from town.
Inside we have a changing station, comfy chair that can be used for nursing, feeding, settling baby, sitting for a chat or resting your feet anytime during our opening times. There’s a baby weighing station and measuring chart (we are working in partnership with Devon Public Health Nursing). We also have various wall toys in-store to keep little hands busy, and books + a colouring station for older children.
Although we can't offer professional advice, we're happy to give personal advice if you ask, and typically we can signpost you to where you need to be to get help or support.
Stockists for other sustainable businesses too
We introduced ‘Rent-a-shelf’ to bring in a range of other talented businesses in-store. Every one of these people are carefully selected based on their commitment to sustainability. For those who are in at the beginning of their journey, we've been able to work with them to reduce their waste as a business. We believe have found the best across Devon, and some from further afield, to bring something unique to the area.
We've met some wonderful people from near and far - and we look forward to welcoming you soon.
Nicci, Nugget & Karl
Xo
Awards!
