Q&A with Tamara Ecclestone

What was the inspiration behind Fifi & Friends?

After I had my daughter, Fifi, I struggled to find effective, natural products that were safe from newborn, so I decided to create my own. I did a lot of research and found that even the most trusted brands contain harmful ingredients, so I wanted to design a hypoallergenic range that feels, smells and looks beautiful while containing the purest, natural ingredients. My niece also has very curly hair and my sister struggled to find products to care for it, so she inspired our Gentle Taming and Detangling products.

When did skincare first interest you?

I have always been interested in skincare and invested in the best products and treatments for myself, so naturally this extended to Fifi when she was born. Decoding ingredients lists on products can be a minefield, so I did a lot of research and educated myself on what to avoid. When developing Fifi & Friends we wanted to be completely transparent and make it easy for customers to see what we’re made of, so all ingredients are stated clearly on our packaging, and we have a detailed breakdown on our website.

 How important is natural skin care to you? What are the benefits of using natural skincare on your baby?

Avoiding harmful ingredients and using natural skincare is so important to me. Newborn skin is so delicate and susceptible to conditions such as nappy rash and eczema, and sadly many well-known brands are heavily perfumed and only make them worse. By using natural baby care with quality botanical ingredients, you can rest assured that you are nourishing your baby’s skin while you care for it and preventing any irritations. The Fifi & Friends range is also hypoallergenic and free from parabens, sulphates, silicones and wheat, so perfect for any allergy-prone little ones.

 How did you decide what the key ingredients would be in your products?

I wanted to include the natural ingredients I have always relied on, such as organic Aloe Vera, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter and Almond Oil. I also ensured our Baby Wipes are made from 100% biodegradable cotton so not only are they the softest, but they are kinder to the environment too.

How have you balanced motherhood and running a business? What advice would you give to new mums juggling motherhood and work?

Juggling two international businesses (Fifi & Friends and SHOW Beauty) as well as raising my daughter is certainly a challenge, but I love every minute of it. I’m very passionate about both brands and that hasn’t changed since I became a mum – it just requires some serious organisation! When Fifi was little she would come to all meetings, events and shoots with me, but now that she’s at school I schedule everything between drop-off and pick-up. I can also do so much from my phone, which is a life saver when I’m travelling.

Make sure you visit Fifi and Friends at our Manchester show, 15-17 March 2019 on stand F34.