BINIBLOG / 8

To celebrate the launch of our limited-edition collab, we caught up with Paulina Atkinson, Founder of Organic Zoo (left) & Emma Grant, Founder of BINI (right) to hear more about what inspires them.

What first inspired you to start a brand?

EMMA - After the birth of my first baby, I learnt of the natural benefits of sheepskin for newborns. My son struggled to settle & I quickly realised what a game changer it could be for babies. Frustrated with the yellow sheepskins out there I wondered why there weren't lovely colours & prints & the idea for BINIBAMBA was born.

PAULINA - Organic Zoo was inspired by my childhood in Poland & the freedom & simplicity of growing up there. From the beginning I knew I wanted to hold on to something from that time & bring some of that slower, simpler childhood into today.

Where you draw your creative inspiration from?

EMMA - As an ex Buyer, fashion is a huge influence for me but i'm equally inspired by interiors, travel, colour combinations I see... anything can be inspiring really! I am always collecting ideas & inspiration, I think when you're creative it is a constant process!

PAULINA - I love the idea of creating more space, simplicity in a world that feels very busy & noisy. I'm also endlessly inspired by nature, it's colours, textures & the quiet way everything works together.

What inspired the collection with Organic Zoo

EMMA - My 3 boys have work Organic Zoo head-to-toe & I'be been a big fan for a long time. As two female founded, independent brands we share the same love for natural materials, design & an obsession for quality so collaborating together felt really natural. It's been a joy working with the team!

PAULINA - The idea of bringing our Midnight world into something beyond clothing felt very special. BINIBAMBA’s beautiful sheepskin pieces were the perfect place for our little moons, especially as we share a love of natural materials and long lasting quality.

How do you balance creativity, commerciality and staying true to your brand?

EMMA - It's definitely a balancing act. You need the creativity and the dream, but you also have to build a business that works. Every product needs to earn its place. It needs to be functional, beautiful and made with materials we feel good about. Lots of ideas haven't made the cut along the way!

PAULINA - For me, it's about making thoughtful choices, knowing when to say no and never losing sight of why I started Organic Zoo in the first place.

What's the best piece of advice you've been given as a Founder?

EMMA - Probably trust your gut. There are so many voices when you're running a business & all of them have a place but ultimately your brand is your baby & you have to know what feels right.

PAULINA - Keep it simple. The best ideas are often the ones that don't need too much explaining. I come back to that in almost everything I do.