Every brand begins with a story – the behind-the-scenes inspiration – that slowly takes on a life of its own until it becomes a reality. C.S.Lewis, who invited us behind the wardrobe to the wonderful, imaginary world of Narnia, said: ‘A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.’ And that is where Rosie Bee’s homegrown story begins: a children’s online clothing store that takes us beyond the wardrobe to a small South African farm that will capture the imagination of children and adults alike.

Rosie Bee children’s online clothing store is a business full of love and heart – made for whimsical play – making this a brand that is more than just beautifully handcrafted clothing with a delightful nostalgic vibe.

So just imagine you are sitting on Granny’s porch, watching the children play and explore – and enjoy the story…

Every story starts with an idea

The Rosie Bee brand is no exception. So what was the idea that gave birth to a children’s online clothing store? Well actually, it was a birth story – a tiny baby girl, an overwhelmed new mom and many sleepless nights filled with online shopping for pretty baby clothes. (The unlikely, but perfect plot ingredients for the emergence of a creative vision!)  

This is how Laura, founder of Rosie Bee, tells it in her own words: ‘I was in limbo – trying to find me again. I realised that I needed to become a new version of my old self. The one thing that sparked this transition was my need for creativity. And Emily fueled this creativity. I Iove supporting local, but when Emily was tiny I couldn’t quite find what I was looking for. So the idea of Rosie Bee was formed in my head.’

Every story has a name

The name ‘Rosie Bee’ came out of a conversation between Laura and her gran  – a no-nonsense person with honest, unfiltered opinions. (She didn’t like any of the original name options on the list). Laura knew that ‘rose’ had to somehow be in the brand title as it was her gran’s favourite flower. As they got sidetracked, talking about flowers and gardening, a random memory of a cousin’s childhood doll, called ‘Rosebee,’ popped into the conversation, and from there ‘Rosie Bee’ was born. (Granny approved!)

Every story has a setting

The varied landscape of the Limpopo province – with its dramatic mountain ranges, misty views and hazy sunsets – is the perfect setting for a family farm and the home of Rosie Bee children’s online clothing brand. Laura’s grandparent’s farm – combined with her background as a botanist – creates the perfect backdrop for her studio where her handcrafted kiddies’ clothing range of unique flora- and nature-inspired prints comes to life. 

Every story has characters

For Rosie Bee, two of the main characters – behind the scenes – are Baptiste and Kenneth.

Baptiste, originally employed as a packer for Laura’s mother’s ceramic business on the farm, had been taught to sew by Laura’s gran and aunt. When asked to make a dress from leftover fabric for Laura’s baby girl, Baptiste made the perfect little dress, without a pattern. His creative flair and quality sewing skills have blossomed into Rosie Bee’s fun baby and children’s’ online clothing range. The current Autumn Rose print is his favourite design.

Kenneth’s background was sewing adult clothing and children’s school clothing, so he is enjoying extending his repertoire to include Rosie Bee’s baby and children’s clothes. His favourite is the rainbow print and he loves sewing the leggings/bottoms range for little girls and boys. 

And then, of course, we have Rosie Bee’s ‘illustrator’, a talented artist from Cape Town who brings the nostalgic-inspired patterns, botanical prints and whimsical designs to life. 

Rosie Bee

The Rosie Bee brand philosophy is simple: beautiful, comfortable, fun and excellent quality baby and children’s clothing with love sewn into the stitches of each handcrafted garment. 

If you are passionate about locally made quality handmade-with-love’ children’s clothing, then head on over to Rosie Bee’s online store and immerse yourself in the brand and the story, and fill your online cart with fashionable prettiness for your little ones.

If you are looking for a gift, and cannot choose, then spoil a new mom with a Rosie Bee gift card.