Mari de Villiers is a businesswoman born and raised in Bloemfontein, with her Biari Baby Boutique located on 18 Bompart Street, Westdene, Bloemfontein.
Mari started her business as a hobby in 2020 when lockdown was still implemented as she was experimenting to make different soft toys not knowing custom-made toys would turn into a demand.
“I got very positive feedback from people and realised there is a demand for custom-made baby products. The past four years have been a very positive journey so far. Our product range has expanded and we are making many custom products for our customers,” Mari says.
Mari shares that she has a passion for interior designing and enjoys turning ordinary rooms into baby rooms with the needling skills she learned over the years from her mother, which still helps with the custom orders.
“I realised that the retail shops do not specialise in personalised homemade products. Every mother needs a personalised but practical and safe nursery where she can enjoy spending time with her baby. It’s very important to me to make her dream nursery come true,” Mari added.
Mari uses good quality materials for all her products to make every customer’s order unique and always keeps in mind that it must be functional for everyday use. She believes that the latest trends for a nursery are natural earthy colours like cream and grey though some customers will also add a shade of pink, blue or green.
She urges parents to work with the available space practically so that everything is easily accessible when busy with their baby.
Mari shares that she first does a consultation with her customer to get all the necessary information on what the customer envisions for the nursery. As every customer has a different idea for their nursery she uses all the information received.
“It can be an overwhelming feeling because you want the nursery to be perfect, but start with practical basic everyday accessories you need and if you buy quality products at good prices you can still have your perfect dream nursery that fits your budget,” De Villiers continued.
She believes parents will definitely need a comfortable safe cot, night light, block out curtains, humidifier and breathing motion monitor will also be very helpful.
“Your new baby is a precious gift and it will be a wonderful journey to plan for the new addition to your family, enjoy every moment of it,” Mari added.
Text: PHALIMO MOEKETSI Photographs: GYPSEENIA LION
