THE MAMA BEHIND THE
We chat to Suzel Doughty, the mama behind the Sunny Coast Baby & Kids Market, about motherhood, the juggle, and why pre-loved markets rock! WHAT RANGE OF STALLS COME TO THE BABY & KIDS MARKET? We have all sorts of stalls! Families having a clean out of their no longer needed baby and children’s clothes, shoes, cots, prams, high chairs, baby baths, port-a-cots, toys. Many items are gently used or some are even in asnew condition. We also have local handmade businesses who make children’s clothing, baby bibs and burp cloths. Local businesses aimed at mums and children like to come along too, such as childcare centres, kids’ sports programs, swim schools, tutoring companies, massagists, chiropractors, the list is endless. I love having an outlet for the local small businesses to come along and showcase their products. WHY DO YOU THINK PEOPLE STILL LOVE MARKETS, EVEN WITH THE GROWTH OF ONLINE SALES? The markets have gone through various stages – they started out with an amazing
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following, then declined a little due to more online selling. But I’ve put a lot of effort into promotion and marketing, and in the last three years I have seen a steady increase in stalls and numbers. At the end of the day I think people still like to come along and see what they are going to buy. And pre-loved items are the best! New families get items at a great price and further use out of products that are no longer needed; growing families can clear out everything in one go… it’s a win-win for everyone! Plus, having everything all under one roof makes it super-easy, and a fun morning out for the family! H O W M A N Y K I D S D O YO U H AV E ? I have three children, Years 9, 7 and 1 and a gorgeous dog. We are a super-busy family with my husband working long hours and travelling frequently for work. We manage soccer, rugby league, cricket, cheerleading and some days I think I live in my car! Luckily
most of my work is aimed at mums so the best times to be active on social media is late at night (which suits me!) or during the day when kids are at school. We are also lucky to have the support of grandparents nearby. HOW WOULD YOUR KIDS DESCRIBE YOU? My kids would probably say I am too strict! I run a tight ship. Everything has its place and when things get out of place, I have a meltdown! I am a super-organised person, that’s the only way I can function with a busy household and a business. On a market week my phone is glued to my hand and I am constantly saying to my kids just wait a minute! The week after a market I like to have some downtime and try to stay off social media for a few days. Its relentless nowadays, with people being able to contact you through so many forms of media. You have to stay on top of it all. K I D S O N T H E C O A S T.C O M . A U • K I D S I N T H E C I T Y.C O M . A U