Louise Marshall and Dan Keenan, founders of Simply Babywear.

Teesside entrepreneur sets down roots with clothing store for premature babies

A Teesside entrepreneur has announced that she has set up a shop to help families of premature babies.

Louise Marshall, a mum-of-six whose children were all born early, has announced that she is opening up new store Simply Babywear in Middlesbrough with her partner, Dan Keenan.

The shop, in Dundas Indoor Market, sells ranges of clothing and accessories for three-pound premature babies up to three-year-old toddlers.

To keep them occupied during the first lockdown Louise and Dan started selling babywear, ornaments and sweets online. The success of their babywear sales then inspired them to set up a permanent store.

Louise, commented: “I was looking after my disabled son and my youngest has got quite a few challenging learning difficulties, so when he was at primary school it wasn’t feasible for me to get a job – especially when my oldest was still needing quite a lot of support.

“Now he’s at uni and my youngest is at secondary school, I thought now is the time that I need to start making things better for me and my kids’ futures.”

David Harris, market manager, said: “We’re delighted to be able to welcome independent traders, like Simply Babywear, who provide much-needed support for parents.

“One of the many benefits of opening a shop here is that new businesses can test the water without over-committing themselves.”

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