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Juniors

26th Nov 2018

Business Parent of the Year: How this Cork mum’s little boy inspired her to start a business

Louise Carroll

Brought to you by the Boots Maternity and Infant Family Awards. 

When Sharon Hussey’s baby Oliver was born, she decided she would breastfeed him. She soon realised however that Oliver needed to be fed every two hours and even if she used a pump, she wouldn’t be able to keep up. So, mum tried baby formula.

For Oliver, this brought about a terrifying experience of anaphylactic shock that was caused by life threatening allergies to eggs and dairy. At just three months, Sharon needed to make sure she always had Oliver’s EpiPens at the ready.

What Oliver went through was heart-wrenching for the entire family. He suffered eczema, went into anaphylaxis at six months of age and again at eight months of age – so he was forced to make numerous trips to his GP and spend a considerable amount of time in hospital too.

 

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The problem was Oliver would have very serious reactions if he came in contact with certain substances and so Sharon couldn’t return to work as caring for him was a round-the-clock job. Sharon did all any mum could have and tried her utmost to make Oliver’s environment as comfortable and cosy as possible.

Lucky for her she had studied fashion design, she knew how to sew and so mum decided to get super creative. Sharon began making adorable blankets, storage bags and even a teepee for Oliver. Gradually, friends became VERY intrigued about all these beautiful bits popping up around the house that Sharon had made for her little man. Soon, a brand-new Irish business was born.

 

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Abina.ie, named after Sharon’s mother, is where you’ll find Sharon’s gorgeous handmade goods for your own little playful tots, and if we’re being honest – we’re impressed!

Check out the stylish, handmade (and super fun!) teepees and accessories for playtime. They’re even aimed to fit perfectly into your home, taking into consideration the different kinds of home-theme décor belonging to you. Each piece is incredibly versatile.

It was just last month that Sharon took home the award for Business Parent of the Year at the Boots Maternity and Infant Family Awards. She’s testament to the fact that something extraordinary can come out of the most terrifying moments in life. No matter what life throws at us, we can only do our best, and that’s enough. Sharon dared to be brave and she and Oliver came through the other side.

The rest of us even have some gorgeous storage bags, play mats and personalised blankets to choose from! So, if you’re on the hunt for something utterly adorable, safe and that will be cherished by any little tot this Christmas and beyond, you need look no further than this mum’s beautiful handmade goods.

Brought to you by the Boots Maternity and Infant Family Awards