WHO IS // DOT TO DOT LONDON

Welcome to the new BUSINESS version of WHO IS. I'm often approached by amazing women who don't have kids who are doing amazing things in the kid industry and, as part of my commitment to supporting all women, I've decided to launch a new Business version of WHO IS.

As a blogger, and as the director at Hustle + Fox, I have had heaps of opportunity to work with Nicole Frobusch and Carly Gledhill, the amazing girls behind Dot to Dot London. If you don't already know about Dot to Dot London (why not!?), then you'll want to get it on your radar. Dot to Dot London is a beautifully-curated trade show for independent kids' brands. Held twice every year at London Soho's The Vinyl Factory, Dot to Dot London is passionate about supporting independent, design-led brands and guiding them directly towards the best of the best when it comes to independent retailers and the high street big boys. Small they maybe but they are also mighty and boy, are they growing.

The girls are also hosting a beautiful Christmas market in association with the V&A Museum of Childhood later this month which will be an amazing opportunity to get all your Christmas pressies under one roof.

If you're an independent kid's brand and you are interested in exhibiting at the next Dot to Dot London show on January 22nd and 23rd then contact the girls by dropping them an email at dottodotlondon@gmail.com.

CARLY & NICOLE

WHAT IS // DOT TO DOT LONDON?:

An independent trade show for children’s wear, accessories and homewares.

HOW DID DOT TO DOT LONDON COME TO BE?

We discussed the lack of cool shows in London on a piece of grass in Paris after Playtime and thought to start our own, just like that!

BEST THING // ABOUT BEING DOT TO DOT LONDON?

Not to have anyone tell us what we have to do or how to do it and having a great working partnership.

WHO WHAT // INSPIRES YOU?

CARLY: Cities, architecture, colour, children’s book illustration.

NICOLE: Nature, colours, silence, smiles.

DESCRIBE //

YOUR FASHION STYLE: CARLY: At the moment it’s a bit like Hagrid in comfy knits, over sized tweed and lots of grey marl. NICOLE: 1970’s embracing StarTrek.

YOUR BUSINESS STYLE: CARLY: Making it up as I go along and hoping for the best! NICOLE: Knowing what I want and don't want.

FAVOURITE //

BRANDS: CARLY: Acne Studios (for the above grey marl Grandad look!) NICOLE: Forivor

BEAUTY PRODUCT: CARLY: Aesop resurrection Aromatique hand balm. It smells amazing. NICOLE: Neal's Yard Frankincense face cream.

BOOK: CARLY: I'm researching children's picture books at the moment and would have to say 'Zoo' by Anthony Browne. I love his sense of humour and unsettling narratives about who is watching who in the zoo! NICOLE: The silver wheel by Emma Tompkins.

FILM: CARLY: I recently watched 'Adult Life Skills'. It's about a family of women, friendship and mourning. It's hilarious and brilliant. NICOLE: Powder.

WAY TO RELAX: CARLY: Riding my bike up a big but not very steep hill. NICOLE: Walking my dog.

HOLIDAY DESTINATION: CARLY: Hard to decide between cycling in the Mallorcan mountains, cycling in Belgium and a city break in Tokyo. NICOLE: Next one is California for Christmas.

THE LAST //

TEXT YOU SENT: CARLY: Oh dear, it was to my partner Nick moaning I am too weak to move my desk due to falling off my bike and being cold. Definitely looking for sympathy. It’s been 2 hours and he hasn't replied, not even an emoticon. NICOLE: 'When are you back?' to my 16 year old daughter.

THING YOU ATE: CARLY: A Titan bar. It's the Aldi version of a Mars Bar. It's pretty glamorous in my office, I have to say! NICOLE: Pasta.

CALL YOU RECEIVED: CARLY: A nice robot lady called to say I'd won something. I may have to start lying on the questionnaire. My life's starting to sound pretty tragic. NICOLE: Builders telling them to get a move on!

THING YOU BOUGHT: CARLY: A pet dinosaur to keep my company in the studio and to help me get through that multi-pack of Titan bars! NICOLE: A round velvet cushion from our local charity store.