When Jazmine Miller became a mum in 2014, she quickly discovered how difficult it was to find stylish, neutral clothing for her baby boy. Frustrated by the lack of options beyond gendered colours and slogan-covered designs, she began to dream of creating a brand that offered something different. A decade later, in 2024, that dream became a reality with the launch of Kaylan & Roo – a baby and children’s clothing brand built on comfort, quality and timeless style. Here Jazmine talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the inspiration behind Kaylan & Roo, how she balances work and family time, the pros and cons of running her own business, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
I have always wanted to be a business owner since I was young, but I never quite knew what kind of business I wanted to have. It wasn’t until I had my son in 2014 and I really struggled to find neutral clothing for him. I found a lot of the clothing was very gender specific and had slogans and/or animated pictures plastered all over them. This wasn’t something I wanted to dress my son in, so I found it a real struggle. With this in mind, this is where the idea of owning my own clothing brand came from. However, it didn’t happen overnight. I gathered information together and contemplated the idea for many years! In 2024, I put all my ideas together, took a deep breath and Kaylan & Roo was born.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
In the beginning, I spent a lot of time working on my website and social media accounts to get my business out there. I was trying to post daily on Instagram and Tiktok, as well as getting out to as many markets/events at weekends as possible.
It hasn’t been easy and there have definitely been tears and moments when I have questioned whether this is the right path for me. However, I don’t sit in these moments for very long. I remind myself that this is a whole new journey and that I am learning as I go.
The Innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
My biggest breakthrough has been going to markets and events, being able to showcase my products physically to hundreds/thousands of people all in one place. I have had so much positive feedback from customers, as well as from people who don’t have any little ones to buy for, but just stop by to compliment my business. This is always so lovely to hear and I am super grateful for all my customers, both from markets/events and online.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
This is a great question – it can be tough at times. Having another job alongside my small business, plus being a mum, partner and cat mum, there are definitely times when I feel like I am literally juggling. However, I have definitely learnt that organisation is key. Ensuring I am present as a mum is very important to me, so I work my small business around this. I am also lucky to have an amazing, supportive family who help me out in all aspects of work and family life.
