I recently met Amber of Nine Little Months and we talked for quite a bit of time about our LOVE for ethical fashion. Soon after, Jess introduced me to her friend Melissa of My Friend Melissa (ingenious name, eh?). While I haven’t been pregnant, I know many of you are loving Mamas, Sisters, Aunts, and Grandmothers so this one is for you!
Hi Amber! Share a little about yourself….
Hi F:S! Well, I’m originally from England but I moved from California about 18 years ago, and I love it here. You can’t beat the weather for one thing! I have been married for nearly six years, and I have a 5 year old daughter and 2 1/2 year boy/girl twins. I love my family with an intensity that I could never imagine possible.
Tell us about the early days…How did Nine Little Months begin?
Nine Little Months grew from a culmination of different thoughts. Firstly, I realized that women were looking for a reasonably priced outlet from which to purchase maternity clothes. Secondly, I was (and still am) highly aware that the planet needs help. I wanted to think of a business that wouldn’t contribute further to the planet’s problems. After a lot of thought, I realized that there is a market for gently used maternity clothes. And so Nine Little Months was born.
How do you find your pieces?
I buy all my pieces locally in Orange County, CA. All my items have been bought directly from moms that no longer need their maternity wardrobe, or would like to trade their current wardrobe in for a new one. Local moms have been enthusiastic about supporting my business but they have been even happier about receiving cash for the maternity clothes that they no longer need. It’s an added benefit for them that they are also supporting an ethical business and supporting a healthier planet.
What one thing should every woman have during her pregnancy?
The one piece of clothing every woman must have is a pair of really comfortable black pants. This is an item that can be dressed down for going somewhere causal, or dressed up for going out for a date with your hubby. The look changes dramatically with the top that accompanies it.
What are some things women can do to live ethically while pregnant?
Being pregnant is such a fantastic time (although I know sometimes when you’re sick it doesn’t feel like any fun). It is also the perfect time to think consciously about what you are eating. Healthy eating is obviously good for the baby but it is good for your long term health and eating ethically is a bit better for our planet too. Whether pregnant or not, everyone can live ethically by thinking about what we are consuming and how our actions affect others (including the planet).
A standard you hold yourself to…
I hold myself to many standard, but I always try to be honest and fair. This is reflected in Nine Little Months. I treat my customers as I would want to be treated. And I am honest and open with the people that I purchase clothes from. I think it’s very important to be ethical with everyone you do business with…what goes around, comes around:)
For our Prego friends, here’s an ethical look we think you might like…
Now, it’s baby time. We know you want to pamper and spoil your little ones. Here’s a few fun, handmade gifts that will do the trick. My Friend Melissa started out of necessity. Melissa was looking for handmade, unique gifts for baby showers and birthdays. She decided to make her and it was a hit! Melissa enjoys hunting for fabric at second hand stores to recreate something new and unexpected.
But we know you’re now concerned about how to dress your beautiful postpartum body. Not worry! We’ve gotten a lot of feedback that these looks will do the trick. Our mama customers swear by the PACT briefs, they do wonders.
– Kassi