Hayley Hanigan, a mother of four, couldn’t afford childcare while on maternity leave. Instead of returning to her full-time IT job without a solution, she launched a small side hustle to bridge the gap—and it turned into a thriving business generating £200,000 in its first year.
In January 2022, Hayley started Tiny Explorers from her home in Bromley. The idea struck her as she grew tired of hauling her children’s gear every time her family traveled. She began by purchasing five Babyzen YoYo travel strollers to rent out. By leveraging her IT experience, she quickly set up a website and began offering parents a cost-effective alternative: renting baby travel gear rather than buying expensive equipment that often went unused.
Tiny Explorers now rents out everything from travel strollers and car seats to toy bundles and travel cots. The business even offers specialized equipment for families with disabled children, inspired by Hayley’s experience raising her daughter Orlaith, who has autism and ADHD. The company’s ethos is rooted in sustainability, affordability, and helping parents manage the challenges of raising children in today’s economic climate.
“Renting a Babyzen for a week costs just £40, compared to buying one for £400,” Hayley explains. “It’s a significant savings for families, and it helps reduce waste.”
The business quickly gained popularity, including a clientele of celebrities like Lauren Pope, Mollie King, and Ashley James. Hayley now employs local moms, many of whom had to leave traditional jobs due to inflexible schedules or childcare costs. Her team works flexible hours, often remotely, allowing them to earn an income while balancing family responsibilities.
Even with her growing business, Hayley continues to work full-time for Unilever. She handles Tiny Explorers’ marketing, customer communications, and long-term strategy in the evenings, after her children are asleep. She’s passionate about helping other parents start their own ventures, urging them to identify a gap in the market and take the leap.
“There’s nothing scary about starting a business,” Hayley says. “It’s not as hard as it seems, and there are so many resources and supportive communities out there. Just go for it—you have nothing to lose.”
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