Didsbury’s homegrown brand inspired by local people

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PacaPod – Didsbury’s homegrown brand inspired by local people

Didsbury mum of two Jacqueline Waggett juggled babies and work/life to design and revolutionise the baby-changing bag. Her design took the nursery industry by storm and retails with the likes of John Lewis and Mothercare.

With a unique and personal approach to building her business Jacqueline reflects on her best and most memorable moments of the past two years.

What is a PacaPod?

PacaPod is a brand of baby-changing bag, but unlike any other bag it offers parents a 3-in-1 baby organising system that hygienically separates baby feeding and changing through detachable pods. It also encases all mums’ and dads’ items, such as keys, wallet and purse, in the outer bag.

What inspired you to create PacaPod?

After I had my first baby I felt my life was turned upside down. As I’d always traveled, I found it difficult to leave the house without worrying that I’d forgotten something. There was no bag out there that could help me with this; all the bags available were like bottomless pits where bottles mixed with nappies, and I could never find anything (especially when me or my baby had a meltdown in public and I needed something quickly!).

Has your experience of motherhood in Didsbury influenced you or your business?

Yes, we have continued to work with mums and dads from local playgroups and cafes and people were really delighted to be invited along to discuss new developments and trial products. I think it's every girl’s dream to talk endlessly about handbags while drinking a glass of bubbly! We have tended to retain our grass roots ethos. One of our models, Stephanie, was spotted doing her weekly shopping at the local Sainsbury's and another while at the park.

What advice would you give to anyone considering starting a business?

If you’re a parent, make sure you have an understanding partner and the best childcare arrangements, then go for it! Also, research, research, research!

What are you most proud of?

The fact that Radio 1 DJ Jo Whiley loves her PacaPod. Also, being head-hunted for the Dragons’ Den show and managing to juggle PacaPod and still having plenty of time for my growing family!