There is currently a lot of drama on social media within the blogger community – and beyond. I don’t wish to get into it in this post, but I had to mention it, as this is how I first discovered Squishy Tushy. And this is the reason that I am adding my voice to the #DontShushMe movement here in South Africa. No longer can I just keep quiet as I see my black friends hurt and judged, or my LGBTQ+ friends marginalized and unable to live freely. In this day and age, racism and homophobia should not exist, and sadly, it still does. This movement has made me spend a lot of time looking deep within myself, and realise that by saying nothing, I am adding my voice to those doing the judging. South African businesses are often not reflecting the beauty of our rainbow nation, and speaking to influencers has reminded me how often the perfect blonde-hair, blue-eyed child is used in advertising campaigns and their mother chosen for brand reviews. How is that relatable to so much of South Africa? And why are we not speaking up about this?
Nuriyah has had #DontShushMe shirts printed to show support for this movement, and a portion of the profits are going to be donated to a charity that empowers people of colour. I ordered one of my own, and then realised that I needed to get to know this strong woman a little more!
Your name: Nuriyah Gallow
Business name: Squishy Tushy
Social media handles: Business – Facebook, Instagram and Website. Blog – Facebook, Instagram and Website.
What are 3 fun facts about you:
1. I love to create art / DIY.
2. I am a beginner photographer.
3. I love doing things spontaneously, I don’t mind if it wasn’t planned. I love an adventure and am almost always keen. Let’s take a trip!
Tell me a bit more about your business:
I started Squishy Tushy almost 1 year ago when I had my 3rd baby girl, Israh. I am a natural creative, so I felt the need to create. This is how a lot of baby brands are started. The thing I love the most is deciding on designs, having the fabric printed, and then seeing it come to life.
I come from a digital marketing background so another aspect I LOVE is doing marketing campaigns, checking the stats and finding out how I can do better.
We are still very new to the industry so I am still learning as I go. it is not as easy as it looks, especially when you are a one man show like me 🙂 I do EVERYTHING except sew. Even down to building my own website 🙂
Where did the passion for these come from:
From being a mom, a creative soul, and having the need to constantly create.
Tell me about your #DontShushMeShirt:
There are very important conversations going on on social media at the moment. This hashtag was used by a group of mommy bloggers. To show my solidarity I decided to create these tee’s. This is not the first time I did this. In March when another local brand made obscene posts about Jews, I created a tee that reads “regretively” as they used this word accidentally. I am donating the profit from those tees to the holocaust centre here in CT.
With the don’t shush me tees, R50 from each tee will go to a POC charity which will be determined by the mommy bloggers. I love advocating for those who need a voice so even though it has nothing to do with baby clothing, I have the fully functioning ecommerce website and I have the tools to make these tees (yes I cut and press the designs myself), so why not? I have no problem using my platform and voice to help the next person. We are also busy with GBV tees for another NGO, as well as make tees for Milk Matters and R50 of each sale goes to the preemie babas. Ok, I totally went off track but it is all relative.
What is your personal favourite product:
Definitely the rib rompers as well as the printed zip onesies.
What have been your most popular products:
The rib rompers and fox track sets / bunny track sets.
What makes your products different to those you can buy in a chain store:
You won’t find these exact prints anywhere else. The rib rompers also have a very specific look and feel
Where can people purchase these from:
www.squishytushy.co.za
Why do you encourage people to support small businesses:
So that we can keep the economy growing. If you support small businesses, you are literally helping keep food in the tummies of people in this country.
Quote you live by:
It’s better to be kind than to be right. 🙂
Always be willing to help others even if it does not benefit you!
Anything else you want to add:
If you own a small business and you think you aren’t getting anywhere, please don’t give up. It takes extreme hard work, long days, long nights, loads of planning and the list goes on! 🙂
I am so thrilled that I discovered Nuriyah, and know that I will continue to learn from her every single day. Her baby clothing is absolutely adorable, and so on trend – I am sure that many of you will fall in love with it too, and want pieces for yourself or family members.
And please, if you don’t have kids, consider supporting her through the sale of her statement tees that really are making a difference in the lives of so many. This woman has an amazingly beautiful heart, and deserves all the love and kindness in the world.
