Mother-of-two takes over award-winning baby sensory business in Northampton in hope of making it her own
A mother-of-two has taken over an award-winning baby sensory business in Northampton, in the hope of making it her own by putting her stamp on the offering.
Danielle Inman took ownership of Baby Sensory Northampton at Green Lodge Barn on Nobottle Road from the end of March, following Sarah Walker who had run the business for eight years.
“I bought my own little girl Hallie and attended the classes when she was seven months,” Danielle told the Chronicle & Echo. “I loved it and when it was put up for sale, I had a look and one thing led to another.”
Danielle formerly worked in a nursery for a decade-and-a-half but her focus for the past three years has been raising her two children, daughter Hallie and son Harper. Buying this business signified finding something for her to focus on outside of motherhood.
“I have a passion for children, and I’ve learnt a lot from the Baby Sensory training about brain development and how important the first 13 months are,” said Danielle.
“Having worked in childcare, we don’t have babies that small as they start older and it’s been nice to learn new things. I’m really hoping this will be a safe space for other mums and their children, like it was for me.”
Danielle hopes to build the classes up to be as busy as they once were under Sarah’s ownership, as well as the introduction of monthly specials and hosting first birthday parties.
Baby Sensory Northampton reopened for its new term, and the first for Danielle on her new business venture, on Monday (April 13).
Families have the option to book for a full term, a three-week trial, or pay as you go for classes that are not fully booked – which Danielle will announce every Sunday on social media. Booking for a full term makes the classes more cost effective.
The sessions are suitable for babies from birth up to 13 months. Some will specialise for zero-to-six month old children, with a view to introducing seven-to-13 month specific classes in the near future.
“It’s hard when you take over a business that’s got such a great reputation,” said Danielle. “I want to make it mine.
“The five year plan is to open another location on the other side of Northampton, as Green Lodge Barn is in a rural area. I’d like somewhere on a bus route that’s accessible to people who don’t drive.
“I found the classes very supportive and I learnt a lot. I didn’t realise how much you could do to help your babies. It’s lovely and like a little family. I loved it so much I bought the business.”
Team members Jade and Hayley, who attendees of Sarah’s classes will remember, are staying on board and continuing to run the sessions.
These currently take place from 10am until 11am, 11.30am until 12.30pm and 1pm until 2pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays – except there is no 1pm session on Fridays. Birthday parties will take place at weekends, and there is the opportunity to open for classes on Thursdays in the near future if the demand is there.
“I hope to uphold Sarah’s reputation and build my own community,” said Danielle. “We’re going to offer stay and plays in the holidays too. I want to offer a safe space to learn about development and give children the best start.”