StyleNest chat to Kezi Levin, the woman behind Sock Ons – the revolutionary sock changer that will forever wave goodbye those pesky back pains from when your little one kicks off their socks again and again…and again.
We think Sock Ons are a complete game changer. Where did the inspiration come from?
We had a family wedding and my baby needed to dress in formal attire but he couldn’t keep his socks on for more than a minute! It looked ridiculous for him to go barefoot so I searched high and low to find a solution – the only way to stop his feet from freezing was to put him in tights! His older brothers were having none of it so I thought this is crazy and there must be something to keep socks on – surely he wasn’t only baby with permanently cold feet!
Can you tell our readers how you began the design process behind Sock Ons?
Having qualified as a graphic designer at St Martins my background is in creative problem solving. I cut up a pair of my tights and created a prototype. Sock Ons are worn over the sock so that when you pull the sock from the toes, it gets locked in the hole around the heel and stays firmly yet gently place. Designing the product was the easy part – then came product testing, creating the branding, packaging, filling design and patent applications, marketing and the hardest part breaking into the market with a product no one knew even existed.
Where can you buy Sock Ons?
www.sockons.co.uk, most major and independent baby retailers and Amazon.co.uk
How have you expanded the brand since launching Sock Ons?
Yes – we now have a full range of innovative baby products including Mocc Ons slipper socks, Dribble Ons bandana bibs, Plod Ons crawling pads and our newly launched Twiddle Ons foot finder rattle toys with a twist!
You are a mum of 7. Talk us through an average day in your household?
Firstly there is no such thing as a ‘normal’ day! But it usually starts with my baby at 6:30 and then getting the kids off to school (4 different schools) and I am back home by 9:30. I then work at home, fetch my baby from nursery at lunch and we spend time together until her afternoon nap. I get in an extra hour of work before starting school pick ups at 3:30 and am fully focused on the family until about 9pm. Once it quietens down and I only have my teenagers up – I can get in another few hours of work until 11pm.
How do you balance being a working mum with such a big brood?
I always joke that I work for ‘relaxation!’ It is sometimes easier to have rational adult conversations than deal with a high energy brood and sort out irrational toddlers and teenagers!
How far do you think your background as a graphic designer has helped you launch Sock Ons?
I have used all my creative skills and was able to take an initial idea and create a brand out of it. My graphic design skills helped me create not just the product but all the logos, packaging, textile designs, photography and advertising.
When you are not busy working, what do you like to do to unwind?
Unfortunately there is not much time for that!
Do you have any exciting projects you are working on that you can share with our readers?
I am working on some exciting new toy and construction products – you are going to have to watch this space…
What advice would you give mums out there who want to start their own business?
Just go for it! Don’t let anyone stop you and be as persistant as your kids are!
Do you have any top tips for first time mums?
I am very relaxed and pick my fights! Just enjoy them because they grow up so fast.
With 7 children, you must have mealtimes mastered. Have you got any favourite family friendly recipes?
I cook everything in bulk and my freezer is my best friend! I always have soup (try filling 6 boys every night) and my meals are very simple. Best investment is a large George Forman grill and a rice cooker so my kids can help make quick meals whenever they are hungry!
What’s your motto?
There is no such word as ‘I cant!’ if you set your mind to it – you can do anything!