Start-Up Founder & Director
Founded and scaled an international fashion brand across DTC and wholesale, building a strong and distinctive identity through strong quality design, content, social and community-led growth.
Launched in 2010 - Tootsa is a unisex children’s clothing brand created as a stylish alternative to the traditional boy-girl clothing divide often seen on the high street. Gorgeous, vibrant colours, playful details and quality, hardwearing fabrics were at the core of the brand’s values.
Within 4 years the brand grew to a globally recognised childrenswear label with a £850k annual turnover, a team of 7, wide press coverage and B2B sales into department stores and boutiques across the UK, EU, USA and Australia.
Defined the brand’s positioning, visual identity and tone of voice, building a consistent and recognisable presence across all channels.
Used content, social and creator partnerships as primary growth drivers, focusing on long-term relationships rather than transactional campaigns.
Built a brand ecosystem connecting product, storytelling and community, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, sustainability and cultural relevance.
Delivered seasonal campaigns, editorial content and social-first storytelling across digital and retail channels.
Developed and directed shoots, styling and content production to create a cohesive and distinctive brand world.
Built partnerships with creators, retailers and cultural collaborators to extend reach and engagement.
Delivered activations, events and retail experiences across key partners including Selfridges, Galeries Lafayette and John Lewis.
20–30% YoY growth across DTC and wholesale
International retail distribution across leading global partners
Strong engagement and community growth driven through content and social
“I wanted to produce something directional, stylish and exciting which reflected a child’s imagination and the colourful world we live in.
I chose to offer an alternative to the sea of pinks and blues which dominated the market, whilst also being practical, easy care, quality clothing.
A unisex range which doesn’t limit a kid and let’s a child be a child.”
Content & Social-Led Brand Building
Used content and social as core growth channels, building brand awareness and engagement without reliance on paid media.
Creator & Community Strategy
Developed long-term relationships with creators and brand advocates, driving authentic engagement and loyalty.
Multi-Channel Integration
Connected digital, retail and experiential touchpoints to create a consistent and immersive brand experience.
Purpose-Led Positioning
Embedded sustainability and inclusivity into brand and content strategy, strengthening long-term relevance and connection with audiences.
Strategic Highlights
Sold globally into high-profile retailers including Selfridges, John Lewis, Fenwicks, Bloomingdales, Harvey Nichols, and Galeries Lafayette.
Recognised for design excellence with a UKFT Award for Best Brand and selected as a finalist for The WGSN Design Innovation Award, and HBSC Elevator Pitch which acknowledged the company as one of the top 10 brands ripe for investment.
Thanks to its strong branding and clear point of view, Tootsa resonated at a moment when gender-neutral products for children were gaining traction, leading to coverage across Vogue, Marie Claire, Elle, national and international media, and B2B trade press.
Collaborated on exclusive collections with artists, brands and designers, including Castelbajac, Jasper Conran and The Conran Shop, toy brand Noodoll, and illustrators Nadia Shireen, Steven Burke and Jennie Maizels.
Developed and implemented a circular resale initiative, allowing customers to send back worn or outgrown garments for resale via our ‘Pre-Loved’ channel in return for a discount on their next size.
“Kate brings clarity and a strong point of view to brand building. She combines creative instinct with a clear understanding of what drives commercial success.”
- Jasper Conran
The brand gained recognition, press, awards and a loyal fan base for it’s innovative designs, collaborations and ground-breaking ideas, including
Affordable Organic Cotton ‘Essentials’ packs of everyday essentials
Free repairs and clothes patches
Recycled paper packaging
Photoshoots presenting identical outfits on boys and girls, challenging traditional gender roles through varied, non-stereotypical poses and narratives.
Transparent pricing
Category free shopping (no girl / boy divide)
Circular economy model with a hand-me-down & pre-loved peer to peer portal
