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Nadia Breen

NI sisters swap air hostess and pharmacy careers to launch kids clothing line

Two Northern Ireland sisters have taken the leap to create their own kids' clothing brand after not being able to find what they were looking for.

Larne women Tina Rogers, 35, and Nicolle Torbitt, 28, were both on maternity leave at the same time in 2021, with their first babies being born just two months apart.

While out shopping to get prepared for their new arrivals, they couldn't find the clothes they were looking for.

Read more: Tyrone mum who set up business during lockdown nominated for top award

They launched Asher&Ace just last week, named after their two sons, who are aged 14 months and one-year-old.

Describing the style as a 'laid-back, neutral, comfortable fashion line for both boys and girls'.

They now both work full-time with their new brand, being able to spend time together and with their babies.

Nicolle (back) with her son Ace and Tina (front) with her son Asher (Submitted)

Tina was previously an air hostess, with Nicolle being a buyer for a pharmaceutical company.

Tina told Be : "It was amazing that we were both on maternity together. There is only seven weeks between the boys. As we went through pregnancy, we were out shopping for baby clothes and got the vibe that there wasn't much we liked.

"Only some stores had laid back, neutral kids clothing that we both really liked. We said to ourselves, 'Wouldn't that be a lovely idea to open a shop of our own?' It was a pipe dream to begin with.

"As we got along, we really wanted to turn it into reality.

"It is just online at the moment but it would be amazing in the future to get a store."

Asher wearing Asher&Ace (Submitted)

The sisters used the past year to get their ideas together and said it was daunting.

Tina added: "It was different to anything we'd ever done. But it's great as we've always loved fashion.

"It's always exciting for us to get stuck into it, and especially having the boys at home with us and being able to take them on every step of the way is great. Also having each other as sisters is fantastic really."

Nicolle explained how they both never though they'd ever open up a business together.

She said: "This became a dream, and then a reality once the boys came along, they were the inspiration - instead of going to a 9 to 5, childcare...

"We can work from home and raise them as best we can.

Ace wearing Asher&Ace (Submitted)

"I think it would be great to inspire other mums. A lot more women need to branch into business.

"Since we have started up, a lot our support has came from other mums. It is great to see that community coming through.

"It is really encouraging and confirms that we have done the right thing."

For others wanting to set up their own business, the sisters have some advice.

The cousins (Submitted)

Tina said: "For sure go to a business advisor. We went and talked through everything with them and got professional advice and really threw our ideas at them.

"They told us what they thought would work.

"For sure I think it is good to talk to someone who has been there, done that. It was good to get their perspective on things."

Nicolle added: "It can be hectic sometimes but it's worth it."

Read more: NI woman opens up on rare bone condition which leaves her in constant pain

Read more: ' I dropped eight dress sizes': NI woman's inspiring weight loss journey

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