Kingston-based Ilona Andrews, mum of two, certified sleep consultant, and founder of Sleeping Stars, is on a mission to help little ones and their parents sleep better. 

As a "mum-preneur," Ilona knows firsthand how tough the early years can be. Ilona's own struggles with sleep during her baby's early months led her to hire three different consultants before finally finding someone who could help.

Determined to support others in the same situation, Ilona trained as a sleep consultant herself; just in time to welcome her second child. 

But it was not long before her training sparked a whole new idea. Watching her daughter start walking around in a traditional sleeping bag (cue serious safety worries), Ilona realised there was a gap in the UK market for practical, safe sleepwear that worked for toddlers as they begin to find their feet. And so, Sleeping Stars was born. 

Juggling motherhood, newborn life and launching a business, all while seven months pregnant, Ilona began developing Sleeping Stars' signature toddler sleeping suit.

Designed with separate legs for safety and built-in socks for warmth and comfort, the sleeping suit gives parents peace of mind that their child can sleep safely through the night, while still having the freedom of movement to comfortably toddle around in the morning and at bedtime.  

As a mum, hygiene was a big priority too, so Ilona made sure every product could be washed at 40°C and tumble-dried when needed, making them practical for real family life. 

Ilona's designs combine practical thinking with playful charm, thanks to hand-painted watercolour prints in neutral designs, created in partnership with British and Ukrainian artists – Ilona is from Ukraine.

Every piece is made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and certified to OEKO-TEX Standard 100, so parents know exactly what's next to their baby's skin. 

Growing the brand has not always been easy. Ilona admits product design was the fun part, it was tech challenges, website woes and proving herself as a young founder, which tested her the most.

But with a loyal following of parents and a clear vision for the future, she has built Sleeping Stars around the realities of family life, not in spite of them.