This blog post is dedicated to one of our amazing stockists - Rachel Fisher from Chewable Charm, California. The momma behind this brand is sweet, talented and hardworking; bringing a unique mix of fashion and practicality together for mums who don't want to lose their sense of self when a little one arrives. Her products are stylish, safe and subtle to wear ... and boy am I a big fan! In fact, I am such a fan of her sweet items that I stock and sell them here at My Little Duke. You will find a limited selection of her teething necklaces in our boutique, all handmade by Rachel in her home in California!

I wanted to interview Rachel so all you lovely customers here in the UK and Ireland can get to know the person behind the product. So take a wee read ...

Q. Tell us a bit about yourself …

Rachel - Hi there! I’m Rachel Fisher Owner/Designer of Chewable Charm. Momma to my sweet baby boy Austin, who is 1 & wife to my wonderful husband Blake. We are a true family business making Teething Necklaces for moms here in sunny California, currently living our dream of being parents and business owners.

Q. Tell us about Chewable Charm …

Rachel - I hope that moms feel just as fashionable as they feel practical wearing our handmade Teething Necklaces. Remember the days where you could actually wear that cute Anthropologie necklace without those little fingers pulling and nibbling on every inch? Your new “Mom style” is a real thing and believe me, it happens to all of us! We are here to help keep your pre-baby style with our modern designs while helping soothe your little ones teething gums. Our beads are 100% FDA approved high quality food grade silicone. BPA, PVC, Latex, phthalate and lead free. It’s great for gift giving and baby showers because all orders come gift wrapped.

Q. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Rachel - I started making my own Teething Jewelry that matched my own style, which as most of my friends know is a mix of neutrals and whites and grays, so neutrals. I felt like there had to be other moms out there who would much rather wear a Teething Necklace that complimented their style without overpowering their outfits. I really… like really, enjoy the craft of designing and making something beautiful in my home and sending it out to other moms and babies to wear and enjoy. I have always had “my brand” in my mind. You should see my secret Pinterest boards which I have gathered over the years. I started dreaming of a brand before I knew what our product would be. Being a mom of a teething baby was exhausting, overwhelming and heartbreaking. Finding something fun and stylish to wear and not worry about while my little guy shoved it into his mouth triggered a spark that caught to fire in our household. Quickly came the designs, the website, the Instagram, the photography done by our fabulous friends, and soon after that, came the orders. We are now in a handful of retail stores over the US and UK and growing into many more. It has been so much fun to see this little dream of ours turn heads.

Q. What have been your highlights since you started Chewable Charm?

Rachel - I love our new Spring and Summer line that has some pops of blush, light gray and nude colors incorporated with our mint and creams for the original line. It has been so fun to be picked up and in store all across the world! Another highlight was shortly after the release we were given the award for the Mom’s Best Network Hot Product for 2015!

Q. What advice would you give to a new mum?

Rachel - The best advice I got was when another mom told me “The days are long but the years are short.” She couldn’t have been more right. Some days and nights are rough and I want all moms out there to know they are not alone and it’s normal when it feels hard. Hang in there mommas!

There is just something so special about supporting the work and talent of a mama just like yourself, you know? Someone who shares the same daily struggles as you, the same joyous moments as you ... that same responsibility of being a 'mother.' I remember when I first came across Rachel's brand; I instantly fell in love with her subtle and unique style. I remember thinking that even if I didn't have Phoebe, I'd still want to buy a necklace as they looked so fab! Isn't it even better that these adorable necklaces are so unbelievably practical too?! They are so soft for Phoebe to teethe on and play with (especially while nursing!) What I really love though, is that we have shipped some of these beautiful necklaces off to some beautiful mamas and I just know they will be loved and used as much as mine is with Phoebe. These stunning necklaces are perfect to buy as a treat for yourself, your little one or even as a present for a new mama, a mama-to-be or to a mama who is feeling the stress and strain of a teething baby. All our parcels come gift wrapped as standard, so why not treat yourself or another sweet mama to a handmade Chewable Charm necklace, all the way from sunny California!

Steph xx