Global Mama: Oscars For Kids

Global mumpreneurs

Dea Manassen is the mama behind Oscars for Kids, the cutest little loafers for boys up to the age of 10 (they’re seriously adorable, the problem is deciding which colour to go for) . Dea has two kids, Oscar (the inspiration behind the brand!) and Chloe and lives in Sydney where the sunshine and beaches – plus heaps to do for families – make life pretty perfect. Read our mini-interview below (and get ready to want to shop the Oscars for Kids collection!).

How, when and why did you start your business?
I started my business last year just after we sold my husband’s restaurant in Sydney and I had decided that I would be a stay home mum for a couple of years. After 2 weeks of being home with my youngest son, my mother sent me a pair of red loafers and everywhere I went lovely strangers would ask where I got them. After he grew out of them I tried everywhere to find beautiful classy yet comfy shoes for him. Very quickly I could see a huge gap in the market for affordable and stylish shoes for toddlers so I decided to start my online store.

How did you come up with the name Oscars For Kids?
After my son, Oscar.

For mamas wanting to order on Oscars For Kids, do you deliver to Dubai and what is the delivery time?
The delivery time is about 6-8 days but I’m in talks with a lovely Distributor over there and hopefully our fans will be able to find our loafers in the local Malls shortly.

What advice would you give to a mama juggling a family and her career?
Being organised and disciplined.

Do you have any advice for starting an online business?
Have the best customer service possible. Reply to emails with in 1 hour and a lot of social media.

What are your go to brands and have your children got their own fashion style?
For my son, I’m obsessed with Ralph Lauren and for daughter I love Janie and Jack.

What city do you live in and how long have you lived there?
I live in Sydney Australia. I originally came from Brazil at 18yrs old and I’m still here after 16 years.

What do you love most about your city as a mama?
Sydney has everything for kids from a show at the Opera house to the beautiful parks around the Harbour, beaches, beautiful weather and a mix of everything, which seems to give you options to do anything at any time.

What would be your top tips for a family day out for visitors to your city?
Definitely walking around Sydney Harbour and a picnic at the Botanical Gardens looking over the Opera House.

What is your favourite holiday destination?
I absolutely adore Queenstown! We go skiing every year with the kids. It’s a beautiful town with lots of fun things to do with the kids, in both winter and summer.

Have you ever been to Dubai? Where did you stay? Was it child friendly and what was your favourite activity?
I was in Dubai about 4 years ago on my way to Greece. We stayed two nights at The Westin, we absolutely loved it. I would love to back and stay for longer and take the kids to Atlantis The Palm.

Describe your parenting style in three words.
Discipline, caring and fun.

What are your five must-have mama items?

• Bugaboo pram
• Love to swaddle
• A great big stylish bag to carry all they teddies/cars.
• I will be a little cheeky and say a great nanny and a wonderful supportive husband.

How would you describe your home/interior style?
We live 100m from the beach. I would say its Hamptons, clean lines and modern.

How do you like to spend your weekends?
Catching up with family and friends.

What’s your easy go-to meal that super fast and easy to make if the kids need to be fed now now now?!
A good ol’ bowl of spaghetti.

What’s great about being a mama in your city?
Endless great shows and opportunities Sydney has to offer. Sunshine and beaches makes for such a great energy.