This time last year, mum-of-one Lucy Tilley was ready for a new adventure. After falling head over heels for the bonding time she shared with her baby daughter at her local Basking Babies classes, she knew she’d found something special. So, when the chance came up to take over our classes herself, it felt like the perfect next chapter. Now, a year on, Lucy is the proud owner of our Dulwich, Forest Hill & Sydenham franchise, and she’s celebrating her first birthday in business by supporting families who need a little extra care and comfort in those early days of parenthood.
“Since taking the reins last year, I’ve loved creating spaces for mums to connect and unwind, whether that’s through our regular baby classes or our social coffee mornings,” said Lucy. “But one of the most meaningful parts of this journey has been teaming up with premature baby charity Ickle Pickles to visit mums and babies in the NICU at Lewisham Hospital. It’s a real privilege to spend time with families during such a vulnerable time, and I’d love to expand this support to other London hospitals too. Every parent deserves a little extra care and reassurance in those early days.”
From tiny toes to happy giggles, Lucy’s days are now filled with baby massage, yoga and heartwarming moments, all while juggling life as a busy mum. She’s no stranger to running a business either. Together with her husband, Lucy has also run a dog grooming salon and bouncy castle hire company, but it was our opportunities at Basking Babies that stole her heart.
“I started attending Basking Babies classes with my daughter when she was about seven or eight weeks old - we absolutely loved it,” explained Lucy. “At the time, I was running a soft play and bouncy castle business and supporting the previous owner at coffee mornings. I’d already been thinking about starting my own Basking Babies franchise, so when the opportunity came up to take over the Dulwich, Forest Hill & Sydenham area, it honestly felt like fate.
“I loved the idea of helping other mums build a community, and the flexibility worked perfectly around my daughter’s nursery schedule, something my other businesses just couldn’t offer. I really believe having open conversations with other mums is so important when you’re raising a child, and I wanted to be that friendly, familiar face for other parents.”
“I enjoy teaching so much. If I’ve had a stressful morning, the second I start a class, it all just melts away. It’s such a joy to watch mums connect and see real friendships blossom. As things continue to grow, I know I’ll need to bring another instructor on board, and I’m really excited for those next steps,” said Lucy.
“Watching Lucy blossom over the past year has been such a joy. She brings so much heart to everything she does, from her baby classes to her community work with families in hospital. This is exactly what we’re all about: creating moments of connection, comfort and care. We’re so proud of everything Lucy’s achieved and can’t wait to see what her second year brings,” added our founder, Carla Davison.
