When Amy Smart launched Basking Babies Colchester two years ago, she hoped to create a welcoming space where parents could connect, build confidence and enjoy precious time with their babies.
Since then, her business has grown significantly. New venues, additional instructors and expanding classes have allowed Amy to support more families across Colchester and the surrounding villages than ever before.
But as she celebrates her second anniversary with Basking Babies, Amy reflects that the most meaningful part of the journey hasn't been the growth of the business itself. It's been the community that has grown around it.
One of the things Amy loves most about her role is watching relationships develop between parents who may never have met otherwise. Week after week, she sees mums arrive at classes not knowing anyone in the room, only to leave with new friendships, shared experiences and a support network that extends far beyond the sessions themselves.
“I absolutely love seeing mums come into classes as strangers and leave as genuine friends,” she said. “Watching them support each other and build real friendships is so special because those connections might never have happened otherwise.”
Those moments are often what make the biggest difference during early parenthood, when connection and understanding can be just as valuable as practical support.
Earlier this year, Amy experienced the loss of her dad. During a particularly difficult period, she found herself on the receiving end of the same kindness and support that she works so hard to create for others.
“The mums in my classes were all so lovely and thoughtful, and the Basking Babies head office team were there for me too,” she said. “It made me realise even more how important these communities are. Sometimes people don’t need fixing or advice, they just need someone to listen and remind them they’re not going through things alone.”
For Amy, it was a powerful reminder that community isn't just something built for parents attending classes. It has the ability to support all of us when we need it most.
As Basking Babies Colchester continues to grow, Amy remains focused on creating spaces where families feel welcomed, supported and able to connect with one another.
Alongside expanding her team and introducing new opportunities for local parents to come together, her dedication has also been recognised across the wider community with her nomination for Most Loved Activity Leader or Business Manager in East England at the What's On 4 Kids Awards.
For Amy, however, it's the relationships built through her classes that remain the most rewarding part of the journey. While classes may bring people together, it's the connections formed within them that often leave the biggest lasting impact.