Edmonton’s Baby Business Boom

Edmonton Journal:

Edmonton’s baby boom is spawning another phenomenon — the parent-preneur.

A rising breed of entrepreneurs, many of them moms and dads, see opportunity in the region’s teeming maternity wards.

Two and a half years ago, Amanda Olivari and Laura Norby were NAIT business program grads looking to partner in some kind of venture.

“When Amanda became a mom of two the idea and inspiration became clear,” their website says.

Olivari and Norby opened Amy Lou boutique selling posh maternity wear and children’s clothing, newborn to size 10, in the Terwillegar Heights Towne Square in an upscale and fast-growing southwest corner of Edmonton.

“There was just nothing in this area,” said Norby, a newlywed with no children yet.

“I was working at an adult clothing store down the street and I noticed there’s so many young families in this area and there’s lots and lots of people having children.

“It seemed like the perfect area to bring in a business like this.”