Meet the Washington woman running a successful business while also being a mum of seven

Veronica Mclaren from Washington, launched Just4Baby’s in 2007, offering baby clothes and accessories, while also looking after and raising seven daughters, one of whom who has Down Syndrome.

Two of Veronica’s daughters are now adults and have fled the nest, leaving the business owner to run her shop while looking after five at home.

The business is currently inside the Galleries Shopping Centre, having previously been at Crowther industrial Estate and Washington Market Village.

Before starting her business, Veronica worked in various roles and professions including Gateshead QE hospital and a local furniture shop, before deciding to take the plunge and become her own boss.

The coronavirus crisis has been a difficult time for local businesses but Veronica has been able to keep Just4Baby’s afloat and is hoping the worst of the pandemic is now over.

She said: “With having no income from the shop l had to take a bounce back loan just to keep going. It’s been a difficult year but hopefully now we can begin to move on.

"We are an independent family run business. We stock brands from Spain, Portugal, Poland and the UK and like to offer little ones something different through stocking clothing no other retailer has.”

Despite the challenges of having seven children and running a business, Veronica loves being busy and is proud of both the shop and her daughters.

She added: “Being a Mum of seven is amazing and l am so proud of all my girls. It’s definitely hard running a business while also running a house and making meals but I somehow manage it and it’s all worth it.”

Just4baby’s offers a range of baby products for both boys and girls including Spanish and Portuguese clothing, baby toys and accessories and embroidered products.

The shop has been at the Galleries Shopping Centre since November 2019 and also stocks an exclusive range of handmade cardigan sets, baby blankets, hats and more.

Just4Baby’s is open Monday-Saturday 10am-5.30pm and Sunday 9am-4pm and to find out more about the baby clothing and accessory store, visit their website via this link.

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