Lovabelle was established in 2015 while I was on maternity leave with my baby boy. I found there was gap in the children’s activity market, specifically for babies pre-walking age which I know from my years of training and education to be the most crucial period in a babies development. As much as I absolutely loved my maternity leave, in the beginning I often felt a little overwhelmed and isolated as a new parent, particularly because my baby suffered terribly with colic and silent reflux.
I attended classes with my baby and found that they helped with his development massively, however I also felt that I still lacked a support network. This is when I decided to launch a lovely little community group called Sensory Explorers. As well as being educational and aiding babies development, I also wanted to be able to help my customers become confident new parents, and give them lots of support, advice and the tools to encourage their babies healthy development whether it be the ability to soothe them, or to just give suggestions of activities to try with their babies at home. I wanted to provide opportunities for parents to interact with each other during class, as from my own experience of maternity leave I could have really benefited from a support network of like-minded Mams.
I created a flexible working life for myself so I could still put my little boy first. Where I never missed one of his school nativities or sports days and I could always be there to take him to school and collect him each day.
In 2019, I found the perfect fixed venue to hold our classes in. It has now been transformed into our gorgeous baby room, baby friendly and fit for purpose, now known as Lovabelle South Tyneside Headquarters.
Sensory Explorers South Tyneside was a massive success, so much so we had over 140 babies visiting our baby room each and every week and we even made it as a finalist in the Best of South Tyneside awards for Entrepreneur of the year in 2021. It was time to grow. I decided to rebrand Sensory Explorers image, but keep our same style of classes that our customers past and present know and love. And so here we are, Lovabelle Ltd.
It is my dream for Lovabelle classes to be ran throughout the UK. Allowing so many more babies to reap the benefits of Lovabelle, and provide such a rewarding job role to fabulous future Franchisees.
I’m Gem and I am the founder of Lovabelle. I live with my lovely husband and my gorgeous little boy (who was my inspiration behind Lovabelle). I’ve worked in education since 2009 and have a great background in child development. As a qualified Infant Massage and Baby Yoga Instructor I have designed each and every Lovabelle lesson plan with both parent and baby in mind. As well as managing the Lovabelle franchise, I also deliver all of our courses at our South Tyneside HQ. I absolutely love teaching Lovabelle classes. Knowing I have played such an important role in helping babies to grow and develop in their first year and reach their milestones is the most rewarding job you could imagine.
Our classes are fun and engaging, as well as educational. Making precious memories with your babies is what maternity leave is all about. If you’d like more information on our classes in South Tyneside then get in touch. I’d love to meet you. Gem x
Just completed the 4weeks baby massage course with Gemma she is soo lovely and welcoming and interacts with all the parents and babies. She explains every massage technique and what the benefits are. It’s definitely helped me connect with my new little bundle of joy definitely recommend xx
Myself and my daughter attended a yoga class ran by gemma and had an amazing time. It was so calm and relaxing for my little girl but also for myself which was much needed. We learnt breathing skills for parents and positions to calm baby. I have used these at home and always find it relaxes her.
We also attend lovabelle each week and really enjoy it. Lovely environment, different activities each week with baby, time to mix with other parents and play then a lovely wind down at the end.
Me & Quinn absolutely loved these classes every week! All the different themes, helping developmental stages in a fun way, great photo opportunities & keepsakes.
Gemma is really friendly and lovely with everyone.
I would 100% recommend!
Love our sessions with Gemma! Lucas has been going since he was about 2 months old and we love the different themes each week. Having the class split into 3 sections is fab and keeps the babies entertained long enough in line with their attention spans. Having the free time in the middle of class allows the mams to chat too which is lovely. And the chill out time at the end for babies always sends Lucas off to sleep ready for a snooze on the way home.
Please feel free to send us a message via our contact form and we will get back to you asap.
2 Visage House
Shaftesbury Avenue
South Shields
NE34 9PH
