In this episode of Growing Kiwis, we sit down with Hannah Porter, , founder of Bear & Moo, to talk about how a maternity leave side hustle turned into a thriving e-commerce business. What began as a simple idea at home has grown over the past seven years into a well-known baby and parenting brand, with a growing team, a warehouse, and a retail store.

Hannah shares the real story behind building a product-based business, including the challenges of manufacturing overseas, managing inventory and stock forecasting, and making big decisions about what products to bring to market. She also opens up about some of the harder lessons along the way, from bad product calls to hiring too early, and how those experiences helped shape the business she runs today.

We also dive into what it’s like running a business with your partner, balancing family life with entrepreneurship, and learning to step into leadership as the business grows. Hannah talks honestly about the mindset shifts that come with moving from a side hustle to a fully-fledged business and the importance of trusting your instincts as a founder.

A huge part of Bear & Moo’s success has been the strong community built around the brand. Hannah explains why authenticity matters more than polished marketing, how staying relatable has helped create loyal customers, and why connection is still one of the most powerful tools for growing a brand in today’s digital world.

This conversation is packed with honest insights into entrepreneurship, leadership, and what it really takes to build a business that people genuinely connect with.

Bear and Moo - Website