Mangerton mother's Rugii towel sets make a splash
Natalie Zukowski, Illawarra local and founder of Rug Up Beach Co, has made waves in the beach accessory industry since its inception in late 2022. Rug Up Beach Co offers the FIRST wearable hooded towel set designed to keep young beach enthusiasts...
Mangerton local Natalie Zukowski has been making waves in the beachwear industry.
In late 2022, Natalie founded the Rugup Beach Co. and launched an online store to sell her original wearable hooded towel sets, which are designed to keep children warm and comfortable.
Natalie – a mother of three who loves to take her family to the beach – came up with the towelling combo as practical beachwear for her own active kids.
Regular hooded towels would flop around, exposing her kids to the sun and hindering their energetic activities. Natalie's "Eureka" moment came when she thought of sewing existing towels into a hooded shirt and shorts set – the Rugii. Her three children have been wearing a Rugii for years and parents often stop to ask where they can buy one.
Natalie had never considered starting a business, but circumstances led her down that path. When her youngest son was born with a rare brain disorder and epilepsy, Natalie took on the role of a full-time caregiver and realised she couldn't return to work as planned.
Motherhood kept her very busy, but Natalie found she also needed an outlet for her own passion and ambition. Encouraged by friends, she decided to turn her Rugiis into a product she could make and sell.
It wasn’t easy. Developing a unique product took time and testing. Catering to the needs of children with disabilities added an extra layer of complexity. And finally, crafting a compelling brand story was essential.
Although it felt overwhelming at times, Natalie broke down her tasks into simple steps and sought knowledge through courses, podcasts and networking.
Natalie's experience has provided her with valuable insights. Firstly, she learned that being a mother and a business owner requires goals and boundaries. Balancing the demands of raising children with additional needs with growing a business also demands careful planning and self-care.
Building a strong support network has been vital. Using resources like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and seeking support from carers has helped Natalie manage her child's care, so she can focus on her business.
To parents thinking about starting their own ventures, Natalie recommends taking the leap. Her message for aspiring entrepreneurs: find something unique that makes you stand out in the market.
For more information about Rugup Beach Co., visit the website
