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Three months has now passed since I stopped belly casting. As you may have seen from my Social Media channels I was desperately hoping that it would be possible for me to reopen on 4th July 2020, in line with other 'close contact' services. Whilst hairdressers and barbers have been given the green light to reopen on 4th July, our Government has made it clear that beauty and nail bars, makeup, tattoo and spray tanning studios, spas, sports and massage therapy, well-being and holistic locations MUST remain closed until further notice. Whilst Boris clearly doesn't legislate specifically for pregnant belly casting services I am aligning myself with this group of 'close contact services' due to the nature of my business which inevitably requires me to get up close and personal with pregnant women. Pregnant women were placed in a vulnerable group by the Chief Medical Officer on 16 March and were advised to reduce social contact through social distancing measures. Guidelines released by The Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists for pregnant women and new mums surrounding the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) earlier this month also suggest that women in their third trimester (more than 28 weeks pregnant) should be particularly attentive to social distancing and minimise contact with others. This advice still stands. On this basis I am very sorry to say that Rock the Bump pregnant belly casting will remain closed to new bookings for the time being. I will continue to sell DIY casting kits so women wishing to create a keepsake of their pregnant don't miss out and I'll be taking commissions for DIY bump cast restorations and artwork. I'll be keeping a keen eye on changes to Government and NHS guidance and will update you as soon as anything changes. In the meantime, I'd love to hear your thoughts. What would make you feel safe? I'm still receiving enquiries every day from pregnant women wanting to book in for a bump casting session with me, despite all of the above. Belly cast artists in other parts of the world are reopen, I have risk assessments in place, handwashing and sanitizer, PPE and (weather permitting) the option of casting outdoors or in a well ventilated room but for now, at least, I'm keeping you safe by saying closed. I bought a bump casting kit to do at home from you. I’m really pleased with how it’s come out. Thanks again for this, as it’s made pregnancy in lockdown that bit more special!! - Chloe In light of the Government press conference this evening, I have had to make the heartbreaking decision to stop belly casting with immediate effect and until further notice.
The process of creating a Rock the Bump pregnant belly cast is completely safe but I don’t take any risks with pregnant women so I'll be taking a bit of an enforced hiatus until this storm passes. There really is no substitute for a professional belly casting but, given the current situation, a Rock the Bump DIY belly casting kit (£25 plus P&P) is the next best thing. You can always send your DIY belly cast to me and commission Rock the Bump to carry out repair work (if necessary), strengthen, smooth and decorate with your own choice of custom design artwork. For the time being I'll be keeping myself busy working on all the lovely belly bowls and bump casts I have in my home studio at the moment! If you have a Rock the Bump pregnant belly casting session scheduled to take place within the next 12 weeks I will be in contact with you directly to discuss any concerns you may have. Please rest assured that a full refund will be offered in the event of cancellation. Stay safe and stay well. Big love. Zoe - Founder & Belly Cast Artist Rock the Bump Pregnant Belly Casting  “Rock the Bump creates beautiful belly castings for expectant mothers across the country. Inspired by her own pregnancy, Zoe understands the bond between mothers and their bumps and allows women to cherish that special connection through wonderful castings. I wish her every success in the future. On Wednesday 21st November 2018, I was recognised by British businesswoman, Jacqueline Gold CBE, for my success as a female entrepreneur, and awarded with a prestigious #WOW badge. I was one of three winners selected by Jacqueline after entering ‘Women on Wednesday’ – a competition launched by Jacqueline in 2011 to celebrate the growing number of UK female entrepreneurs and businesswomen. Women on Wednesday (#WOW) takes place every week and is run through Jacqueline’s Twitter page. When selecting the winners, Jacqueline looks for businesses that are interesting, that have strong brand values and that she thinks have potential to grow and succeed in their industry. She looks for quality products and services, well designed websites and entrepreneurs who demonstrate good business acumen and who have spotted a gap in the market that meets the consumer’s needs. “I am so incredibly proud to have been selected as a #WOW winner. A little recognition goes a long way when you’re a busy mum of three, working hard to grow a small, creative business against all odds. Rock the Bump pregnant belly casting is now in its 4th year. I'm the busiest I've ever been, with women from across the UK choosing to work with Rock the Bump and the business expanding with a small team of belly cast artists having completed their training with me. I could have thrown in the towel more times than I care to remember but I've always held on to the belief that I could, and would, eventually build a successful business doing something I genuinely LOVE, creating beautiful belly bump and belly bowl keepsake casts for pregnant women. Being recognised by the fabulous Jacqueline Gold has given me a huge boost and the much needed momentum to take Rock the Bump pregnant belly casting on to the next level in 2019 when I will be launching a bespoke maternity package with my good friend and fellow mum of three, Sian Louise Photography AND kicking off the New Year with a trip to Bedfordshire my second ‘Love Islander’ bump cast!” – Zoe Keeping, Founder & Belly Cast Artist, Rock the Bump pregnant belly casting For more information about Women on Wednesday, please visit http://www.jacquelinegold.com/wow/wow-about/
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AuthorZoe Keeping - Artist/Owner of Rock the Bump pregnant belly casting, mum to three happy little hooligans, lucky to live with hubby and best friend Ryan in sunny, sunny Bournemouth. Love music, food, festivals, tattoos, real ale, camping, wildlife, flowers, birds, baking and art. CategoriesArchives
March 2020
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