Throw back to last summer when I got to spend the day in London filming with Spun Gold TV for ITV's Real Full Monty and work with Colleen Nolan, Gemma Collins, Sherrie Hewson, Victoria Ekanoye and Vanessa Bauer as they took some take some time out to explore their relationship with their breasts and transform their boobs into works of art.
I have never enjoyed being on camera or having my photo taken so spending a whole day being filmed was a terrifying prospect for me but the opportunity was too good to miss so I put on my big girl pants and DID IT! Rock the Bump is so much more than a business. It gives me the opportunity to travel across the UK connecting with incredible women at all different ages and stages of their lives and has pushed me outside of my comfort zone SO many times with celebrity castings, photo shoots, interviews and now a TV appearance, albeit a short one! It also provides me with a much needed creative outlet amidst all the stresses and chaos of my other work and life as a mum of three happy hooligans. So there you go. Just a little bit of encouragement from me for anyone out there who might be letting fear hold them back from doing great things. Go for it! 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 |
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
April 2024
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