A Love Across Continents, the Joy of Parenthood, and a Dream to Support New Families: The Baba-lando Journey
Chat Session 180 with Kate and Dez
Topic- From a Chance Meeting to a Family Dream
Monday 9th November 2026 1pm https://rppfm.com.au
Our Story
Some stories are written slowly. Theirs began on a holiday.
On 4 November 2006, Kate and Dez met in Orlando, Florida—two people from opposite sides of the world, brought together by chance and sunshine. Kate’s cousin was marrying Dez’s best friend, and they were both in the wedding party.
After six weeks of phone calls—before social media had really taken off—Kate jumped on a plane and moved in with Dez in England. The rest, as they say, is history.
After seventeen years together, side by side, building a life, working closely in business and dreaming about what might come next, they didn’t know their biggest adventure was still to come.
In 2023, their beautiful baba, Orlando, was born. Becoming parents later in life felt daunting. They really didn’t know much about having a baby, yet it became the most enriching experience and opened a whole new chapter for them.
Suddenly, their world became warmer, fuller and infinitely softer. Orlando changed everything, including their purpose.
Orlando is the centre of everything they do and the heartbeat behind Baba-lando.
Every decision, every product and every brand they choose is guided by the same question: Would they choose this for him?
Finding a Gap
As new parents, Kate and Dez went looking for things for their baba. Not just items to tick off a checklist, but pieces that felt special, things they could see, touch and instantly know would mean something.
They wanted quality, comfort and warmth. Products worthy of the most precious thing in their world.
They truly felt there was a real gap locally: a place where everything had already been thoughtfully chosen, loved and made ready for your little baba.
That’s when they said, “Someone should do this.”
And then they realised—that someone was them.
Welcome to Baba-lando
Named after their little baba, Baba-lando was created from love, experience and a deep desire to support new families. Everything they offer is curated with care—the kind of care that comes from being in it themselves.
Their products are the ones you want to wrap your baba in. Soft as silk. Warm like buttery toast. Comforting, cosy and made to be treasured.
They believe in brands that are worthy of your baba—premium, thoughtful, beautifully made and built to last. If it’s in their store, it’s because they love it.
What They Value
-Comfort and warmth
-A welcoming, personal experience
-Quality over quantity
-Recommendations shared by friends, family and their community
-Convenience, because you already have enough on your mind
Whether you’re expecting a little baba or adjusting to life as a new family, Kate and Dez want you to feel supported, not overwhelmed. When you come to Baba-lando, you can feel confident knowing they’ve already done the research, the choosing and the loving, so you don’t have to.
Their aim is to give you that feeling:
“Ohhh… this is so cute.” “This is so cosy.” “This feels just right.”
Looking Ahead
Baba-lando is more than a boutique; it’s a vision for connection.
Kate and Dez started online, opened a well-received pop-up in Rosebud Plaza and have recently opened their physical boutique in Rye on the Mornington Peninsula. They hope to see great success, with Baba-lando as their plan through to retirement.
In time, they hope to create a true hub for anyone with a little baba in their life—a space not only for beautiful products, but also for meaningful support.
Their dream is to provide a welcoming place to access trusted services, learn, connect and feel cared for. This includes hosting and supporting:
-Pregnancy webinars and in-person classes
-Breastfeeding support and guidance
-Pregnancy and postnatal health and wellbeing services
-Baby and toddler first-aid classes
And much more!
Baba-lando exists to provide the very best for their Orlando,
and for all your little babies.
Curated with love by them, for you xo
Visit their website www.baba-lando.com to discover thoughtfully chosen pieces for your little one, learn more about their journey, and keep up with the latest news.
Follow Baba-lando on social media
Instagram babalandobaby
Facebook Baba-lando Baby Boutique
TikTok Baba-lando
My hope is that when you’re looking at yourself in the
‘The Daily Mirror’
YOU SMILE
EMBRACE BEING YOU
AND FIND 10 MINUTES IN YOUR DAY TO NOURISH YOUR SOUL!
To get in touch with Cathy email smileinthedailymirror@gmail.com
'The Daily Mirror' acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.
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