Laura, founderOur story
“I wanted the clothes we love to help the animals we love.”
Hi, I’m Laura. I started Big Wild Thought in 2018 from our bedroom, with a simple idea: beautiful, hand-drawn animal clothing where every piece gives something back to the wild.
Eight years, four charity partners and over £300,000 later, we’re back with new designs and the same promise: £1.50 from every item goes to wildlife.
The good, the bad, and everything in between
Here’s what the journey really looked like
Started in our bedroom
Making cute tees that donated to animal charities. It took three months to sell our first tee that wasn’t to a family member (thanks, Etsy!).
Our first unit
We quit our jobs and moved into a tiny unit, outgrew it in three months, and upgraded to a 2,000 sq ft space that became our home for the next three years.
Busier than ever
Lockdown hit and orders flooded in. We hired our first team members and worked nonstop: 12+ hour days, seven days a week.
A massive year
Our biggest stock order ever (£30k) and £1 million turnover. Then I found out I was pregnant, the most beautiful bonus of all.
Struggling behind the scenes
I looked happy, but staff issues, rising costs from Brexit and no recovery time after a C-section took their toll. I was back at work within six weeks of giving birth.
Our hardest year
Sales were low, bills were high, and I started therapy for anxiety attacks. We were stuck in a unit we couldn’t afford, just trying to survive.
A really hard decision
We released our final limited edition design before closing. Our mental health and finances couldn’t take more, and with a child in the mix, we had to make some really hard decisions.
Time to reset
We took time away to recharge and reset, and thought hard about what Big Wild Thought should be.
We’re back
Slower, more intentional, and focused on building something long term, not just fast. Still with £1.50 from every item going to wildlife, and over £300,000 donated so far.
How we make it
From a pencil sketch to your wardrobe
Designed in Nottinghamshire
Every design starts in our Nottinghamshire studio, from barn owls to capybaras.
Made ethically
Our organic and recycled garments are made in ethical factories in Bangladesh and India.
Embroidered to order
We embroider your animal in-house once you order, on the left chest or right in the centre.
Find your wild side
Pick your favourite animal and £1.50 goes straight back to protecting the wild.