“It’s all about you” is the philosophy behind BUMP - Maternity & More. With its inviting atmosphere, enhanced by a sea of colours, BUMP truly is an oasis for moms to be, with warm hospitality and personalized attention.

Christa Flanagan, owner and operator of BUMP says, “Clients are free to share their pre and post-pregnancy excitement and concerns with us.  I think they share these sentiments because of the shop’s hospitable and warm atmosphere. I want them to leave happy with their purchase and confident with themselves, knowing that they are going to look and feel fantastic.”

Christa’s number one priority is to work with and for women. The goal is that customers will leave BUMP feeling comfortable both physically and emotionally. She wants her clientele to feel they are entering the home of a close personal friend. She would like to see pregnant women radiant and excited for the gift that they are about to receive. Sometimes women feel less than special during their pregnancy, when really it should be one of the most positive experiences in their lifetime.

After 10 years of work with various organizations in Fredericton, Christa returned to school and obtained her MBA from the University of New Brunswick in 2003. She worked in the IT industry for several years until she realized that being an entrepreneur was the right fit for her. With her self-motivated and go getter attitude, Christa knew that her momentum and spunk were too much for a manager and she had to be the one behind the steering wheel. “I wanted to have something that if I give 100% and it failed; I take that. If I give 100% and it succeeds; I take that too.  Really it’s about having a tangible personal goal to reach or not reach, but ultimately have myself being the one who is responsible and accountable for it.”

When Christa was certain that she wanted to be an entrepreneur she performed a scan of what the capital city had to offer and what it was lacking. She noticed that Fredericton didn’t carry much pregnancy and post-pregnancy specialized products, aside from big box suppliers that had a limited selection. This is why BUMP offers quality and affordable pre and post-pregnancy clothing and support garments for women that do not want to sacrifice fashion or comfort during their pregnancy.  Christa offers these high end items at lower prices, with lines that were previously not available east of Montreal.

She was also certain that the business she chose was going to have a focus on women (note – this sentence kind of conflicts with the next one, which talks about gifts for mom, dad and baby, while this sentence talks about focus on women….). In keeping with BUMP’s slogan – Multifunction, Modern Maternity – and MORE!! - not only can you purchase fabulous clothing for the new mom, BUMP also has a wealth of awesome gifts for mom, dad and the new baby. Most of the gifts at BUMP are not available anywhere else in Fredericton. They carry many unique and useful items for the expecting family, most priced below $30 dollars. Christa is regularly adding to her stock of innovative and popular gifts and is always open to suggestions. If an item is not in the shop, she will go out of the way to find it.

With Mother’s Day having just passed, there was a lot of excitement at BUMP. Not only is it the day to celebrate moms of the present, but also those of the future! BUMP partnered with the Back Nine and The Happy Baker to present a fun fashion show for women who wanted to celebrate the mothers in their lives.

Christa shared a few words of wisdom for those interested in opening their own business. First of all, you must be sure that you are ready for the commitment that running your own business requires, especially during the start-up phase. Realize that in the first few years your business is going to be your number one priority and social and personal sacrifices are unavoidable. Also, you have to do your homework and make sure that you’ve worked the numbers and are confident in your idea. Then finally when you’ve got it all figured out, stop thinking and just go for it!

Christa is proud that BUMP offers quality service and products in a relaxed atmosphere. Her commitment to her clients is an inspiration. Christa guarantees that when you visit BUMP, whether as an expectant mom, a family member, or a friend, the experience is all about you, and what you’re looking for.