29th Jun 2025
Meet the Member – Julie Keys, Julie Keys Bump, Birth and Baby Classes
Name, business name
Name is Julie and I own and run “Julie Keys Bump, Birth and Baby classes”
Tell us about your businesses, the inspiration behind it and when you launched it?
I used to be part of The Daisy Foundation, but when it folded in August 2023, I decided to continue offering all my classes independently. Before that, I worked as a buyer for Internacionale, USC, and Schuh. My journey into the world pr pregnancy and postnatal began after having my daughter at 34 weeks. I hadn’t attended any antenatal classes, didn’t know any other pregnant women or new mums, and struggled with postnatal depression. That experience drove me to create a space where mums can connect, feel supported during pregnancy and parenthood, and build lasting friendships. The best part? I make it happen so naturally that they don’t even realise it—it’s just part of the magic of my classes! With over 13 years of experience, having started teaching in January 2012 while 19 weeks pregnant with our son, I’m passionate about helping mums feel informed, supported, and never alone on their journey
Best piece of advice you were given at the start of your business journey?
Don’t look at what others are doing, just be the best you!
What has been your biggest lesson/ challenge faced so far and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge has been helping expectant and new mums realise that, even if they think they don’t need mum friends or classes, having that support can make maternity leave a much happier and less lonely experience. It’s something I work on every day. Since 90% of my business comes from word of mouth and only 10% from online searches, encouraging the wonderful families I work with to share their experiences is essential for reaching more mums who could truly benefit
What is your number 1 business tip for success?
Talk to people! Pick up the phone and have a real conversation. While texting, voice notes, and messages are convenient, nothing beats actually speaking to someone. It helps you get a true feel for the person, their service, or their class, making it easier to connect and know if it’s the right fit for you.”
What are the big business goals for the next year?
My main goal for the next year is simply to navigate the rising cost of living and keep my business going strong. Pregnancy and baby classes are often seen as a luxury, so in the current climate, maintaining the level of success I have now would be a big achievement
How can the GGC Business membership help?
To connect with more women and empower them with knowledge about their birth rights, what to expect from their bodies and the system, and how to make the best choices for themselves and their families
What’s the dream?
Full classes, mums getting the birth they deserve, supported and listened to and connecting with other mum friends
Fave mantra to get you buzzed up for business
I have long believed the moral of the starfish story, of just making the difference to one mum , one baby, one family, then I have done my job well
“Once upon a time, there was an old man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach every morning before he began his work. Early one morning, he was walking along the shore after a big storm had passed and found the vast beach littered with starfish as far as the eye could see, stretching in both directions.
Off in the distance, the old man noticed a small boy approaching. As the boy walked, he paused every so often and as he grew closer, the man could see that he was occasionally bending down to pick up an object and throw it into the sea. The boy came closer still and the man called out, “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?”
The young boy paused, looked up, and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean. The tide has washed them up onto the beach and they can’t return to the sea by themselves,” the youth replied. “When the sun gets high, they will die, unless I throw them back into the water.”
The old man replied, “But there must be tens of thousands of starfish on this beach. I’m afraid you won’t really be able to make much of a difference.”
The boy bent down, picked up yet another starfish and threw it as far as he could into the ocean. Then he turned, smiled and said, “It made a difference to that one!”
Shout out to another local business you admire?
There are so many! I admire all the local hard working women in business and there are so many to mention Sarah McMinn at grace health and fitness, Sam at Sam Massage therapy, all the womens health physios and both Eva and Lee at Baby Stepps and Karen at Baby Scantastic!
Three fun facts about you!
I love to sew, especially my own leggings for work. I haven’t bought legging for years, I just make them!
I love to sunbathe, like a lizard on a rock!
I am a fully trained massage therapist in both Sports and remedial and Pregnancy massage with The Western School of Massage and love giving treatments!
