Leeds mum who left armed forces to become entrepreneur launches 'breastfeeding confidence' fashion label

Lianne Carolan, 31, decided to give up her career in the armed forces to pursue her dreams of running her own business.

Lianne, from Rodley, knew going back to work would have meant giving up breastfeeding due to needing to attend an exercise in Wales to gain her next promotion.

So Lianne - who has a degree in Fashion Design - set up her own clothing label, Sienna Apparel.

The brand is designed to give women the confidence to 'breastfeed wherever, whenever'.

Lianne said: "I left my career in the army to pursue my dream of running my own business, partly because going back to work would have meant giving up breastfeeding and partly because after gaining my degree in Fashion Design, I knew I wanted to start my own clothing label at some point.

"Maternity leave seemed like the perfect opportunity to pivot.

"My clothes are designed to make breastfeeding in public as stress-free as possible.

"To make this achievable I have made the zips visible, and in precisely the right place, whilst also being stylish.

"I haven't met a breastfeeding mother that hasn't expressed nervousness at breastfeeding in public, or how much of a struggle finding breastfeeding clothes that are also stylish and practical is.

"I feel like my brand and product really fills a gap, and can help mothers gain the confidence that is so needed on their breastfeeding journeys."

Lianne, who grew up in Wortley, said her products were eco-conscious and made with 100% organic cotton.

She said: "I use zero-plastic & compostable packaging.

"I am also use a manufacturer who puts sustainability before profit and I have planted trees in order to mitigate my estimated yearly carbon footprint."

To find out more, visit: http://www.siennaapparel.co.uk/