After deciding on a more family-friendly career she encountered several mothers starting their own small businesses.

That prompted the Muddle Puddle Market. That was less than a year ago and the response from industrious mothers was eye opening.

They were working on handmade baby clothes, toys and accessories and needed a bit more exposure. With a background in media, Ms Cox gave them that chance.

“I just really wanted to give them a place to reach their audiences,’’ she said. “I didn’t know where to find handmade clothes and a lot of those little businesses don’t have retail shop fronts.

“I did one [Muddle Puddle Market] last year and it just went so well that it has run every month since then. I was very lucky in that I just found the most amazing group of women.’’

Each month the market attracts about 70 stallholders, which is as many as the venues for the roving market can sustain.

With legions of small business women flocking to the market and stalls booking out, people asked Ms Cox whether she could do something bigger. This has led to the creation of the first Canberra Baby and Beyond Expo slated for September.

It has already attracted more than 100 exhibitors, including large corporate interest from around the country.

She said the expo was different to the market in that it would have a mix of small Canberra businesses from the market as well as national and international labels that didn’t have a store presence in the ACT.

Ms Cox, who has been nominated for this year’s AusMumpreneur Awards, along with a number of her stallholders, said there was so much talent out there that just didn’t have an outlet to get to people.

■ The Canberra Baby and Beyond Expo takes place on September 27 and 28 at the AIS Arena. For more information visit canberrababyexpo.com.au. Meanwhile, the next Muddle Puddle Market takes place on August 30 at Weston Creek Community Centre.

Correction: An earlier version of this article wrongly said the expo is at EPIC. It is at the AIS Arena.