
Love travelling with the family? Make lasting memories of your adventures with My Passport Pal.
We love entrepreneurs and small business owners at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve created Launchpad, a digital networking platform (with IRL benefits) that encourages connection, business support and community. It’s a privilege and pleasure to learn from so many talented folks! Looking for inspiration? Check out how Cristina Stella Nutt, the founder of My Passport Pal, gets it done like a boss.

Tell us the story behind your business.
My Passport Pal was born out of my deep passion for travel and a desire to share the wonders of the world with my children. As a child, I was so proud of the stamps on my passport. It inspired me to create a product that would be a special keepsake and visual representation of a child’s adventures.
Last year, on the way to the Maldives, I overheard my eldest son talking to his bear about boarding the plane and going on holiday. It was so sweet; I loved the idea that he had a travelling buddy. Inspired by that, I envisioned My Passport Pal as the perfect companion for young explorers. The addition of dungarees, adorned with flags representing the countries they’ve visited, transforms these teddies into more than just cuddly friends. They become a keeper of travel tales, create a love for adventure and cultural diversity, and store their cherished memories.
What are some milestones or achievements you’re most proud of?
One of my proudest achievements is transforming my creative vision from design to end product. Conceiving the idea was easy. Creating an adorable teddy plush that adorns the flags of a child’s travel adventures from the drawing board to a tangible, huggable reality was no easy feat.
By overcoming challenges in the design and manufacturing process, we ensured that our product captured the essence of My Passport Pal and exceeded our stringent quality benchmarks. I’m truly proud of the product and I can’t wait to introduce My Passport Pal to the world. The adventure begins here!

Share with us a setback that taught you a valuable lesson about running a business.
One significant setback I faced early on was the decision to change manufacturers. It started from our first call when they seemed reluctant to explain the full process and disinterested in answering my questions. Yes, I was new to this and maybe some of my questions were obvious or unnecessary, but their poor communication and attitude left me upset and frustrated.
After a month, I decided to make the brave decision and walk away. Although I knew this would cause big delays, it was more important to have a solid trustworthy relationship with my supplier. In hindsight, it was a great learning experience – one that prompted me to prioritise robust communication channels and conduct thorough due diligence when forming partnerships even when they come recommended.
Describe a typical day in your life and what you love most about it.
My day typically starts around 6.30am when my youngest wakes up the house by shouting for us to pick her out of her cot. Mornings are a cherished routine of getting the kids ready for preschool, savouring a comforting coffee with my husband, and bribing my kids to leave the house. A stroll to school with the kids adds a touch of fresh air and laughter, setting a positive tone.
Post-drop-off, the day takes a dynamic turn – whether it’s breaking a sweat at the gym, delving into emails, or navigating tasks from marketing strategies to logistics. The flexibility to work on my schedule is a blessing, allowing precious moments with the kids between school runs and their diverse after-school activities.
Evenings bring a delightful chaos of bath and bedtime routines. As the night settles, we unwind by watching our favourite TV series or stepping out to mingle with friends. What I love most is the ever-changing to-dos of each day which encompasses the entire spectrum of running a new business and, most importantly, relishing the beautiful moments with my family.

What’s your favourite book, movie, or TV show that has influenced your entrepreneurial mindset?
Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso influenced my mindset in helping me believe I could be an entrepreneur. The book is part memoir and part business guide with motivational references. The main takeaway was how women should embrace their uniqueness and individuality – and turn those passions and quirks into strengths.
Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Be your own biggest advocate and supporter. It’s great to have a supportive team, but you need to be the most passionate about your product or service. If you genuinely believe in what you’re offering, others are more likely to follow suit. Building a business around something you love makes the journey more enjoyable and sustainable.
Top tip for maintaining a good work-life balance?
Create a dedicated workspace, establish a routine, and communicate expectations with suppliers or partners. Delegate so you can spend more time with your family.
Favourite thing to do on weekends?
If we’re not away exploring another beautiful country, you’ll likely find us at beach clubs with friends or discovering a new corner of Singapore. We spend as much time as possible with the kiddies creating magical memories.
Tell us one fun fact about yourself that not many people know.
When I was younger, I represented Great Britain at the world championships for cheerleading, which was an amazing experience.
Get in touch with Cristina Stella Nutt online.
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