Heather Gaston created one of the most loved items amongst moms who have young children. Thanks to her version of the “Blanki” many moms don’t have to fight with full size blankets when it’s time to pack up their childs’ security blanket anymore. Ivillage.com has even voted The Gigi Blanki the worlds best blankie!
How long did it take you to start up your business? How long has it been since you started it?
The whole process of starring up a business really never ends in my opinion. The idea of The Gigi Blanki Co. was born in 2004, and it continues to evolve and change daily. Every day, we learn something new and find new ways to make our products and our customer service top notch.
How many tries did it take you before you came up with the perfect “Gigi Blanki”?
Hahaha!! It took me quite a while to learn how to use my late Grandmother’s Bernina sewing machine!! I knew the size I wanted and I knew what fabrics I wanted to use, but I had to make a few mock-ups with scrap fabric to get comfortable with the machine. Then, I did have to make a few gigis, until I came up with one that wasn’t too crooked!! The 2 fabrics that we use are quite slippery with each other. Now, however, every Gigi Blanki Co. product we make is perfect or it doesn’t ship out. Making our products is great; we never know what the customer is going to choose for their design, and it is always fun to see how some of the more unique ones turn out! A few of our favorites lately have been the yellow with zebra and the hot pink with chic cheetah.
How did you come up with the idea for your business, The Gigi Blanki Co.?
The Gigi Blanki Co tm. began on a whim in late 2004 after my first daughter, Gabby, was born. From the beginning, she always loved to snuggle with the really soft blankets, which we had many of! But as I stepped further into my new “mommy” role, I grew more and more frustrated with these department store blankets that were too large! The color selection was limited—so forget about trying to match a blanket to any of her outfits, her crib bedding or her personality; And let’s not even mention trying to stuff one into your diaper bag! These frustrations led to the beginning of the “Gigi Blanki”
My late grandmother had left me her beloved sewing machine a few years prior, and honestly it had been sitting docile, collecting dust. So, one fall weekend, with my Nana’s sewing machine, I used the most stylish and divine fabrics I could find to make “gigis” just the right size for Gabby’s little hands and tiny cheeks. Eventually, she had one to match each outfit and I could easily fit them in my diaper bag and even my purse!
Almost immediately friends and family started asking about them and “placing orders.” Before long, I was making gigis to match outfits for all the babies in the neighborhood and the word spread across town.The word continues to spread and we are so proud and excited to have been named the World’s Best Baby Blankie by Today Show affiliate ivillage.com! All of our Gigi products continue to be handmade, so I can personally assure everyone of the quality of the material and the craftsmanship. The Gigi Blanki Co. is truly a family business as my husband, my girls, my mother, my sister and a small group of friends all are part of the Gigi Blanki Co. Team. Also, early into the new year, we will be adding some fun new products to The Gigi Blanki Co. line!
Do you offer any other types of products?
We currently offer our original Gigi Blanki: the luxurious security blanket that you design yourself and we make for you. We also offer coordinating fancy burpies burp cloths and nifty toothies tooth fairy cases. In January, we will be adding a product called a Couture Cuddly, a 25’ by 25” custom made blanket to meet your color choices. Also, keep dropping back by our site, because we will be adding, Strollin’ Snugglers: 35” by 45” unique style blankets (they are soooo cool!), Bippity Bibs: tie closure custom, coordinating bibs and Mommy Lovely Lovies: fancy, classic adult throws. In the fall, we will also introduce our new line of limited edition prints.
Do you have any advice for other mom’s who are interested in building their own business?
Stop thinking about it and take action!! Why not? What have you got to lose?! I think the best place to start is with friends and family. Ask their opinions and ask them to be honest. Listen intently and try not to take the negative comments personally. Think of it as free business advice! For example, there was a time in the beginning that I started using a different quality of ribbon for packaging the blankets in order to save a little bit of money. One of my customers noticed it, pointed it out and commented on how it changed her opinion of the quality of the product. WHOA!! Not what I wanted to hear! So, immediately I went back to the better quality of ribbon and began researching where to find it for the best price. It is important to keep plugging away and work on your idea daily. Use all of your local resources and don’t give up. Use each stumbling block as a stepping stone. It is great to be able to work from home and have something that my entire family can participate in. My best advice though is be certain that you are always proud of what you are doing and to make sure that you keep the integrity of the idea yours.
Will on January 9th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
My roommate has one and I must say, it’s the best blanket ever made, super warm (great for power naps)… The price is a bit of a deterrence, but well worth it!
CatherineL on January 10th, 2008 at 6:00 am
Great interview and those blankets are lovely.
The comments about using criticism to your advantage is priceless.