Business Opportunities Weblog

April 30, 2008 by Angela Shupe | 7 Comments

Burp rags are the best friend of a new parent. All the spit up that happens when burping our babies after a bottle makes us thankful for a good burp cloth to help get us through that time in our children’s lives.

It was Sheila McGoldrick that took the burp cloth that we all know to the next level. With her Handy Burpee a parent can expect it to be made for the ease of a parent while doing the protecting that’s expected of a good burp cloth. Best of all, they are mom-made.

If you’re interested in winning a Handy Burpee of your own, or know someone who would benefit from this great burp cloth, you have a chance to win one of your own! The winner will get to choose which pattern they want (the photos of the different material options can be found here). Just leave a comment and don’t forget to include your email address. The giveaway starts now and ends on May 6th at 11:59pm. I will choose a winning comment on May 7th and contact them by email.

What is the Handy Burpee?

Handy Burpee is a mom-invented, mom-made baby burp cloth with a protective covering for your hand. It also protects baby from wearing their own spit-up as well. We are also launching our newest product soon.

How long has it been since you created it?

I invented the Handy Burpee in September 2004.

When did you start selling them?

We launched our website, LovePrints.net, in October of 2006.

What was your inspiration?

My inspiration are the other mothers out there that have accomplished their dreams and “made it happen”. I am passionate about my product and yes it is hard work, but I cannot say that it was difficult for me to continue my dream because it is something I love!

What steps did you need to take to get your business started?

A ton! Starting my own business was not easy for me. I KNEW nothing about running a business and learned everything by trial and error. I guess first thing first was I needed to test my product to make sure that moms out there liked it and would use it. After I knew they were a hit, I started thinking about a website and how to get that going. Thankfully I knew someone who could help me with that. Then came the packaging, business stationary, NETWORKING and getting my name out there, donations, contests, shipping options, and MORE advertisement.

Have you learned anything since you started that you wish you’d known before hand?

I think the one thing that stands out for me is to really think about where you are advertising. Make sure you will be hitting your target market before you spend tons of money for a certain advertising spot, even if it is a great ad. If you are tring to reach moms who breastfeed, do not stick your ad where there is only information on bottles and formula. Really look into who will be reading your ad. This may sound like something you already know, but there can be some research involved into finding your best place to advertise.

Did you have any previous experience or education that you were able to put towards creating your burp cloth and running your business?

No, nothing, I didn’t even know how to sew. I completely learned everything as I went along. It was not a daunting task, I enjoyed everything I learned because I was passionate about my product and still am to this day. So none of it was like a task to me.

Have you been able to take any skills you learned as a parent and put them towards your product?

Well, as a parent I will NEVER give up on my children and I could not give up on my product or my dream of making these a success. So, my answers is YES! My children and family will always come first. I know where my priorities are and appreciate the fact that my family is involved in my business and we take NOTHING for granted!

How do you manage your time between being a parent and working on your business?

I do not have a set schedule on being with family and working on my business. Family life is always busy and something is always going on. I do what I can when I can. Some nights it may mean staying up until 2am to finish what needs to be done. But, I will do it! I do not like to take away any time from my kids when I am home. I want to give them my full attention, other than the house chores that we may be tripping over, or if we want to eat. :) They are only young once and I don’t want to miss it for the world!

Do you have any advice that you’d like to share with other moms who are looking to start their own business?

GO FOR IT! If you have support and a dream, if you are passionate about it and know it will work, then DO IT! You are the only one that can create what you want for yourself and what you would like for your family. What good will it do you to look back and say, “I should have done this” or I should have done that”, just do it! You will never regret giving it a shot, but you will regret doing nothing!!!

In Giveaway, Interviews, Invention, Women, Work at Home | 7 Comments