Business Opportunities Weblog

May 23, 2008 by Angela Shupe | 4 Comments

Wrapped up like a piece of candy and shipped off her customers these great shirts and onesies offered by Olivia through her online store, Baby Candy, dress up children everywhere. The label style of the clothes make them fun to wear out and about. Whether it’s “Made By” or a personalized shirt of the customers choice.

Starting as gifts for fellow pregnant friends Olivia soon started getting requests for her onesies and it grew into what is now a business that she’s able to take care of from home while raising her children. Finding success in a way that many mothers wish they could.

What is ‘Baby Candy’?

Baby Candy is a mom-owned company offering t-shirts online at www.BabyCandyStore.com as well as at other online and brick/mortar baby boutiques across the nation.

What kinds of products do you offer?

Baby Candy sells designer and customized baby onesies and toddler tees in a variety of styles, sayings, personalization options and candy colors. All items are made to order, uniquely wrapped like candy and sealed with a “nutrition” label.

What is your biggest seller?

My biggest seller is the “Property Of” t-shirt that features the parents names and the year the child was born. It is a favorite of The Bachelorette’s Trista Sutter and was worn by her new son Max during his first photo shoot with Us Weekly!

When did you launch your business?

I had the idea of Baby Candy at the beginning of 2006, but didn’t truly launch my business and website until May of 2007. We just celebrated our first year in business

What was your inspiration?

Just as the story of many mompreneurs, I was inspired by my children. Several friends were also pregnant with me and we were all due around the same time. I gave the “Made By” onesies along with others as baby shower gifts and they were a hit. I got my very first orders from the showers. Becoming a parent is a very proud moment…why not show it off?

What kind of steps did you have to take to get started?

The first and most important thing was to find a name that was simple, yet memorable and most importantly, available. Securing a domain name and creating a secure website with full ecommerce capabilities was the next step. Finalizing suppliers and getting the word out followed.

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

I have learned not to panic at the first sign of success…and then run out and buy all of the expensive equipment, photographers, website designer, services, etc. that I thought I needed at the time. I learned not to rush into decisions, that breathing slowly and taking your time makes you wise, and that I didn’t need a lot of things I thought I did.

As a mompreneur, how have you been able to manage your time between your business and family?

Well, I can’t help a whole lot here to tell the truth. This juggle has been one of the headrest things about owning my own business and having two children under the age of 5 home with me. The main reason I wanted to leave my career was to spend more time with them, but this business takes up even more time and energy. I just have to keep reminding myself of my priorities. And while it feels like it a lot of the time, Baby Candy isn’t #1.

Have you learned anything from being a mom that you’ve been able to apply to your business?

As a mom I know that there are many different stages and challenges to parenthood and that this too shall pass. I remember just wanting my baby to sleep through the night, then things would be great…right? Now I am going though potty training with one, the difference between lying and make-believe with the other. Just as with kids, the struggles and phases of owning your own company pass to bring along different struggles and phases. As I am experiencing the growing pains of the business right now, I know that this tough phase will pass. And will grow me to be able to handle the next.

Do you have any advice for other moms who would like to start their own business from home?

At some point, you have to stop dreaming and talking and planning to start your business. You have to actually do it. You never know what you can do until you try. And if you want something you’ve never had, you have to do something you have never done. Be bold and brave, and don’t give up!

In Clothing, Ecommerce, Interviews, Kids | 4 Comments