You may recognize The Polkadot Platypus name from a mention on the Today Show, but if not you might want to get to know this business. Bethany Balsis, the mom behind this business, shares some of the best baby products you can find in her store. She’s brought together all the great products that many parents are looking for so that they can benefit from one-stop shopping.
By bringing together those things that everyone needs, Bethany has been able to create a business that can keep her at home with her own family. She has been kind enough to share some of her success story with us in an interview.
What is ‘The Polkadot Platypus’?
The Polkadot Platypus is an online boutique that caters to the fashion savvy mom, baby and child.
How many different products and brands do you offer through your website?
We currently offer approximately 1200 different products from 86 different manufacturers… and that list is growing!
Which product is the most popular among your customers?
Our number one seller has been the Jack Diaper Caddy by Sarabear.
What inspired you to start your business?
Naturally, I became sort of obsessed with baby products after having my children. I wanted to buy everything, but knew that was no feasible. So, now I live vicariously through my customers!
When did you start your business?
I began planning in February 2007 and the website was up and running by April 2007.
What kind of steps did you need to take to get your business up and running?
The first and most important things I had to do were line up manufacturers and get the website done.
What have you learned since you launched that you wish you’d known before?
I have learned alot about search engine optimization. That is something that is key wehn you are in business online.
Do you have any previous experience from parenthood and from life in general that you were able to apply to your business?
Yes, I do have two children, so I sort of feel like I have a knack for this type fo business.
How do you manage your time between your business and your family?
It can be very hard to manage my time and has gotten even harder with further success. The bottom line is that my kids need me more than my business does, so I try to balance that. The majority of my work is done either during naptime or after the kids have gone to bed.
Does your family play any part in your business?
My family has been very supportive of my business. My husband has been wonderful and understands the amount of time that my business demands.
Do you have any advice for other moms who would like to start their own business?
My biggest advice would be to select your product carefully and to make sure you have a great website. Those are the things that customers see and they make the biggest difference in the world. You also need to be willing to invest in advertising your business… that also makes all the difference in the world. Good luck!
danakeith on June 12th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
ohh such a great one, like the polkadot idea, does this mean all the selling items were polka dotted? hmm.. heheheee.
anyway.. congratulations.
cassy on June 12th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
To Bethany Balsis congratulations you did a great job. I love your website and of course the products are awesome and with lots to choose, I love it all. I wish I have a business like yours.
Oh thanks for the advice it helps.