Business Opportunities Weblog

June 23, 2008 by Angela Shupe | 3 Comments

There are so many different kinds of carriers available on the market, so I was very impressed when I first read about Kemby and the carrier/diaper bag concept they had created; the Sidekick. Although they are a new business and the product is new, the potential for success is great.

I can’t speak for all parents out there, but I would bet that a majority have wished for a way to compact all of their on-the-go needs for their children into one package. Julia and Kimi managed to do that with the first of what will hopefully become a variety of useful products.

I am thankful to have gotten the chance to interview these mompreneurs and find out a little more about Kemby and the Sidekick. As well as the great story behind it all.

What Is ‘Kemby’?

The word Kemby stands for our ultimate source of inspiration – our children and families! It is made up of the first initials of our children’s names and our family’s last names. It stands for the wonderful friendship between the two of us; that continues to grow through our collaboration in this great entrepreneurial adventure. We at Kemby are dedicated to creating smart, innovative products that enhance happy family times!

What inspired the Sidekick?

Julia:

When my son was a baby he always wanted to be held. We tried every carrier out there and found each to serve a purpose. When he outgrew the front carrier, I found a hip carrier that I liked and we almost never left home without it. There were days, however, when I wished we could just get out the door without packing so much stuff. I remember, running into a local grocery store with my son, just to pick up a few ingredients for dinner; of course, he wouldn’t sit in the shopping cart, and I had left the hip carrier in the car, because I wasn’t planning on being at the store that long. So, there I was trying to juggle my nine month old on one arm, pushing the grovery cart with the other, while trying to reach into my purse for something, my wallet I think. I could have used an extra hand for sure. And in that split moment the idea for the Sidekick was born.

How many different colors and styles does it come in?

Each Sidekick comes in three fashion-forward colors, faux leather trip, and durable baby-friendly fabric. The Sidekick features exclusive custom-designed patterns and is the first product in a series of solution-oriented offerings by Kemby.

How did the two of you meet and what lead both of you into a business partnership?

Kimi:

Julia is a good friend of my sister’s. I would see Julia off and on at various parties and events over the years. One day Julia called me up, explained her idea, and asked if I would like to go into business with her to make the products. Creating a dual-purpose baby products and starting a business venture with a friend sounded great. What really sold me was Julia’s passion and drive. You can’t beat that!

When did you launch your business?

We launched Kemby in early 2008 and began selling the Sidekick just a few months later.

What was the process the two of you went through to bring the Sidekick from idea to finished product?

We discussed the idea and purpose, sketched an idea and made a prototype. Then we would try it. We did this several times, making various prototypes. When we were happy with the design we hired a designer to help refine the finished product – the Sidekick.

We had so much fun developing the Sidekick. We believed in the idea of the Sidekick – make a combination baby bag and baby carrier to simplify going out-and-about with your baby! In addition, make a product that was at once functional, beautiful and a joy to use!

What have you learned since you launched yoru business that you wish you’d known in advance?

Kimi:

There was a lot we didn’t know when we started, such as how to find the right marketing/branding people, manufacture, etc. But with networking everything seemed to fall into place. We did a lot of planning, but it wasn’t strictly formal. It is good to have a business plan, but that same business plan can also inhibit you and keep you from following your dream.

Julia:

That’s a great question! What I learned is that launching a company takes a lot of different kinds of talent and that one person, no matter how talented, cannot be an expert in all that it takes to launch a successful business. Also, like Kimi said, business plans should serve as a guide, but be flexible enough to allow for innovation and creativity to flow.

What advice have you read or heard that’s been helpful in running your business?

Kimi:

That fear is normal for an entrepreneur. Embrace it, because it will always be there.

Julia:

Trust your intuition and follow your passion.

Do you have any previous experience that you were able to apply?

Julia:

I think there is an entrepreneur in all of us! Since launching our business, I have talked to many people who have had a great idea for a business or a product, but worry that they don’t have the skills or experience to make it work. My background in psychology and research was helpful in discovering that the idea for the Sidekick was original, but it’s the passion, the drive and the vision that matters most! I think if you have a great idea that keeps you up at night you should just go for it!

Kimi:

I am a CPA and that definitely helps with the accounting and reporting side. I also have been a sewer since I was little and that has helped in manufacturing.

What have you learned as a parent that you were able to use in your business?

Julia:

Patience! Patience! Patience!

Kimi:

Once you are responsible for something so important — raising your little one — it gives you a different outlook on yourself and the future. Giving enough time to your kids and family is the number one priority. I also want to demonstrate to my daughters that it is possible to achieve goals and make a vision reality.

How do you manage your time between work and your family?

Julia:

I strive to find a balance of course, but it’s not always easy. I try to remember what my children’s pediatrician once said to me, when I expressed a concern about feeding my children a balanced diet. She said, don’t worry about getting them to eat a balanced meal every time, but look at how they are eating over several days – some days are going to be better than others and that’s ok.

Kimi:

It gets hectic, but everythign seems to get done! It helps having quick access to my computer in the kitchen and a PDA phone.

Do you have any advice for other mom’s that want to start their own business?

Kimi:

Find someone to go into business with — someone that you respect and who has the same vision. Someone who’s expertise complements your own.

Julia:

Ditto. I love being in business with Kimi, not only because she has a brilliant engineering mind but also because she is one of the most genuine people I have ever met, whose friendship means the world to me.

In Interviews, Invention, Kids, Parents, Women, Work at Home | 3 Comments