Did you know that visual stimulation can help your baby develop their vision faster?
Visual stimulation is just one piece of a whole stimulation program that is geared towards helping babies improve their “curiosity, attention span, memory, and nervous system development.” If you haven’t heard of it before now, you’re not alone. While many parents haven’t yet had the opportunity to discover these benefits, two sisters, Paula and Amyjo, are hoping to change that. By forming their own business, Babysmartees, they’re helping to spread the word about infant stimulation while arming parents with some fashion friendly t-shirts that will offer a little visual stimulation for their babies.
Tell us a little about Babysmartees and what inspired your business.
During my son’s first 6 months I did infant stimulation activities with him every day – activities for sight, sound, touch, smell, and motion – I am firm believer in the research in this field regarding the link between an infant’s brain development and the stimulation he is provided. The activities for sight usually involve objects with patterns having 100% contrast (that is black-on-white) which are easiest for newborns and young infants to see. When I noticed my son focusing on contrasting shapes on my t-shirts, the idea for Babysmartees was born – put the black geometric shapes on white t-shirts for moms (and soon dads).
How many shirt designs are currently available?
There are 3 shirt designs available each one with a design visually more complex for an infant. The Stage 1 design is for newborns (0-2 months), Stage 2 is for infants 3-4 months, and Stage 3 is for infants 4-6 months.
Do you have any more products in the works? If so, what is your launch timeline for them?
The t-shirts for Dads (and moms who want a looser fit) will be available in March. We are also going to offer a Homemade Baby Food Starter Kit – a great gift for new moms. I have put these together myself and given them as gifts; they are a huge hit with moms-to-be.
What is the Infant Stimulation Activity feature that you offer? How many activities do you currently have available?
The Babysmartees Blog at www.babysmartees.blogspot.com explains a different infant stimulation activity every day as well as insights on what infant stimulation is and its benefits. Currently there are literally weeks of activities and we feature a few on the Babysmartees home page as well.
What are some of the goals you hope to accomplish with Babysmartees before you reach your first anniversary?
My goal with the business is not merely to sell products, but to revitalize the importance of infant stimulation activities. Infant stimulation activities are not only beneficial to an infant’s brain development, but they are pivotal in the development of the trusting, loving, relationship between baby and parent. This point seems to have gotten lost in the commercialization of black & white baby toys and mobiles. An infant stimulation program is also about relationship enhancement. The interaction is the thing! The relationship between the baby and parent is made stronger through an infant stimulation program. Our blog explains a different stimulation activity every day as well as insights on what infant stimulation is as well as its benefits.
When you first came up with your idea, how did you decide on a manufacturer for your product? What was the process like and what motivated you to choose the company you use now?
Naturally I started a search on-line for t-shirt printing. However, I quickly learned that I could not trust an on-line order; I just didn’t understand enough of the business and my own needs. I needed to be able to meet the person who was going to be handling one of the key elements of the business. I found a local t-shirt company, Embroideme of Albany, and Dan is “my t-shirt guy.” Perhaps I could save money with another company (on-line, overseas), but the value of the advice I am receiving is absolutely priceless: Dan has looked over my website, has offered ideas on styles, sizes, directed me to other sites to gain ideas, he has told me about other’s mistakes so I don’t make the same ones, helped me with expos, product shots, etc, etc. I am very very glad I decided to use a local company.
What are some of the lessons your business has taught you?
Starting an on-line business is not easy. Learning to build and sustain an on-line business takes a lot of time and energy.
It has also helped me examine what is important to me and I found that I really into getting the word out about infant stimulation. I would like to sell lots and lots of t-shirts, but through the education of why Babysmartees are so great for new parents.
What is it like working in a partnership with your sister?
We complement one another well personally and professionally. We have always gotten along well. Her education is in early childhood development and I have a degree in business.
Some people believe you should never go into business with family. What would you say to them?
If someone believes that, then they probably should never go into business with family. I couldn’t imagine it any other way. Additionally, my husband pitches in.
Anything you’d like to tell fellow mompreneurs that are just getting started?
First of all, be certain you have the support of your family, particularly your husband. This is not something you can necessarily do at home while tending to your family. We carve out time every day for me to work – just like any job. Either my husband takes my son out of the house or I leave to work at another location (usually my favorite coffee shop). Secondly, expect to be overwhelmed, but learn to love it. I am having a great time with the amount I am learning, the number of people I am meeting, and the major and minor successes. Finally, tap into all your resources; this is not a time to be afraid to ask for help whether it is from your “t-shirt guy,” your friend who has an on-line business, colleagues and acquaintances, you mom group, etc. I am absolutely amazed and thrilled at who has stepped up to offer guidance, a helping hand, constructive criticism, or the smile and pat on the back that keeps me plugging away on any given day.