The Business of Babies
Published Thursday June 4th, 2009
Three Moncton moms combining career and their kids.
What do Monkey Bums, Smile Bugs, and Designs have in common? A love for children and a savvy for business, all right here in Greater Moncton.
In the day and age where parents often have a career outside of the home, three Moncton women have taken the business of babies to a new level, giving them the opportunity to fulfill their entrepreneurial spirit while spending time with their kids.
Emily Hargraft was looking for a company that could provide her with a comfortable baby wrap, which is a tradition that goes back to early civilization in Africa and Asia.
When she was unable to find a product that suited her needs, she decided to take matters into her own hands.
"After I had Corbin I learned the art of baby wearing and how to properly wrap your baby into a baby wrap," says Hargraft. "Unable to find the perfect baby wrap, I dove into this and then started making them for friends."
And that is how Designs by Em was born.
Offering clients individual baby wraps, Hargraft believes her business needs to be as unique as her creations.
"I wanted to provide Mom's, Dad's and caregivers with a truly comfortable way to carry their baby at an affordable price."
Designs by Em now offers multiple products. Along with unique baby wraps, Hargraft is explanding her line to include sundresses, nursing covers, monogrammed onesies and t-shirts in the coming weeks.
"Business is going really well right now," comments Hargraft. "I went online in January 2009, full-fledged and getting traffic to come to the site."
Hargraft's success has led to the sale of baby wraps to Hong Kong, Australia and England, as well as to Canada and the US.
Unique baby items are proving popular in the Greater Moncton area, and Monkey Bum Designs is another success story.
Wanting her daughter wearing stylish quality accessories, Kerri Steeves was unsatisfied with what she could find locally.
"Monkey Bum Baby Designs evolved after an endless search to find cute and trendy accessories for my little girl," says Steeves. "I borrowed a sewing machine and started creating my own in my spare time."
One item is what set Steeves in motion, head bands. Now her product line includes everything from headbands and burping cloths to nursing clips and tutus.
"My daughter was the inspiration for everything, she's the reason I started," comments Steeves. "And now I've shipped products as far as Australia and Ireland.
"I aim to offer high quality products at affordable prices," says Steeves, "because we all know having a baby is expensive enough! I don't sell anything I wouldn't use or wear on my own daughter."
Children and babies create many areas where creativity and business savvy can be used. Sophie Bulmer discovered this in her search for alternative practices when dealing with teething.
"I discovered amber products online for my son London," says Bulmer. From her own personal use of amber products, Bulmer discovered a niche in the business of baby products.
"They don't sell anything like that around here; I thought no one else is doing it, so I'll do it."
Smilbugs Baby Boutique started out with the success of these amber necklaces for children.
"Basically amber is fossilized tree resin," Bulmer explains. "When worn against the skin, your body warms the necklace and natural oils are absorbed through the bloodstream and relieve minor aches and pains.
"It's a great alternative to using Motrin or Tylenol or teething tablets. I like providing an option that people don't know is out there and I've been getting lots of positive feedback from people."
Now Smilebugs Baby Boutique offers a line of adult-sized products as well. Bulmer has seen success with both the adult and children lines in recent months.
"They are mainly used for kids who are teething, diaper rashes and ear aches," says Bulmer. "Adults use it for arthritis, psoriasis, back pain and allergies."
For all three of these entrepreneurs, it allows them to stay home to care for their children and still be active in the workforce, as Bulmer explains.
"It is a good way to bring in extra income without having to leave the kids, because I still get to stay home with them."
Keep an eye out for these three ladies at local venues, including the Moncton Market and children's expos across the province.
For more information, visit www.designsbyem.com, www.monkeybumdesigns.etsy.com or www.smilebugsamber.blogspot.com
Disabled
Search Articles
More CE Network Sites & Partners:
