This week's Spotlight Mommies are Danielle Eason and Talia Goldfarb. These two sisters joined forces to invent Myself BeltsTM, the belt kids can fasten themselves. What makes these belts great is that they feature a one-handed patented belt closure, which allows the wearer to open and close their belt easily with only one hand. These are great for children with learning disabilities that want to feel a little more independent, as well as young children learning how to dress themselves. This Friday, I will be reviewing the belts in more detail, as well as offering a giveaway and coupon code for Inspired by Savannah readers, so don't forget to come back and check out my post. And, now, here is my interview with Danielle and Talia.
Name: Danielle Eason and Talia Goldfarb
Name: Danielle Eason and Talia Goldfarb
Company Name/Product/Service: Myself Belts
Company Location: St. Louis, MO
Company Website: www.myselfbelts.com
Facebook URL: http://www.facebook.com/#!/MyselfBelts
Twitter Handle: @myselfbelts
Age of Company: 6 1/2 yrs.
Favorite Inspirational Quote: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” - Ghandi
Favorite Book: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How many children do you have? What are their ages? Your hobbies? Etc.
We are sisters, moms and the inventors of Myself Belts. Danielle has two children: Julia (6) & Andrew (3). Talia has 3 kids: Jake (11), Kylie (8), and Macy (6)
Briefly explain your business. How did it come about?
Talia’s son desperately needed a belt as a toddler and she realized that he could not do a buckle or a ring belt on his own. She realized that there was a void in the market place and began brainstorming with her sister, Danielle, a better belt design. Myself Belts was born! Our simple “snap, slide, secure” closure is unlike anything on the market and can be fastened with only one hand!
What is a typical work day like?
We work in bits and pieces throughout the day, and night! Take kids to school, work, pick up from school, work, after school activities, work… somehow it all gets done!
What has been a struggle while starting up your company?
A struggle in the beginning was explaining that Myself Belts is simply a better belt design. Retailers needed to understand that Myself Belts are a necessity for and young child!
What did you do in your past work life?
Talia was a social worker and Danielle worked in the retail industry.
What have been some of your major successes?
Being in 600 stores, having Nordstrom, Stride Rite, Leaps & Bounds and other big accounts order. Seeing the belts in People, Child and Parenting magazines. Having someone email us a photo of Madonna with her daughter, who was wearing one of our belts! The biggest thrill is seeing how many moms are talking about Myself Belts to their friends or on blogs.
What have been some of your major challenges?
Production overseas can sometimes be challenging. Marketing and breaking into the adult market has taken longer than expected. But mostly, trying to do it all – mom and businesswoman – is the biggest challenge. It is a juggling act and there just are not enough hours in the day!
On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?
Myself Belts is our baby. In the end, the desire for growth and success is the biggest motivator to work hard.
What is your balancing secret in managing a business and family?
There is no such thing as perfect balance – it is a hectic juggling act. We would much rather spend time with our kids on the soccer field and work at night when they are asleep.
What is next for your business?
We are going to be focusing on our teen/adult line in 2011 – great for special needs, arthritis, stroke patients, etc.
Do you have any advice for other mom entrepreneurs that are starting out and struggling, or are on the fence about starting a business?
If you see a void on the marketplace, chances are others are looking for the item too. Ask lots of advice from family and friends who may have expertise in areas that you do not. We happily asked patent advice from lawyer friends, and sought the help of designers/graphic artists and others with manufacturing backgrounds.
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