Spotlight on Mommy -- Kezi Levin of Sock Ons Ltd.

This week I want to introduce you all to Kezi Levin, owner of Sock Ons Ltd.  Kezi created sock ons out of necessity, and as a result is helping mothers all over the world with her product.  Speaking from my own experience, I found it hard during the first few months of my daughters life to keep her socks on.  Either the booties or socks she worn fell off when she moved about, or were too big.  And, now at 15 months old, she likes to pull off her socks and try and get me to play pick up with her.  But, with the cold weather setting in, it is great to know that I can turn to Sock Ons and know that her socks will stay on during the cold days in here CT.  It is amazing how one little product can bring so much relief and comfort to a parent.  

This Friday, I will be sharing more information on Kezi's invention, the Sock Ons, as well as offering one lucky reader a chance to win a pair of Sock Ons and a Dribble Ons.  So, mark your calendars and head back here on Friday to check out my post and enter my giveaway.

But, in the meantime, please enjoy my interview with Kezi.

Name: Kezi Levin

Company Name/Product/Service: Sock Ons Ltd

Company Location: London

Company Website: www.sockons.co.uk

Facebook URL: www.facebook.com/Sockons
Twitter ID:  @Sockons

Age of Company: Founded 2008

Favorite Inspirational Quotes: “You cannot add more minutes to the day, but you can utilize each one to the fullest” The Lubavitcher Rebbe.

Favorite Book: The Cat in the Hat

  

Tell us a little bit about yourself. How many children do you have? What are their ages? Your hobbies? Etc.

I married straight out of high school and am now a mother to 5 boys all under the age of 13. With such a large family and a growing business I don’t have much spare time but I am constantly thinking of how to make life easier for mums like me – I have always been a mad inventor and my mind spins at 100 miles per hour. So I’d say inventing is my hobby.

Briefly explain your business. How did it come about?

My business came about after my youngest baby was part of a retinue at a family wedding. I was struggling to keep his socks on and as it was a winter wedding, I worried that he would get frozen toes. I was getting so desperate that I nearly made him wear a pair of tights but my elder sons wouldn’t let me embarrass them! The idea behind Sock Ons came to me as I was trying to fall asleep one night; I got up, cut up my own tights, made a prototype and it worked.

What is a typical work day like?

I run my business from home juggling work with looking after my children. On a daily basis I am dealing with suppliers and retailers whilst also liaising with my PR company to ensure that as many people as possible get to hear about our products. I also spend time researching into niggling problems that affect mums like me and trying to come up with solutions for them.

What has been a struggle while starting up your company?

I would probably say the same as most working mums – juggling school runs, homework etc with the demands of a business is tough but worth it.

What did you do in your past work life?

I spent 4 years studying at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. I then ran my own graphic design company until Sock Ons totally took over!

What have been some of your major successes?

Completing my degree was a massive achievement for me. As a young mother, I think people doubted that I would finish the course. If somebody tells me I can’t do something, it makes me all the more determined to do it and do it well. Sock Ons have won several innovation awards and I won an Inventor award too – all of which are massively proud moments. ITV’s This Morning also featured Sock Ons in a feature on best baby products and after that the product just flew! There are probably lots more things I can mention – getting stocked in Mothercare and Sainsburys was also a brilliant achievement too.

What have been some of your major challenges?

Juggling family / work balance!

On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?

Take it as a challenge and make the most out of every situation. Don’t fight the stage of life that you are in – see it as a blessing and try to incorporate it and work with it.

What is your balancing secret in managing a business and family?

I am blessed to have such a wonderful, supportive family and a career that allows me to work from home, even though my office does look like a playroom!

What is next for your business?

I am in the process of unveiling my new product ‘mocc ons’. They are a slipper type sock perfect for keeping little toes warm during the winter months.

Do you have any advice for other mom entrepreneurs that are starting out and struggling, or are on the fence about starting a business?