Who does all-in-one products and convenience? I know as a busy mom on the go, I am always looking for items that don't take up too much space or are a hassle to lug around when we do day trips or quick trips to the store with our daughter. When I found out about the Snuzzle Me Carrier Cover, by Splendipity, I knew I had to try this unique and innovative product for myself. What makes this product so great is that it is 7 products in one. You can begin using this product when you bring baby home from the hospital, and continue to use as baby gets older and begins going to the supermarket and restaurants and sitting in highchairs and shopping carts. This product is so versatile. After one day of using it, I received so many compliments from other moms; some even asked what is was called and where they could pick it up. This Friday, I will review this all-in-one product further, and offer a $50 gift certificate to one lucky blog reader, as well as a coupon code to use in Susan's online store. But, in the meantime, I wanted to share my interview with the creator of this product, Susan Kiley. Enjoy!
Name: Susan Kiley
Company Name/Product/Service: Splendipity, Snuzzle Me Carrier Cover, Cart Cover and More!
Company Location: Midwest
Company Website: www.splendipityinc.com
Facebook URL: http://www.facebook.com/splendipity
Twitter Handle: @splendipityinc
Age of Company: This line 3+
Favorite Book: John Grisham Series-completely different from my day to day activities.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How many children do you have?
3 children, 1 girl-6, 2 boys-4 & 3 with a girl cat Jordy and a beautiful Golden Retriever Barkley! What are their ages? Your hobbies? I absolutely love spending time with family doing amazing exploring and traveling. I love traveling and if I could would do it every week! All outdoor activities, gardening (though I can not grow vegetables), swimming, dancing....laughing!
Briefly explain your business. How did it come about?
Snuzzle Me was started out of need to protect our baby girl, in which we struggled with fertility issues for many years. We wanted to protect the miracle we were given while providing an all in one, multi-functional product. Rain or shine, you take your baby outdoors to run errands, to visit family, and to see the doctor. Being outdoors is unavoidable. And shielding your baby from the sun, wind, rain and mosquitoes with a blanket is clumsy and not always effective. Until now - Snuzzle Me is a new and easy way to keep your baby safe from the harsh elements of weather and the environment, while giving mom the confidence that she’s doing the best to keep baby safe and comfortable.
With Snuzzle Me’s soft and breathable organic cotton protective cover, baby not only stays protected from the harsh weather but also environmental elements, such as pollution, dirt, insects, and UV rays. Mom-invented and approved Snuzzle Me accomplishes this uniquely with its Ultra Soft Cotton Technology ™, a special manufacturing process that ensures our fabrics are touchably soft, as well as safe, non-toxic and gentle enough for baby’s delicate skin. Our organic cotton is also environmentally sustainable because it consumes less of earth’s resources during the manufacturing process and is void of the harmful chemicals and pesticides associated with conventional cotton. Feel good knowing you are choosing the safest product for your baby while preserving our planet for your baby’s generation.
What is a typical work day like?
Honestly, my two older kids just headed back to school so we are finally getting back into a Mommy Work routine verses a Mommy Play routine of summer. We get up early, 5:45am and have to have the kids out the door by 7:00am. Then the little guy and I eat, get ready and start projects for him, computer for me. I try to limit my sales and marketing calls until nap time. In between all this, I do everything else needed to run the company, including making lunch and playing silly with the little one. Once the other kids are back at 3:50pm-8:oopm we have family time. Then, I'm generally back at the work from 9-midnight or 1 am most of the time.
What has been a struggle while starting up your company?
Being able to do it all! I want to be available to everyone at all times and it is physically and mentally impossible! There are sacrifices and I constantly question myself if it is worth it and if their will be effects because of it to my children. I think any mom who owns a business struggles with this daily.
What did you do in your past work life?
I actually went to school to be a doctor. I ended up being a Recreational Therapist for several years until I gave it up to open one the first Cheese Burger in Paradise-Jimmy Buffet's concept, while doing promotional work and the Director of Promotions for Indiana Firebirds. Once we started our family, life took a turn again into stay-at-home/inventor mommy!
What have been some of your major successes?
Getting picked up by our first retail store. Seeing my product in the hands of celebrities. Receiving a thank you note from John Travolta and Kelly Preston about the wonderful products for their newest son. Being able to give back to non-profit organizations.
What have been some of your major challenges?
Being able to do it all. Being able to accept challenges. Being able to educate and grow consumers awareness that this is a product that can do 7 different uses. Why pay for 7 products, when 1 will do the job? Consumers state they are on a tight budget, though some they also say they prefer paying for individual products verses 1 product at a higher price point? Paying $300+ for 7 different products is preferred over one that is $44.99? That is a marketing and educating challenge I can not seem to overcome.
On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?
Those 3 beautiful children! I love my children, these are my miracle babies-truly inspirational.
What is your balancing secret in managing a business and family?
Learning to be okay with not being able to do it all. I struggle with this almost daily. It is very difficult especially when you have your office in your home. I had it away for a year and that was even a bigger struggle than now. It is easier going into work than being in work all the time.
What is next for your business?
We have a new product line: PeekaDid Apparel and Accessories. We collaborated with an amazing hip and fun up and coming artist, Amanda Seildel who owns her own business for kids on designing a deliberately eclectic collection debuting Fall 2011. Of course NEW products by Splendipity too!!
Do you have any advice for other mom entrepreneurs that are starting out and struggling, or are on the fence about starting a business?
I say the same thing to anyone starting out or thinking of it. Do your homework. Listen to your heart. Stay honest. Stay true. Stay in the moment. Keep your integrity and always do the right thing!
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