Even though I just received the MyNapPak for Savannah to try out the other day, it hasn't gotten a lot of use in the past few days in our house, while Savannah has been sick. This past weekend, we have been sidelined with the nasty stomach bug that has been going around. So, when were weren't changing Savannah's diapers, we were trying to keep her spirit up. And, thanks to an unexpected visit from Nana and Papa, Savannah was able to enjoy her Lil' Princess MyNapPak even more. Here is a photo of her and my mother, playing a game. I love how Savannah still smiles, even when she is not feeling well.
Stay tuned on Friday, when I will review this great mom-invented product in more detail. But, in the meantime, please enjoy my interview with the creator of the MyNapPak, Beth Clampitt.
Want to order one of these cute nap mats for your son or daughter? Click here to visit Beth's online store, where you can choose from a variety of patterns, and even have your mat monogrammed (extra cost), for only $49.99.
Name: Beth Clampitt
Company
Name/Product/Service: My
NapPak
Company Location: Dallas, Texas
Company
Website: www.mynappak.com
Facebook URL: http://www.facebook.com/
Age of
Company: 10 years old
Favorite
Inspirational Quotes: Romans
8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love
him, who have been called according to his purpose.
A friend also said to me last year “God’s Got It”
and I loved it.
Favorite Book: I am reading Endurance,
Shackelton’s Incredible Voyage now by Alfred Lansing and really enjoying
it. I also really enjoyed Decision Points by President George W Bush
Tell us a little
bit about yourself. How many children do you have? What are their
ages? Your hobbies? Etc.
I have two boys. Preston, 21 is a Warrant Officer in the US Army. He is currently training on the Apache helicopter. Cullum is 13 and is in 7th grade. He enjoys hanging around at the mall with all his friends and plays lacrosse and football. I enjoy my children and has always been very involved in their activities and schools. I enjoy going to several local lakes and playing on our boat, her name is Merry Beth. I love to go camping, skiing and entertaining friends and family. I am also committed to my volunteer work with P.E.O.
I have two boys. Preston, 21 is a Warrant Officer in the US Army. He is currently training on the Apache helicopter. Cullum is 13 and is in 7th grade. He enjoys hanging around at the mall with all his friends and plays lacrosse and football. I enjoy my children and has always been very involved in their activities and schools. I enjoy going to several local lakes and playing on our boat, her name is Merry Beth. I love to go camping, skiing and entertaining friends and family. I am also committed to my volunteer work with P.E.O.
Briefly explain
your business. How did it come about?
When Cullum was 18 months old, he was in a mother’s day out program. One day I went to pick him up. Usually he is running around with the other children but that day he was still sleeping on his mat. The teacher said he was not feeling well so they let him continue to nap. I was very upset when I went to wake him us. He face was stuck to the mat. The blanket that I sent for him to nap with was twisted around his legs and he was drawling and sweating to the mat. It really upset me. I asked the teacher if I could bring a crib she to cover the mat and she said that the children were only allowed to bring one item. There was just not enough room to store multiple items. That’s when I came up with my product.
When Cullum was 18 months old, he was in a mother’s day out program. One day I went to pick him up. Usually he is running around with the other children but that day he was still sleeping on his mat. The teacher said he was not feeling well so they let him continue to nap. I was very upset when I went to wake him us. He face was stuck to the mat. The blanket that I sent for him to nap with was twisted around his legs and he was drawling and sweating to the mat. It really upset me. I asked the teacher if I could bring a crib she to cover the mat and she said that the children were only allowed to bring one item. There was just not enough room to store multiple items. That’s when I came up with my product.
What is a typical
work day like?
It really varies dependent on the day. I volunteer less now at the schools that the boys attended. I like to get the house cleaned in the mornings, go to the gym and plan dinner. Then by lunch I am at my computer answering email and hopefully taking orders. I forward the office line to my cell so I don’t ever miss a customer call.
It really varies dependent on the day. I volunteer less now at the schools that the boys attended. I like to get the house cleaned in the mornings, go to the gym and plan dinner. Then by lunch I am at my computer answering email and hopefully taking orders. I forward the office line to my cell so I don’t ever miss a customer call.
What has been a
struggle while starting up your company?
When I started the company 10 years ago there was not very much competition so it was just about marketing and refining the product. It had also been 3 years since I had worked so getting to know my computer again was a struggle. I was out of the loop with the current computer programs so I had to relearn them in order to design my marketing materials.
When I started the company 10 years ago there was not very much competition so it was just about marketing and refining the product. It had also been 3 years since I had worked so getting to know my computer again was a struggle. I was out of the loop with the current computer programs so I had to relearn them in order to design my marketing materials.
What did you do in
your past work life?
I owned a printing company with my parents for 8 years. My responsibility was logo and graphic design and sales and marketing. It was really fun. We were actually names Small Business of the Year by the North Dallas Chamber one year.
I owned a printing company with my parents for 8 years. My responsibility was logo and graphic design and sales and marketing. It was really fun. We were actually names Small Business of the Year by the North Dallas Chamber one year.
What have been
some of your major successes?
My kids for sure. They are both very good students, involved with the schooling and have really nice friends. Professionally, it would be getting my product into select stores. We just landed a deal with overstock.com and am currently working with Target and Walmart with a new product called My NapPak Jr., it is a smaller and little less expensive version of the Original NapPak.
My kids for sure. They are both very good students, involved with the schooling and have really nice friends. Professionally, it would be getting my product into select stores. We just landed a deal with overstock.com and am currently working with Target and Walmart with a new product called My NapPak Jr., it is a smaller and little less expensive version of the Original NapPak.
What have been
some of your major challenges?
Currently, competition. It has only been within the past 2 years that we have had serious competition. It really irritates me. Now it is about pushing the marketing so we stay on the top.
Currently, competition. It has only been within the past 2 years that we have had serious competition. It really irritates me. Now it is about pushing the marketing so we stay on the top.
On those
impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?
My business partner, Pat. She is very committed to the company. It is so easy for me to get sidetracked with my personal life and responsibilites that she has to keep me in check sometimes.
My business partner, Pat. She is very committed to the company. It is so easy for me to get sidetracked with my personal life and responsibilites that she has to keep me in check sometimes.
What is your
balancing secret in managing a business and family?
I wish I had one. I just try to do both to the best of my ability.
I wish I had one. I just try to do both to the best of my ability.
What is next for
your business?
Right now I am just focusing on the upcoming back to school season. Making sure that our product is easy to find on the shelves and on the internet.
Right now I am just focusing on the upcoming back to school season. Making sure that our product is easy to find on the shelves and on the internet.
The most important advise I would give is if you have a great idea market it locally first. Participate in holiday bazaars and shows and really figure out if you think it is a great idea or if other people are willing to spend their money on the product. It is also an opportunity to perfect the item. Many women want to run to a lawyer and get a patent or protect the idea when they can use that money to promote, market and perfect it.
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