Word of Mom: Bamboobino

Filed under: Baby and You, Baby Tips, Hand-Picked Products, profile, What's In Store by Lusso Baby

Meet a Canadian Mompreneur

The birth of a baby is not only life-changing but, for many women, it can also be inspirational. At Lusso Baby we are proud to celebrate the Canadian women who have taken on the challenge of being moms while at the same time launching a new career. Inspired by the needs of their own children, these moms have created unique, organic and engaging products that parents everywhere can love. In our new column, we will present our fans our favourite Canadian-made goodies, from clothes and shoes to toys and strollers.

THIS WEEK: Bamboobino
WHO: Sharon Chai
CLAIM TO FAME: Soft and absorbent bamboo baby products.

What were you doing before you started Bamboobino?

Before Bamboobino, I worked in banking and then as a costumer for film and television. Also, I had a couple of hobby businesses which provided me with valuable entrepreneurial experience.

What inspired your interest in self-employment? How about bamboo products?

I have always wanted to be a mum ever since I can remember, and since the age of 16 I have always wanted to run my own business based on my own designs and creations. I was a crafty kid, but had no idea what I’d do. So when I became a mom, that certainly helped inspire my business idea! I had been using bamboo towels from Target and wearing bamboo clothes; and upon learning about bamboo’s wonderful qualities (more absorbent than cotton, hypoallergenic, antibacterial, super soft), I wondered why there wasn’t any bamboo products for kids and babies. That’s when I decided to spread the word about bamboo to other parents by creating a bamboo line for kids.

How do you balance work with being a mom?

It’s not easy; I’m constantly juggling. I’ve managed to do what I can to make it work. My children’s grandparents helped by babysitting twice a week when they were little, and I often showed up at stores or suppliers with kids in tow. Working during naps and late at night were also the norm. It also helped that I have calm kids who play quite well on their own… most of the time! Now that both my kids are in school, I definitely have more sane working hours. I get my full night’s sleep now, work “regular” hours usually and Pro-D days are my days off too!

What are the challenges of running your own business? The benefits?

My main challenge these days is just trying to stay on top of everything. I’m pretty organized, but even then, something always comes up to throw me off: suppliers who are late; family members sick; production errors, scheduling conflicts; and the list goes on. It never seems to end, but I guess that’s what keeps business interesting and keeps me thinking on my feet.

The biggest benefit is flexibility for my family. For example when my kids are coming out of a flu or cold I often ease them back into school for a half day, sometimes for a couple of days. I love that I can make decisions on the fly, and on my own clock.

Have there been any special moments in becoming part of the mompreneur community that you’d like to share?

I think it definitely helps that there are so many mompreneurs and that there is actually a community! The support, resources and networking opportunities have helped me tremendously, and the just fact that it’s “normal” and accepted to be a mompreneur (I remember reading about Robeez founder Sandra Wilson and how back then some people looked at her like she was crazy when she told them about her business.)

What is your favourite product so far and why?

The After-Bath Hat. This was inspired by my baby daughter at bathtime. It is such a simple product, the sole purpose of which is to absorb moisture from her hair for half an hour after her bath. Our customers who love this product asked for (and we have it now) larger hat sizes as their babies grew older.

What do you wish someone had told you about starting your own business?

To buy accounting software, and hire a bookkeeper, right from the start. Business startup can be expensive, and accounting software was not at the top of my list, especially when you anticipate slow sales at the beginning. I used existing spreadsheets for bookkeeping and created spreadsheets for others; and when business took off faster than expected I outgrew my spreadsheets just as quickly.

What’s your advice for the moms (and dads) out there who are thinking of launching their own business?

Take a business start-up course – anywhere. I took two – one through the Province of BC (YouBet! For under 30′s) then later through the Douglas College Self Employment program (you qualify if you’re on EI); but community colleges and centres offer courses too. You need to know how to operate a business; there is more than just knowing how to create a great product or service. I cannot emphasize that enough. And then know at what point your business makes a profit, and becomes a ‘real’ business. If you are still not making money after a certain point, you have a hobby, not a business.

What’s next for Bamboobino?

We’re always looking to expand our product line and distribution throughout North America and beyond. It’s exciting because our customers are always emailing us their product ideas – they cannot get enough of us!

Photo by Mikki Herbold
Self Employment Program, Douglas College

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