Word of Mom: Green Bean Baby

Filed under: 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: GREEN BEAN BABY
WHO: Lynn Stapleford
CLAIM TO FAME: One of Mompreneur Magazine’s Top 10
Green Businesses for her organic cotton baby clothing.

What were you doing before you started Green Bean Baby?
My career has taken a few twists and turns. I have a M.Sc. in Ecology and then more recently worked as an Analytical Chemist for a biotech company.

Do you have a design background? If not, what inspired you to venture into design?
I don’t have formal design training; however I was introduced to sewing and other needle crafts by my mom and grandmother at a very early age. I remember being in awe of my Nana’s fabulous coordinating outfits that she made herself in the 70s. I wanted to study fashion design after high school but my dad talked me into science instead. In retrospect, I think it was a great move as I enjoyed my science career and it has given me a unique perspective on chemicals in the environment. Now my life is about kids and Green Bean Baby but I still use my research background in a lot of ways.

How did you become interested in organic cotton?
As most first time pregnant women, I was quite anxious about being able to protect and nurture my newborn baby the best way possible. Being a researcher by nature, I did a lot of reading on various health and safety topics. The issue that stood out for me was the huge amount of chemicals involved in the growing and manufacturing of conventional cotton. It was truly staggering and I had no idea. Using organic cotton for Green Bean Baby designs was a definite must as it helps to protect human health, the environment and provides safer working conditions in the textile industry.

Lynn Stapleford with her daughters

How do you balance work with being a mom?
Well I do the best I can! Things are not always in balance but I’m sure that is the case for most working moms and dads. I work in the evening, during naps and every small bit of time I get to myself.

I also rely heavily on multitasking. For example, I dropped off an order during a run with my husband in which my toddler was napping in the running stroller. Now that’s multi-tasking!

What are the challenges of running your own business? The benefits?
It is hard to turn my mind off Green Bean Baby. Sometimes things get hectic and I have to bring the girls with me to do work errands. The benefit is that I do have the flexibility to spend most days with the girls while they are still little.

Have there been any special moments in becoming part of the mompreneur community that you’d like to share?
I have met lots of great moms through the ENM (Enterprising Moms Network) and FWE (Forum for Women Entrepreneurs) as well as many of the retailers that I work with are moms. They are so supportive and have been a great resource for me.

What is your favourite product so far and why?
The sleep sack is my favourite as it is good old fashioned heavy flannel. It is so warm and cozy and yet does not have the burden of human health and environmental issues that conventional cotton flannel has. You and your baby can sleep well!

What do you wish someone had told you about starting your own business?
It is definitely a lot more work than I thought it would be but I probably would still start the business even if someone told me that!

What’s your advice for the moms (and dads) out there who are thinking of launching their own business?
Make sure it is something that you really love and are passionate about. (It is a lot more work than you think!) Get organized and get help. You can’t do everything by yourself. I still have to tell myself this.

What’s next for Green Bean Baby?
We are looking to expand into US and increase the number of retailers in eastern Canada. We also will be coming up with some new products in the spring.

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