Mom Entrepreneur: Melanie
Business: Sippy Stuff™
Website: www.sippystuff.com
Twitter: @sippystuff
Facebook: SippyStuff Fan Page
Sippy Stuff™ offers a unique baby and toddler feeding accessory line that improves the way that moms, dads and caregivers alike manage, clean, store and organize sippy cups, baby bottles and other feeding tools. Each product uniquely simplifies the age old tasks of keeping sippy cups clean, food supplies safe and baby’s things off the floor. Our products improve the everyday quality of life for parents and protect the health of active babies and toddlers.
Products:
- Sippy Secure Strap™: Extra sleek strap that keeps sippy cups off of the floor.
- Gummi Label™: Dishwasher safe re-usable sippy cup and baby bottle label.
- Sippy Straw Cleaning Brush: Long-handled mini brush that cleans sippy cup straws from end to end.
- Sippy Spout and Lid Brush: Miniature cleaning brush that cleans all of the nooks and crannies in sippy cup parts.
What inspired you to start your business?
I guess I just got tired of what I like to call the sippy cup drama. You know, cleaning all of those little nooks and crannies in sippy cups and baby bottles (valves, spouts, nipples, straws, etc.), re-label food containers with wash-away stickers after each dishwasher cycle, chasing after and ducking under sippy cups that my little one would toss. I wanted products to solve these daily challenges but nothing available the on the market that really satisfied my needs. If it wasn’t too short, it was too flimsy, too bulky or too expensive. I got frustrated with spending all of this time doing chores so decided to create my own product line of sippy cup accessories that would meet my needs and the needs of millions of other people like me.
How long have you been in business?
Sippy Stuff™ is a fairly new product line that was launched in 2009.
What did you do in your past work life?
I have always been involved in helping businesses grow their brand in one way or the other. I started my professional career running my own web design firm and working as the Executive Assistant to a husband and wife powerhouse in New York. I quickly grew to be the chief marketing manager at a number of prestigious firms across the US.
Describe your ideal workday.
My ideal work day would be one that allows me to spend quality time with my family, accomplish all of the business tasks that I have set out for the day and gives me the opportunity to spend time with the Sippy Stuff™ fans and followers on Facebook and Twitter.
What have been some of your major challenges?
My biggest challenge was having to face a career and business without much experience and advise. I started young and I dove right into business head first. I learned a lot of hard lessons along the way but I am grateful to have had the opportunity to experience it all first hand.
What have been some of your major successes?
My greatest success is being a mother and a wife. My second greatest success, I’d have to say, would be having a product line that continues to simplify the daily lives of moms and dads, and protect babies and toddlers from harmful germs and allergens. I’ve been getting such great feedback from moms and dads on how our products have made a difference in their lives. It’s been extremely rewarding.
On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?
What keeps me motivated everyday is my faith in God and, believe it or not, my past challenges. Whenever set backs arise, I stop, take a look back, and reflect upon past challenges that I’ve overcome.
Do you have a motivational quote?
I don’t have a quote that I live by per se but there are a few that I enjoy reading from time to time. I recently posted a quote to the Sippy Stuff™ Facebook and Twitter account that states.
“Use what talents you possess. The woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang the best.” – Henry Van Dyke
What is your balancing secret in managing a business and family?
I work hard at my business and even harder at making my family happy. I have my priorities clearly defined but I remain flexible to take on tasks as they arise.
If there was one piece of advice you could give your children about running a successful business, what would it be?
My one piece of advice would be to stay true to yourself. Do what you love so that you would always love what you do.
Do you have a favorite business tool and/or resource?
Mobile technologies have been my greatest asset. I enjoy being able to stay connected with my business throughout the day while I manage my responsibilities at home or on the road.
What is next for your business?
Right now I’m pretty centered on growing strong relationships with my customers and my peers. I expect that as our brand continues to grow, we’ll be adding a few of the new products that we currently have in development.
Your two cents sales pitch?
Well, it’s really not a sales pitch, I genuinely care about babies. I have a little one at home and I know how hard it could be too keep a baby safe and healthy while maintaining your own peace of mind. The Sippy Stuff™ product line is a cost effective solution for parents who want to protect their little one’s feeding containers from germs, bacteria and allergens.
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