What is your name & how many children do you have?
Barbara Schantz; 4 children: 4 1/2-year-old twin girls, Greta & Cora, and 10-month-old twin boys, Franklin & Carlton
What’s the name of your company and the inspiration behind it?
My company is Baby Dipper, LLC. The idea for the Baby Dipper bowl came to me when Cora and Greta were babies and I was trying to spoon-feed them. I searched everywhere for a bowl that would stay in place on the table and actually help collect the food so that I could use just one hand to do the spoon-feeding. I didn’t get to use a Baby Dipper bowl with Greta and Cora until I had prototypes when they were toddlers and then I discovered that the bowl also works very well for toddlers learning to feed themselves. I’m now using production Baby Dipper bowls to feed Carlton and Franklin!
What is your current business struggle?
I am most consumed these days with trying to get the word out, but I’d say that my biggest struggle is working with the factory. It’s a continual process of going back and forth about every little detail.
What is your current business goal?
I would like for Baby Dipper, LLC, to be financially self-sufficient. Having it intertwined with our personal finances has been very tough
What one quality do you think is a “must-have” for a mom entrepreneur?
A network of support. That could mean husband, family, friends, fellow mom entrepreneurs, business contacts. It really all has to be there for things to go smoothly. I don’t have time or patience for doubters.
What 1 thing or person has been very instrumental in your success?
My husband, Hans. An inventor himself, he encouraged me to go after the patent the moment I told him about my idea and has supported me unfailingly since then.
What are your 3 favorite blogs?
5 Minutes for Mom, The Mogul Mom, and Type-A Mom
What is your favorite quote?
“Drive thy business or it will drive thee.” –Benjamin Franklin
What advice would you give to a new mom entrepreneur?
Be sure your network of support is in place before you move forward. Do your homework about potential competitors, intellectual property, cost of production, regulations, sales venues, etc. And be sure to think about how you will manage it all while taking care of your kids. Try to find someone (or multiple people) to be your mentor(s) if possible.
How can we connect with you? (Email, Twitter, Facebook, The H.O.D., website, etc.)
Email: barbara@babydipper.com
Web Site: http://www.babydipper.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BabyDipper
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Baby-Dipper-bowl/22585423630
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaraschantz
The H.O.D.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Twitter: heathall
June 22, 2009 at 1:34 am
Barbara,
Thanks for sharing your story–it feels like we’ve known each other *forever*. I can still remember when you first emailed me with a photo of Cora wearing her Blankeaze & you asked me a few business questions about a “product idea” you had. Now LOOK at you!!
I’m wishing you continued success…you deserve it after all your hard work. I’m so proud of you!
Heather
Genius! I love this bowl! Kids are finally big enough to not have to feed, but maybe my dog would benefit (hmm, an expansion idea!).
Anyway, had to comment because (a) Heather says it’s good for me; and, (b) I also have four children, but two singletons followed by identical twin girls. My hat’s off to you, Barbara!