Mompreneur: Pamela Kramer
Company: Happy Panda
Website: http://www.happypandababy.com
Tell us about Happy Panda
My business is tagless baby clothing for babies who are bigger than average.
What inspired you to start your business?
I was inspired by frustration. lol – I have two boys that were bigger than average sized babies and had a problem finding clothing to fit within their age range. I would always have to buy the next size or two up. I also wanted to find something I could do out of the home so that I could be here for my children.
How long has your business been in business?
I began my paperwork and licensing in December of 2006 and the online store was live by May 2007.
What did you do in your past work life?
I worked within the operations department for chemical corporation and purchasing and human resources. I wore many hats.
What is your ideal workday like?
My day is based on what’s inside my email. Honestly, I get pulled in so many different directions that no day is redundant. That is a positive aspect for me. There is never a dull moment. I could be processing orders, doing interviews, taking photos, doing accounting, counting inventory, blogging and the list goes on. Meanwhile I am entertaining a toddler and feeding our new baby (she’s 8 weeks old) and whatever else my 8 year old son has to throw in for the day.
What have been some of your major successes and challenges?
What I find to be a major success is learning. I have had a few thank you notes from celebrities but that to me is more of a kudos than a success story. I define success by what I learn and what positive things come from each lesson. Major challenges is money and time. They really do go hand in hand. I have to have time to dedicate to each aspect of my business. I also need money for marketing, inventory, graphics, shipping and so much more.
On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?
Some days I will get kudos on our company blog and that is helpful and an order works wonders! lol – I have faith in what I am doing. I may not always know what I’m doing but I’m having fun figuring it out.
Do you have a motivational quote?
I have a slate tile that sits on desk. “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm”
What have been some of your major successes and challenges?
I think this is a duplicate question.
If there was one piece of advice you could give to your children about running a successful business, what would it be?
Plan it out! Research and put everything you can on paper.
What is your balancing secret in managing a business and family?
Schedule your time around your kids. I work when they watch a movie or when they are asleep. I have to force work time and family time. It’s very difficult. Lists are really helpful for both sides. I actually have a white wipe board by the front door so none of us forget what we are doing on any given day.
Do you have a favorite business tool and/or resource?
I use Excel for just about everything. I will keep my site I belong to and passwords, inventory, product reviews, etc all mapped out. My greatest resource are other business owner groups. They are out there so take advantage of them.
What advice would you offer to aspiring mompreneurs?
Plan it out before you spend a dime. You can figure out your product and costs etc. but if you’re online you need to understand SEO and marketing. That is the biggest challenge is the marketing. Especially if you are on a tight budget or you have no budget at all. Take every free opportunity there is out there. Also, get really comfortable with writing! You need to write everything – product descriptions, about yourself, about your business, press releases and more. There are people for that but most likely you might not be able to afford them unless you begin with a lot of capital. Make use of social media and start branding yourself. That takes a lot of time too but it helps. You can me in a lot social nings, twitter, facebook, Linked In, You Tube, Technorati, Stumble, Digg and more.
What is next for Happy Panda?
I would love to see my products in a boutique. I would like to get it where people can touch and feel it and see the cuteness of these clothes.
Your two cents sales pitch?
Happy Panda can provide your baby with a more comfortable fit! We offer tagless clothing made in the USA with family friendly designs. We print our signature panda face on the diaper area of all our snappies in the panda wear line. Happy Panda also has a novelty line for those who want something more than pandas. Need a one of kind baby shower gift? No problem! You can purchase on of our unique diaper cakes that are packed with essential baby products and our clothing.
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What a great business idea! I had a “larger than average” bundle of girlicious joy myself and we had an impossible time finding clothes to fit! Thanks for the great feature.
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Great interview! Thanks for all the mompreneur advice.