mompreneur interview: wubbanub

Mompreneur: Carla Schneider
Company: WubbaNub
Website: www.wubbanub.com

Tell us about WubbaNub
The WubbaNub is thoughtfully designed using a Soothie Pacifier and an attached plush animal that’s just right for babies, both preemie and full term. The carefully-calculated weight and size of the plush animal keeps the WubbaNub in baby’s mouth whether lying on his side or back, and even in a car seat, sling or stroller! WubbaNub’s combination of the Soothie pacifier and plush animal provide maximum comfort for the babies and makes it easy for them to grasp and manipulate the pacifier themselves.

What inspired you start your business?
When my son was an infant, the only way that he would fall asleep and stay asleep was if his pacifier was in his mouth. When it fell out, he’d wake up crying and I had to scurry around looking for it and then actually hold it in his mouth while he fell back to sleep! After many days and nights of frustration, I realized that my son’s pacifier would stay in his mouth if it was attached to something stable that “rested” near him. It was this inspiration that became the WubbaNub Infant Pacifier.

How long has WubbaNub been in business?
Since 1999

What did you do in your past work life?
Special education/human services

What is your ideal workday like?
Getting all my work done for the day by 9pm ! This would be an ideal workday !

What have been some of your major successes and challenges?
Brand recognition, to me personally, has been a great success. I feel this was supported by marketing and public relation campaigns. Challenges in the beginning were day to day especially knowing virtually nothing about manufacturing. However, I took the challenge as a lesson learned and moved forward.

On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?
A positive attitude.. one impossible day is not forever. I try to see the glass as half full and reflect on all the good things that I have in my business and my family.

Do you have a motivational quote?
“Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction” JFK

If there was one piece of advice you could give to your children about running a successfull business, what would it be?
Ask questions! In the beginning, I assumed when I consulted professionals for advice, guidance, etc., that I would be given all the necessary information needed. However, I quickly learned that if I did not “ask” the right questions then very often a piece of information which eventually, I should have been aware of was not offered. Therefore, prior to any meeting or consultation, I learned to do my homework on a subject in order to have some knowledge and know what questions to ask to be further educated.

What is your balancing secret in managing a business and family?
Setting specific times for work and family. It is so tempting to check you email “just one time before sitting at the dinner table”! However, I learned that work can quickly creep into your time with your family. Set a routine and stick with it, everyone will benefit from it including yourself.

Do you have a favorite business tool and/or resource?
Email.. it is great for when you are working late at night !

What advice would you offer to aspiring mompreneurs?
Don’t give up! There is a way to balance a career and a family.. in fact, it has made me a stronger person.

What is next for WubbaNub?
There’s More To Love from WubbaNub! We are extending our product line to include a Wubbie Blanket, a WubbaNub companion product keeps babies & toddlers warm and comfy with the familiar faces of our WubbaNub Pacifier. And the WubbaNub Pacifier Pouch.. This perfect portable pouch keeps WubbaNub Pacifier clean and fits in purse or diaper bag, or clips onto baby gear for on-the-go ease!

Your two cents sales pitch?
WubbaNub Products…What’s not to Wubb? WubbaNub is More than the Average Binky. The carefully calculated weight and size of the plush animal keeps the WubbaNub in baby’s mouth whether lying on his side or back, and even in a car seat, sling or stroller ! The whimsical WubbaNub comes in a variety of happy brights and soft pastels.