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| Hi there! This is a place where I share my random thoughts, startup stories, and real steps throughout the journey of being a mompreneur. Looking forward to hearing from you! |
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| Tuesday, November 24, 2009 1:56 PM |
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"What Would YOU Do?" - lost blue bear
 
"WHAT WOULD YOU DO?" is the series of real-life situations where we need your input on how to handle certain parenting instances we're all faced with.
I was at the grocery store the other day with Kayla. We were doing our usual shopping - getting ready for Thanksgiving. I was in a rush, so I couldn't remember whether Kayla brought along her cute little "baby bear". As I was checking off my grocery list, I saw a mom with 3 girls carting around with a blue baby bear - very much like Kayla's. I recognized it thinking, "Hmm...is that Kayla's? No. It couldn't be hers. Why would a mom be playing with a lost bear?" The mom and her toddler in the cart were petting the bear, buckling it in the cart seat, etc.
I followed her around for bit just to observe. The baby bear is not very unique. It's a pretty generic bear, but I told myself, "if I don't ask now, I'll never forgive myself for checking." After all, this was a bear that Kayla received when she was just born.
I finally walked up to the mom and asked, "Excuse me. Is that your bear?" She hesitated and then replied, "Uh...no. We found it on the floor." I told her, "Yea...I think it's my daughter's bear." The MOM pouted and the toddler looked so disappointed. I felt so guilty for taking the bear...but, it was Kayla's bear that she dropped! I then noticed a pen mark that was on the bear's ribbon that made me SURE that it was our bear.
Even WORSE was that another woman saw the whole situation take place. As I walked passed her, that woman said, "y'know where you dropped it? I saw you drop it near the bread aisle." I was shocked that she didn't take the time to tell me at that moment when she saw my toddler drop it. What happened to the "community"? People are minding their business so much that they don't even help others... Read More »
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| Wednesday, November 11, 2009 5:41 PM |
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Interview with BabbaDad Gary Vaynerchuk! (VIDEO #5)
www.GaryVaynerchuk.com - I had a blast interviewing Gary. His book, CRUSH IT, is a #5 NY Times Bestseller and he has been whirling around the world on his book tour. He's a wine expert, social media guru, author, business genius, but...most of all, he's such a down to earth guy who LOVES being a new dad. Check out this video giving a new dad's perspective. Let me know what you think!
Gary, thanks for being part of the BabbaCo family!!
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| Tuesday, October 13, 2009 4:36 PM |
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Staying Grounded
I’m sitting her at jury duty. I feel like I’m back at school in a quiet room with nothing but a book and my computer. NO internet connection!?! The first few moments felt lost for me – until I hugged my iPhone and kissed it. Steve Jobs, thank you!
For some reason though, this solitude and peace and quiet are what I’ve been yearning. The past 2-3 months were filled with a China business trip, a road trip to Iowa, the biggest ABC Kids Expo in Vegas, a NYC trade show, and 2 more trade shows coming up this month. *sigh. When it was scheduled, I knew that it would be worth it, but I totally underestimated how homesick I would be. I missed my ‘routine’ of coloring with Kayla before breakfast and family dancing after dinners. It has just been a whirlwind of traveling and preparation. Although Kayla came along most of the time, it was not the same as being home together as a family.
This week, I spent some time talking to a business school classroom, had coffee with some budding entrepreneurs, and discussed personal/professional balance with a few colleagues. A lot of times, we focus on the BIG IDEA and the money and the size of the venture. Once you’re IN it and living it though, entrepreneurship is about the LIVING. It’s about the HEART and purpose of what you do. It’s about the passion and people. It’s about the support around you who help you achieve the unknown.
People know me as the “energizer bunny” or some sort of spaz. I know many of you parents out there are the same way. It’s not that we are FULL of energy all the time, but we just put ourselves out there to keep up with work, life, and our kids. We all hit our limits at times…and at those times, what do you do? People tell you to take a break and get some rest, but you don’t even know what that means anymore. Well, I took their advice and did it.
There was so much follow-up to do, new products to develop, shipments to go out, etc. But, as soon as I heard that my husband had an early day, we immediately jumped at that... Read More »
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| Wednesday, September 23, 2009 2:16 PM |
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We're having a...
Thanks to everyone's emails and calls about the gender of our baby #2! Referring to my previous post about finding out the gender of your baby, I still think it's so funny and cute how people get SO curious! :)
This announcement entry is inspired by the comment left by Nicki on that post. Nicki, if you're out there, you DID guess a "boy" and we ARE having a boy. So, email me at jessicakim@babbaco.com (my personal email) and I will get your info to send you an organic cotton onesie or tee. :) You did guess after I posted it on Twitter (www.twitter.com/babbaco), but I trust that it was a true guess and I love how you actually played the game with me. :)
We're super excited to know what's kicking inside of me and most of all, we're thankful that the baby is healthy. I recently had some deep conversations with other moms that reminded me that a healthy baby can never be taken for granted. Every life, pregnancy, and child is a miracle. In the midst of every parent running around and trying to keep life together, just remember to count your blessings everyday and be thankful for health, love, and family.
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| Tuesday, September 22, 2009 4:25 PM |
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Happy 1st Birthday, BabbaCo!!!
One year ago to this very day, 9/22/08, BabbaCo's website and product was launched to the market! What an incredible year! What comes to mind first and foremost? GRATITUDE. I'm so thankful for the amazing team, supporters, investors, manufacturers, and of course, our awesome customers! I didn't realize I would love this industry as much as I do. Working with mompreneurs, babies, and experts in the field is amazing enough, but the fact that they are all genuine and warm people make life so enjoyable. THANK YOU!
 
These were my VERY first versions of the BabbaCover! It is crazy to think that this was almost 2 years ago. I remember staying up until 5am working on this design, googling "how to thread a bobbin" because I ran out of thread, and taking my 2-month-old daughter out in it the next day to test it out. You can see that it's not perfect! I actually glued a few pieces on instead of sewing them because I was exhausted. BUT, the main thing is that it got done. The greatest advice a seasoned entrepreneur told me was, "Just DO IT! GO for it." Every step takes you closer to the next one. Who knew that this little buggy would eventually be made in thousands within one year.
There is more to come from us at BabbaCo! We're just getting started. :) Our main goal: to connect with parents and provide solutions that make them love being parents even more! Thanks to all of you for an incredible first year. Huge HUGS and wet kisses from me! :)
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| Wednesday, September 09, 2009 1:50 AM |
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VIVA Las Vegas!
 We're heading to VEGAS!! BabbaCo is on a road show going everywhere we're needed! :) The ABC Kids Expo is in Vegas and it's our first time exhibiting at this show. We'll be part of the Modern Child Pavilion at booth #6036. Come by if you're around the Las Vegas Convention Center!
Am I up because I'm excited? Absolutely! Am I up because there is so much to do? Absolutely! Or am I up because Kayla took 2 extra hours to fall asleep tonight. I must have read Goodnight Moon and Bedtime Bunny 200 times. I was savoring the moments before having to leave her for a week. At the same time, I felt the little baby kicking inside of my tummy saying, "Go to bed already!!" Tonight is a total example of a typical night of mommyhood for me. Things are scheduled, yet unplanned. I have things to get done, yet I savor the moments. Is it a battle? I wouldn't call it that. It's more of a constant prioritization of what's in front of me. Thing WILL get done - even if it isn't in the original chronological order.
I'll be launching our first video blog in Vegas! I'll be keeping in touch, so keep the emails coming! My energy comes from all of you! :)
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| Tuesday, September 01, 2009 1:04 PM |
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I'm alive!
I'm alive I'm alive. Thanks for everyone's emails asking if I got lost in China or never made it back. :) I'm back in full force now. The trip to China was incredible. First off, the 16-hr plain ride...a pain or luxury? LUXURY!...at least to a mom. When do moms ever get the time to sit for that long watching 4 movies in a row, reading novels, and getting SERVED food! It felt like a resort. ha! My biz partner, Christine, and I were giggling like teenage girls having a sleepover. The staff kept telling us that we were the giddy row while everyone else was trying to survive the long flight.
Once we landed, my eyes were huge from excitement and readiness to soak everything in. If I had a super power, it would not be to be invisible or to be able to read minds. My one main super power would be to speak every single language known to mankind. Even aborigine tribe language would be amazing to know. We headed straight through the border to mainland China.
 
The week was filled with productive meetings, sourcing patterns and materials. Our team there is US-based and absolutely incredible. The quality is even better (is that possible?) and the efficiencies are ridiculous. We were very pleased with what our production could be. Right now, we are still made in the USA. I'm so proud of being an American and having everything made at "home". We are also, however, trying to be the most efficient with transportation, costs, and carbon footprint. So, it makes sense to start transitioning.
I'm an open book when it comes to disclosure, so all of you will know how we're made and where things come from. It's just how I feel as a consumer, mom, and entrepreneur. Please email me or comment below on any questions you may... Read More »
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| Sunday, August 09, 2009 11:20 PM |
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3-2-1 Blast off!
I'm packing up to head overseas! A lot of our suppliers are overseas and I find it so crucial to know where everything comes from. As you know, all of our products are made in the United States, but a lot of the components are made elsewhere. Where is everything made? Who is making them? I'm curious to know and anxious to meet everyone. There are so many misconceptions about overseas manufacturing and products. I need to see it all for myself to make sure it's compliant with what we believe in - safety, fair trade, top quality, good people.
So, come along on my journey! I'll be updating this blog, but check out our Twitter and Facebook fan page for more pics and news.
Twitter: www.twitter.com/babbaco
Facebook: www.facebook.com/babbaco
Back to packing...
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| Thursday, August 06, 2009 1:35 AM |
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Hot Dog or Hamburger? Is it a boy or girl?
 
The one BIG question all pregnant women get is: "Is it a Boy or Girl? Are you going to find out?" The curiosity of knowing the gender of what's growing inside of the belly is overwhelmingly common with strangers and family alike. With the first pregnancy, we found out immediately. We couldn't WAIT to find out! With this second pregnancy though...we also can't wait to find out. In fact, we're even more anxious to find out the gender! The technician called it the "hamburger" or "hot dog". Get it? After seeing thousands of ultrasounds, she said that she looks for those profiles. Hilarious!
The decision to find out or to keep it a secret is a big one for some. There are the obvious reasons why people want to find out: to plan, to get appropriate color gifts, to stop guessing, etc. More than the planning, I personally think the greatest benefit is KNOWING who this little human is and feeling a closer bond. All of a sudden, it's not "the baby", but it's "my little man" or "my girl". I can actually talk to her, pray for her, think about her, and push myself to be healthier for her. It just made it more real for me and for many others who have shared the same decision. A mom of 2 actually said it was great to know in order to make it more real for the older sibling.
However, there is another side to it all. NOT finding out could be a great thing! For some reason, most of my close friends all didn't find out. They said the secret was exciting, a fun guessing game, a great anticipation and motivation to run to the finish line. I can see it being something to really look forward to...adding another element to the miracle of childbirth. Afterall, in the ol' days, there were no ultrasounds to "find out" at the magic 20th week, so why do it now?
Ultimately, when you make the decision to find out or not, I would... Read More »
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| Monday, August 03, 2009 3:24 PM |
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"What would YOU do?" mondays
"What would YOU do?" Mondays will be my time to bring up real life situations that we ALL go through as parents, but wonder what other people would have done in that situation.
This week's topic: Restaurant mishaps.
We went out to eat brunch with a few friends yesterday. Kayla isn't a huge fan of eggs and pancakes, believe it or not. So, I brought along her favorite chicken soup (actually the one I blogged about below). Everything was dandy until she got a little antsy. I put her on my lap as she ate and before we knew it, I turned around quickly and flicked over her tupperware of chicken soup and rice. OH NO!
It went ALL over the place! The tupperware was like a egg bomb that blew up and splattered carrots and potatoes and rice in all directions. We immediately saw that this man sitting behind us was a bit splattered on his black suit!! I felt HORRIBLE! It wasn't that much - maybe it was about 4 small spots. Peter and I started wiping his suit, apologizing profusely. He was okay with it all saying that it wasn't a big deal.
We ended up giving him $10 for dry cleaning. We insisted on him taking it. He thanked us and reiterated that it was okay.
What would YOU have done in that situation? What HAVE you done in that situation? If it were a regular t-shirt, would you still pay him for the washing?
We did feel better that we gave him some $$ as an apology, but some friends say that it was unnecessary. Please share your thoughts! You can help us all in our next restaurant mishap! :)
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| Friday, July 31, 2009 3:27 PM |
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Chicken soup = my lifesaver during motherhood
 If I added it all up, I must have eaten over 10,000 lbs of chicken soup in the last 2 years...maybe even more! When a woman gives birth, there is a Korean tradition to eat nothing else but just soup, specifically this Korean seaweed beef soup called Mee-yuk-gook. (Side note: Kayla, now 2.5 says, "Can I have yuck soup again, momma?" I think I'm messing her up with what "yuck" really means.)
After a whole week of nothing but that Mee-yuk-gook seaweed soup, I needed to figure something else out. I stopped eating soup and just ate whatever I could find around the house - mostlly quick sandwiches, takeout, etc. After a week of not eating soup, my milk (breastfeeding) was drying out!!! I wasn't producing enough. I was devastated and tried everything. Then, I realized that the old tradition actually makes sense! The more liquids you put into your body, the more it will produce. (We all know that already from the beer drinking days, right? The more beers, the more trips to the bathroom. Who knew it applied to breastfeeding, too! :) )
So, here comes my lifesaver chicken soup recipe that I made every single week! I made it throughout breastfeeding, throughout Kayla's toddler eating years (GREAT nutrition), and even now as I'm pregnant with my second. It is the simplest recipe EVER! Once you read it below, you'll think I'm crazy that it even has to be written, but I'm doing this for all of my friends who keep asking me to "WRITE IT DOWN!".
This literally takes me less than 20 minutes to prep from start to finish. Kayla likes to even watch me chop everything. She eats a carrot as we talk about each veggie name, color, & flavor. It's a GREAT teaching time for your kids. When you let it boil, I serve the family another dinner or give Kayla her bath, etc. It's a GREAT recipe to get other things done while it cooks.
"Lifesaver Chicken Soup"
Ingredients:
1 lb. Ground chicken/turkey
... Read More »
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| Wednesday, July 22, 2009 2:33 PM |
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Show your stuff, baby!
 
We LOVE trade shows! It's a great way to interact with new accounts, existing customers, and fellow mompreneurs! As long as you wear comfortable shoes (this is where the rule "fashion hurts" is broken), then you're set. We united with a few other great kids-related products for the show and we had a blast! We had wine, cheese, and candy everywhere. I will be following up with specific products that we now love! My lil' K is now using some of them (like the 4 Peas backpacks, Yikes Twins towels, and Constructive Eating utensils), and we're huge fans.
This show for some reason was a great reminder of banding together with other entrepreneurial companies. I love seeing what people are creating and promoting. There were family-owned businesses, mompreneurs, rep groups, and inventors. The energy you get from someone talking about their creations is awesome. The best advice I got from an experienced entrepreneur was "JUST DO IT!" He may have stolen that from Nike, but that phrase has layers of meaning. Just take that next step because every step is closer to getting that sale, accomplishing your goal, and creating the next big thing. I love watching people chasing their dreams. JUST DO IT!
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| Thursday, July 02, 2009 1:47 PM |
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Can vomit say "I love you"?
The answer is YES! I had a very interesting morning. It's my hubby's birthday (yeah!) and we were finally going OUT to celebrate. So, I woke up extra early, got Kayla ready earlier, had everything set for the day to be productive, and we were right on track....until 8:30am. As we were driving in the car on the way to school, Kayla was singing her usual "Itsy Bitsy spider" songs, etc. Then, all of a sudden, she started squirming like crazy. "Kayla baby, are you ok? We're almost there. Don't worry." She kept squirming and moaning. Then...it happened.
She threw up everywhere! *sigh. I was shocked and worried. Even as an infant, Kayla never really threw up at all. This is literally the 3rd time she ever vomited. She looked shocked, too. Then started saying, "oooo...dirty. Very dirty, mommy." I turned around, went home, and literally had to cancel all of my meetings, plans, etc.
The PRE-mommy Jessica would have been frustrated and frantic about getting everything done. But, for some weird reason, I felt an overwhelming sense of LOVE. I felt LOVE for Kayla. I felt LOVE for being a mom. I felt her love for me as she said, "thank you, mommy! I better. You happy? I happy." These are the times that moms make a difference. I cleaned her up, put her in comfy sweats, cleaned the car, and just watched a movie with Kayla as I stroked her back.
The vomit on my cute new outfit (ready to go out after work), the cancelled meetings and work...it all didn't matter! The day was a bonus day spending relaxing time with Kayla making sure she was feeling better. I later laughed about it saying that there is nothing better than being a mom. Who plans for this kind of stuff? No one, but I learned to LOVE the unplanned moments of truly taking care of this little munchkin.
(Don't get me wrong. I don't want it to happen again soon! I can feel LOVE in other, cleaner ways.)
... Read More »
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| Wednesday, June 24, 2009 1:04 PM |
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My hilarious meeting with Eddie George!
This is somewhat of an embarrassing story, but a few weeks ago, BabbaCo had a booth at an entrepreneurship conference. It was great! We had a blast sharing our company and products with everyone. Mid-morning, this guy comes to the table and seemed very interested in the BabbaCover. We greet him and start our pitch. Then, I noticed his name tag and asked him, "Oh, do you work at FeldCo (a local well-known window company)?" He looked confused...and then I realized that EVERYONE has the FeldCo logo on their name tag because they are the main conference sponsor. (doh!) He tells me that he is a second year MBA student. So, we continue talking about what he'll do when he 'graduates' and what he's interested in. He was extremely articulate and smart. He talked about his interest in venture capital opportunities, entertainment, entrepreneurship, etc.
Once our conversation ends, he actually buys a BabbaCover Piggy in PInk style for a friend of his! Once he left, my friends around me said, "Jessica, do you know who he is??" I reply, "I think his name was Eddie George, he's a second year." They literally smack me and say, "He is an NFL football legend!! He won the Heisman Trophy (the most prestigious athlete award) and is a LEGEND. His wife was on the latest Survivor where the public fell in love with her. etc. etc. etc." MAN! I had no idea! I watch football occasionally...mostly at Super Bowl parties. I enjoy it, but I don't keep up with it. I can certainly, however, appreciate an incredible athlete who accomplished so much!!
So, Eddie George is our newest customer! :) All I have to say is that I got to meet him for who he is as a person vs. being star struck. He is an incredibly humble, articulate, intelligent, and driven guy. He even emailed the next day saying how great it was to learn about BabbaCo and told us how much he liked our products! What a nice guy!! Thanks so much, Eddie George!! :)
Read More »
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There is always something happening at BabbaCo. We're developing new products, sharing stories/tips on what we figured out the hard way, and just trying to be ourselves. Read along as Jessica and her parent friends live this life as "mom" and "dad".
Join in and chat with us! |
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