Savvy Mompreneur: Dawn Hadbavny
Business: bobalong
Website: www.bobalongbaby.com
Twitter Handle: @bobalongbaby
Facebook Handle: bobalong
What is your business all about?
My business is about designing innovative products that will solve day-to-day problems and make life easier for people. Our first product, called bobalong, finally puts an end to an age-old problem… the dropped bottle and pacifier. This unique, highly functional, safe and easy-to-use baby gear product keeps babies bottles/pacifiers safely within their reach and off the ground!
What inspired you to start your business?
My inspiration for my business and my first product, bobalong, came from raising my own four children! It was my own frustration with the continued dropping of the bottle/pacifier that led me to search for a solution that was safe, functional and easy to use. Many years and prototypes later, the bobalong was born.
What is the most difficult part in having your own business?
I think the most difficult part of having your own business is learning to manage your time while keeping your priorities in order.
What do you love about it?
What I love most about my business is the creative side of taking an idea and watching it progress from concept to a real product in the market! It is so exciting and rewarding to know that you have created something that will help make peoples’ lives a little easier.
How do you handle the family and business balance?
It can certainly be a challenge to balance family life with owning your own business. There may be sacrifices made, but the lessons learned and potential rewards make it all worthwhile!
What has been your most successful move or resources discovered?
Networking with other women who own a business has been an invaluable way of gaining insight and making connections. In addition, the Internet has been a great tool for information and resources.
What advice would you give to other moms looking to begin a business of their own?
Believe in yourself and your business. You will face many obstacles along the way, so remember to utilize all the resources at your disposal. This includes asking for advice or help when needed from those who may have more experience or knowledge in a certain area. A positive attitude, along with unwavering determination, will also help yield success.
*A big thank you to Dawn and Nicole for providing us with this in depth look into what its like to be a mom, an inventor, and business owner. We know how important safety and security is to kids and we appreciate the effort and care you have taken to make sure your products are safe and helpful for babies and parents. Thank you for sharing your story with us!!
