Creatively Demonstrating: It's No Big Deal

I have known Maria since our kids were in Kindergarten, and her talent and creativity was evident then, but I had no idea that I would be the lucky beneficiary one day! Fast forward a few years, while I was checking out my facebook page, I saw a video for a friend's book, "Hell is Other Parents," and it hit me. Why didn't I think of this before? I should ask Maria to make a video for nomie baby car seat covers to show them in action! She came up with a brilliant idea to let Josie and her friend Leo have a food fight in their car seats, and then show how cleaning up is really "no big deal." It was such fun to watch them in action, and to get to observe Maria build and create as the kids had a free-for-all.

I couldn't wait to see the final version, once it had been edited, and like most moms who also have other jobs outside of the home, Maria worked odd hours in the middle of the night, and within days it was done! It seems that creativity runs in her family, because much to my surprise and delight, after Maria edited the video she added the VO and used music to help pull it all together and set the mood. The music she chose and "borrowed" came from her musically talented brother!

I hope you enjoy seeing the nomie baby car seat covers in action, and should you be thinking of creative ways to get the word out about your product or services, you should consider letting Maria's creativity help get it out! You will truly be amazed and entertained!

Replacement covers for infant car seats

Crumbs, scattered Cheerios and spills are the telltale signs of a little one in the car. Often a quick, or some times not so quick, vacuuming takes care of what has escaped the car seat. However, tackling the car seat cover is an entirely different matter. Disassembling the car seat is a hassle, takes a long time, and requires a good memory to be able to reassemble it all. Oh, and while the cover is being cleaned, the car seat can't be used. Here is where replacement covers come in handy. The nomie baby car seat covers slip over the existing cover, and there is no need to completely disassemble the car seat in order to clean it. So go ahead, pass the Gold Fish, Cheerios and juice!

Another great reason to get a replacement cover, other than saving time and aggravation, is to be able to pass your car seat on to your next child or a friend. It's one thing to put your child back in their seat with their mess. It's quite another to put another child in this. A cover can take care of this problem in seconds. What was old and grubby, becomes new and clean!

For fractions of the price and hassle an old car seat can get a new look and feel!

How to remove a Graco car seat cover?

Pull the elastic edges over the entire car seat.	Slip the straps through the velcro openings in the cover.	Done!

When a big spill, accident or exploding diapers happens, the last thing you want to do is fish around in "that" drawer for the car seat manual, if you even bothered to keep it. NO, you just want to get the cover off as quickly and painlessly as possible, and throw it in the washing machine. Instead, in order to get the Graco or Britax or another manufacturer's car seat cover off, you will need a lot of time, patience and memory.

• Time, because you will need to take the car seat out of the car, and once you get the cover off, you will need to wait until it has been washed and dried and reassembled before you can use the car seat again. 
• Patience, because figuring out how to disassemble the straps can be frustrating, and 
• Memory, because you have to remember exactly what you did, so that you can put it all back together just as you found it, which is not the safest feeling!

There is a better way! The nomie baby car infant and toddler seat covers make cleanups hassle-free, and as easy as 1, 2, 3! They are cozy, removable, washable, and waterproof covers for infant and toddler car seats, and they are designed so you don't need to take the car seat out of the car, or disassemble the straps. Our covers fit most car seat brands, including Graco, Britax, and more. They slip right over the existing cover, so while they are in the washing machine and dryer, you can still use the car seat. Then when they are clean, you just slip them back on, and get ready for the happy-mess!

Watch our pros demonstrate how to make a mess on the car seat cover, and how easy it is to remove and put back on!

Travel Tips for Parents

The holiday season is upon us, which mean over the river and through the woods we go to visit our friends and family. Here are some tips to make traveling with children less stressful whether going be car, plane or stroller:

1. pack a bag with fun things that the little ones only get when traveling (stickers & sticker book, little travel games, books on tape, books...)

2. snacks in small containers, so they are easy to handle, and you can pack a variety

3. nomie baby car seat cover to make cleaning up after the ride is hassle-free

4. empty garbages bag to quickly throw all the mess away, or bring it inside for cleaning and washing

5. change of clothes in case there are spills or accidents

6. your sense of humor

Happy trails to you, and here's to happy-mess!

Giggle Guide recognizes National Prematurity Month

Inspiration is Never Born Too Soon!

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By Sara Clement - Friday, November 13th 2009

Nomie Baby's inspiration, Josie -- now 3 years old

During the challenges and heartaches of having a premature infant, many parents discover hope, inspiration and the power of TLC. Katie Danziger and Amber Lancaster are two such parents. Both are mothers of preemies, and both are dedicated to offering support, and useful products, for other parents of preemies. In honor of their achievements and National Prematurity Awareness Month, The Giggle Guide™ showcases their respective companies, Nomie Baby and Born 4 Couture.

Nomie Baby Adds Easy-Care to Car Seat Covers

Nomie Baby

Being the mother of a child that was born two months premature, Katie Danziger knows not to sweat the small stuff. However, when she realized that the car seat cover she used for her tiny baby wasn’t washable, she decided to do something about it. Searching for soft fabric that wouldn’t irritate the skin of her sensitive child, she made it her mission to manufacture an easy-care, comfortable cover. Nomie Baby car seat covers is her neat idea that met a need in the marketplace. The covers, designed for infant and toddler seats, retail for $36, and are available in solid blue, white, pink, lime, white, pink, navy and charcoal.

Nomie Baby was born from the inspiration of a miracle child, so 10% of profits are donated to an NICU in appreciation for the care that helps save children’s lives.

For more information, visit www.nomiebaby.com

MSNBC's "Your Business" featured my business

It all started about 2 months ago when I saw a friend of mine, Deborah Kogan, publicizing her new book "Hell is Other Parents" on the Today Show. I was so happy for her, and also wondered how she was able to get such a coveted spot. When I got in touch with Deb, and told her that I had been trying to get on MSNBC to do their 'elevator pitch' segment, she said, "Oh, a friend of mine is JJ Ramberg. Write her and let her know we're friends." I quickly sent off an email to JJ, and heard back from her almost immediately! It then took about 2 months to schedule the 'elevator pitch.' Once again, showing that while I am on one schedule, others have theirs.

On Nov. 5th I showed up at NBC's Rockefeller Center's headquarters, and was escorted upstairs to the "green room" with one of the panelists, Michael Goldberg from Bridge Investment Fund. Then it was off to hair and make-up, which was such a treat. There in the chair next to me I met the other panelist, Colleen DeBaise from the Wall Street Journal. They couldn't have been nicer, and put me at ease before we all shot the 'elevator pitch' complete with an infant car seat, covered with a nomie baby car seat cover and baby doll snuggled in cozy. Everyone there couldn't have been nicer, and much to all of our surprise, we were able to get the segment done 1 take! I then had to wait, but not quite so long this time, to see it on air.

On Nov. 8th at 7:30am "Your Business" featuring nomie baby aired on MSNBC. Just in case I overslept I set the DVR. Of course I was awake bright and early on that Sunday morning, and since it was taped I knew that swine flu or any other big news story wasn't going to bump it! The press push continues with tweeting, posting it on facebook, and continuing to get the word out. The great news is that it has lead to another store taking the nomie baby car seat covers, and hearing everyone's feedback, and their genuine joy on my behalf. Cheerleaders really do keep me going, because I have come to learn that there is no such thing as overnight success! Once again,while it might be difficult to wait, often it's worth it.

Holiday Gift Ideas

Trying to figure out just what to give everyone on your gift list is always a challenge. There are the little ones, and we know that often they find the boxes, wrapping and ribbons the best part. Once my son was given a pair of mittens, that were wrapped in about 10 different boxes. Perhaps not the most eco-friendly gift, but he had such a great time unwrapping it, and if you really want, you can always reuse the boxes and wrapping.

Then there are the friends, who always enjoy something that they might not get themselves, or something that they will truly appreciate. If you know someone who is starting their own business, getting them a stamp with their business's name, not only shows you support them, but that you believe the business will be around. You can also get them a subscription to Collective-E to help their entrepreneurial spirit.

For the parents with young children on your list, giving them a favorite book to share with their child that you and your little ones enjoyed, shows thought, and after all isn't that really what it's all supposed to be all about?!? Parents are also looking for gadgets and tools that help them save time, so there's more time for the fun stuff. Getting them the nomie baby car seat cover, will not only make all the trips "over the river and through the woods" hassle-free, but more enjoyable.

People also love when you know their hobbies and treat them to something that will enhance it. For example, if your friend loves photography, getting them a gift certificate for a photographer to give them a lesson, or a book or subscription to a photography magazine. If they are always quoting "People" magazine, treat them to a subscription for their guilty pleasure!

Really knowing the person makes thinking of what they will love much easier. Remember, it doesn't need to be expensive to be thoughtful.

Inspiration from the Women's Conference

I have just returned from two incredible days at the Women's Conference in California. While it was difficult to be gone from my family for three days, it was great to be able to take the time to focus and learn from so many incredible women and their stories. Robin Roberts from "Good Morning America" talked about the decisions she had to make once she was diagnosed with breast cancer, including whether to go public or not, and she recalled her parent's words, "Make your mess your message," which helped guide her. What a wonderful way to look at difficult situations. Rather than hide from them, turn them around. Maria Shriver spoke beautifully and candidly about her extreme pain and grief since the passing of her mother. She also participated in a panel on grief with Elizabeth Edwards, Susan St. James and Lisa Niemi, and their pain was palpable. It was an incredibly brave conversation, especially to have it in front of 15,000 others, but one to which everyone in that room and beyond could relate.

The two days were also a wonderful opportunity to focus on nomie baby, where it is, where it's going and where it's been. Talking to hundreds of women about the car seat covers, and soon to be introduced new products, was a terrific opportunity to hear fresh, honest feed back. It was so rewarding to hear what I had suspected, which is that I am not the first parent to be frustrated by the hassle of cleaning up after all the mess, and the wrestling that it takes, and how relieved and pleased they were to learn that there was a solution to their problem. Julia Paige, the Executive Producer of the Women's Conference said, "It's my favorite gift to give all my mommy friends, and they write the nicest and appreciative thank you notes!" Again, getting the reinforcement means so much, because sometimes being in the middle of everything, and being so close to every aspect skews my perspective.

The entire Conference was capped off with the Minerva Awards, which were given to 4 incredible women, Agnes Stevens, Helen Waukazoo, Dr. Kathy Hull and Dr. Jane Goodall, who are doing outstanding work in their communities. Once again they highlighted the importance of reaching out and giving back. In walking around the Women's Conference it was remarkable to notice how many organizations were each making a difference through giving back as part of their every day business practices. This has always been something that is very important to me, and since the Mt. Sinai NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) was there for our youngest daughter when she was born 2 months early, I have made sure that giving back to them is build in to the nomie baby business. It adds, not only a completely difference perspective, but also makes my desire for success that much greater, since I know what a difference it would make to thousands of the tiniest babies.

All in all, while I am exhausted from the red-eye trip home, I am also reinvigorated, committed and inspired to make nomie baby the success, not only I hope it can be, but that other's believe it will be.

Progress is all about perspective

Sometimes it is difficult to appreciate the progress that's been made when you are in the middle of it. The other day, when I was speaking with my PR guru, Sabina, from Collective-E about recent press, she said, "Just think about where you were last year!" I took a minute to think about where I was a year ago in terms of so many things with my business, and realizes that I really had made progress. The number of press hits nomie baby had gotten this time last year I could easily have counted, and now they are in the 100's. I hadn't received much recognition, much less awards, and the website was simple, but now with my web mastermind Katie's SEO genius considerations, it's getting many more hits, which translate into sales. I didn't know what twitter was, let alone how to use it to get more exposure, and Facebook was just a way to stay in touch with friends, and now there is nomie baby fan page as well as a nomie baby group. I have a blog (thank you for reading it), and just the other day Beth Schoenfeldt, who has been my branding guide, taught me how to create even more links and connections. As far as distribution and sales, I started out with a few wonderful stores here in NYC, like Citibabes, Albee's, the Upper Breast Side, and Ola Baby, and now I have branched out to stores in close to 10 states, a number of online stores,including Diapers.com and soon buybuyBaby.com.

WIth so much going on, sometimes it's hard to appreciate the progress. When I take the time to step back and look at where I was instead of where I am, it's great to see the results. With time comes progress and perspective.

Disassembling the car seat cover is not fun exercise

I used to calculate the snacks we brought into the car based on their messiness factor. I knew the messier, the more likely it was that I would have to clean the car seat, which took a lot of time, a great deal of struggling and wrestling, and not a fun way of breaking a sweat. First I would have to take the car seat out of the car, then I would have to disassemble the car seat straps, and hope that I would remember exactly how they threaded through, so I could reassemble them. After all that I would have to wash the car seat cover, and air dry it, so it didn't shrink, all the time hoping that I would not have to use the car seat until the cover was dry and the whole thing reassembled. Often this meant that I would wait until the cover was really gross before tackling this task.

Now, however, the type of snack doesn't bother me, since the nomie baby car seat cover makes cleaning up a snap! I just slip it over the existing cover. I don't have to remove the car seat from the car, or disassemble the straps, and when it gets dirty. I just slip it off, throw it in the washer and dryer, and we're good to go! It never has to get really dirty before it's cleaned. Now I get exercise the fun way - running around with the kids, or even going to the gym!

Entrepreneurship Requires Patience Patience Patience

There are many suitable cliches, "Patience is a virtue", "Good things come to those who wait", "Rome wasn't built in a day"... take your pick. They all apply to building a company and entrepreneurship. For some reason, with all the advise I received about launching a new product and business, everyone neglected to tell me just how long it would take to introduce a new product to consumers and the press, or how long it would take for stores and sales to take off. Therefore, I naively started off, thinking it would be an overnight success. After all, everyone was telling me that they thought the nomie baby car seat covers were a great idea, and every mom would want one. So when I first met buyers and they didn't place huge orders, I was not only disappointed but puzzled, and yes, frustrated. This wasn't part of the plan. I didn't lose faith in the product, but instead I knew I had to readjust my thinking, objectives, and strategy.

I began to focus my energy on getting the word out, stepping up my pr efforts, and realizing that as awareness grew, so would sales. There is a direct relationship between the two. While I worked hard to get many different wonderful smaller stores in lots of different cities and states, and ramped up my website, I never gave up on the larger accounts that I believed would be a perfect fit for nomie baby as well. Periodically I would touch base with the buyers at Diapers.com and buybuyBaby, and let them know about exciting news, press and awards that nomie baby was receiving. I always got friendly email responses, which encouraged me to keep in touch. I was determined to be persistent without being pestering. After over a year since first being in touch, I got an email from the buyer at Diapers.com that I had to read twice, before allowing myself to believe what was written. "We would love to add the nomie baby car seat cover. Please send us the UPC codes and photos to upload!" 14 months after first meeting a buyer from Diapers.com, and getting switched to another buyer over the year, the first shipment of nomie baby car seat covers is on its way to Diapers.com's 3 warehouses! In the same week I reconnected with the buyer for buybuy Baby, and she said that she is "interested in the covers," and she would like to try them out on buybuyBaby.com. If they do well, then they'll be added to their stores! It is a huge jump, but it didn't happen overnight, although overnight the changes are dramatic. Here are other apt cliches - "When it rains, it pours" and "Be careful of what you wish for" - or at least be prepared!

Little babies - lots of gear!

When you first have a baby, or even before, it is exciting and overwhelming to shop for all the new gadgets and gear. However, once the baby is born, you start to realize that these tiny little babies have lots of gear that takes up tons of space, and often they only use things for a few months, then they have outgrown it. There are some items that we all want to save, but then there are others that we can't wait to get rid of. We are happy to pass along the exersaucer, which has become the latest piece of artwork taking up half the kitchen. A quick wipe-down with the disinfectant cloth, and it's clean as new. However some of the gear is just to difficult to clean, and too dirty to pass along. This is the case when it comes to the car seat, and after all the accidents, exploding diapers, spills and crushed Cheerios, the thought of passing it along is more embarrassing than generous. Now you can feel good about handing down a well worn car seat, because the nomie baby car seat cover makes it good as new. Go ahead, give the grimey car seat to your best friend, cousin or neighbor who just had a baby girl, and add a pink with it, and it's their very own, and clean as new!

"Good things come to those who wait - patiently"

I know that nomie baby is my main career focus, but while it's hard, it is also important to remember that this is not the case for many others. I may be spending a tremendous part of each day thinking of traditional as well as creative ways to increase exposure, distribution and sales, but this is not what is on everyone else's mind. Just because I have spent time crafting a PR pitch, I have to remind myself that it is not the only one that is received that day, or even that hour, and that it might take time to hear back and get a response. It is key to put a lot "out there" with the hope that some will stick and be picked up.

Months ago I sent Brooke Burke, Co-CEO of ModernMom a nomie baby car seat cover for her littlest, because even though she is a celebrity, she has the same desire to make cleanups more hassle-free, and have more time for the fun stuff, and ModernMom speaks to the moms I am trying to reach. What a perfect way to spread the word. I'm sure Brooke must get tons of products to review, and PR pitches, but in my world, this was my focus. Sometimes, OK more often than not, it is frustrating and even discouraging to have to wait. However, this also means that when I have almost forgotten, or almost given up, I sometimes get a wonderful surprise.

I received just such a treat today when I heard from ModernMom that they will be featuring the nomie baby car seat cover as one of their "must-haves!" Needless to say I was thrilled to open that email with the news. It was confirmation, and served to show me once again, that yes, my pitches are read, and better yet, when people have the opportunity to feel the coziness, and experience how easily the car seat cover slips on and off the infant or toddler car seat, parents "get it!" Hearing this news and getting positive feedback is incredibly gratifying, and makes all the difference in pushing ahead.

It all does take time, persistence and perseverance, but if you are willing to take the time, be patient and you believe in what you are doing, this will come through, and others will recognize this as well! Who ever said, "Good things do come to those who wait" right,wise and spent a lot of time waiting!

Personal Touch

When ever I give a gift, I try to think of a way to make it personal. Either I chose a color I know a person loves, or perhaps a theme like sports, music or their favorite animal. This is particularly true when picking a baby gift, especially if it's not their first child. I know that there will be plenty of hand-me-downs, so it's nice to give something that is the baby's very own.

Many people have asked if there is a way to monogram or personalize the nomie baby car seat covers, and now there is! WWW.myembroideredgift.com will personalize your infant or toddler car seat cover, so it will have that special touch. Now whether it's a gift for a 2nd boy, the little sister, or distinguishing one twin from another, it can be their very own. Visit http://www.myembroideredgifts.com/nomiecarseatcover.html to send a baby present that is unique and shows that you really thought about just what they would love!

Picture says it all, or at least a lot!

One of the most difficult things about launching a new product is trying to describe it as quickly and simply as possible, while still being detailed. It's a trick, and one that I learned, was not so easy. I discovered early on that almost everything means something different to different people, for example, the price. I was determined to keep the price low enough that the nomie baby car seat covers could and would be able to be considered "must-haves" and no-brainers. However, I learned that some interpret low prices with poor or lower quality, so I had to figure out a way around that without raising the price. I also realized that "waterproof" might make some think of your grandmother's plastic covered couches - not so cozy to sit on for an infant or toddler. Therefore, it quickly became apparent, that I would have to be more, rather than less descriptive. The word "nomie" might mean "cozy" in our family, but it will take a while before this is universally understood.

Another piece of feedback I regularly received was the surprise at how soft and cozy the car seat cover is. People are pleasantly surprised. This I have found trickier to accurately describe in words, and have been relying on reviews and moms spreading the word to get the coziness out there. Then this summer I decided to take some more pictures of my little one in her toddler car seat with its lime nomie baby cover on it, and I think I was able to capture "Cozy, soft, comfy" with one smiling shot. So I guess when they say, "A picture says a thousand words" this is what they meant!

Momtrends: Nomie Baby Carry Beaner and Discount Code

Here's is a post and review from Momtrends on the nomie baby carry beaner. With back-to-school shopping upon us, it's the helping hand we all need for all the extra bags we collect as the day goes on! Thank you for the great feedback!

Momtrends: Nomie Baby Carry Beaner and Discount Code

iParenting 2009 "Outstanding Product Award"

Months ago I submitted the nomie baby car seat cover to be considered for the Disney company, iParenting "Outstanding Product Award." I filled out all the necessary forms, sent off a few nomie baby car seat covers to be tested by their dedicated team, and then quite frankly moved on to the next thing.

Since then I have been working on all aspects of the business including getting the word out, contacting editors, bloggers, buyers, customers and getting as much press and pr as possible. A few days ago I was sitting with a friend, my Blackberry vibrated, telling me that an email had come in. I didn't rush to check it out, since I was having my time with a friend, but when I did check, I had to check twice, before believing what I was reading, and bravely reading it out loud, since I knew by doing so would make it real.

The subject of the email was "Congratulations!" I have gotten plenty of emails telling me that I am the lucky winner of the lottery, and if I would just send my contact information along with my bank account numbers, I will receive the millions that they are promising. Therefore, it's understandable that when I first saw the word "Congratulations!" I wasn't instantly jumping. I guess that's what has happen, instead of being excited by the word, I have become unphased, or at least cautious. I eventually did open the email and read it, bringing back the memory of submitting a while ago. "Congratulations your product has been selected to receive the "iParenting Outstanding Product Award" for 2009! Wohoo! Confirmation, with a seal and everything, that, as Sally Field said, "They liked it, they really liked it!"

Pink Car Seat Cover turns Big Bro's to yours

One of the many great things that I have learned about the nomie baby car seat covers, is their many uses that I hadn't originally intended. I have found, from listening to my customers that they are thrilled that they are able to quickly change their hideous pattern into one that is sleek and clean, or that their son's car seat easily becomes their daughters with a pink nomie baby car seat cover.

I remember when my first daughter was born after my son, I didn't buy anything blue for her for years. I was thrilled to be able to make her completely pink. Of course, now years later, her favorite color is blue, but that's her choice now! However, I know I would have saved a lot of money by being able to change the boyish items into more girly ones, if that had been an option, and that's exactly what my customers are discovering, and telling me.

While I came up with the idea out of a need to make cleanups less of a hassle, I am delighted by the other equally worthwhile uses: re-cycle and reuse, turn something for a son into something new for a daughter, or making a hand-me-down that is a little worse for the wear new again! I have even heard that the coziness has made the seats cooler, and in a couple of cases has eased carsickness. Of course that's not a claim I am willing to make, but it's might be a nice coincidence!!

Giving Back

For years, I have been involved in various volunteer positions at Mt. Sinai Hospital, always finding them worthwhile and interesting. However, when I ended up in the hospital myself, 10 weeks before my due date with my youngest, I got to see the hospital from the other side, and was overwhelmed by the care, concern and professionalism of everyone I encountered. When my baby was born, she spent over a month in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit), and I was daily thankful for all that the doctors and nurses did for our whole family. It then became clear to me that this was the area where my heart was, and where I wanted to focus my energies.

When I started nomie baby, which happened by a happy accident, literally, since it resulted from a spill, I always knew that it would be more than a business. It was inspired by my littlest, and I knew that it would not only be a way to help parents solve their messy problems, but it would enable me to give back to the NICU. A percentage of all profits go to Mt. Sinai's NICU, which give me a larger mission, and make my desire to make it a real success even greater. Through much of my work, I have found that many women entrepreneurs use their businesses to help give back, which makes working with them feel as if we are going beyond simply the business at hand! Giving back has always been important, but now everything seems to have come full circle, and successes seem to have a larger impact.

Me, Myself & I

While it's certainly not easy running nomie baby with a staff of me, myself and I, it has provided me with insight into every aspect of the business, and allowed me to be in touch with everyone from manufacturing to pr to the customers. It's wonderful hearing the feedback from everyone, and being able to respond to it. I have also noticed that this is appreciated by everyone as well, since I am frequently hearing how happy they were that I answered their question quickly, or how I was able to respond to a pr request in time for the deadline. While I'm sure that when I grow, the people in these positions will be able to do the same, there is nothing like hearing things first hand. Receiving an email from a happy customer who wrote to say that she loved her nomie baby car seat cover, and she needed to order another one, because her kids were fighting over who got to sit in the "nomie" seat was a thrill, and so was getting an email saying that Sarah Jessica Parker loves her matching pink nomie baby car seat covers for her twin daughters!

Again, I'm sure I will love hearing those sorts of comments from people who will ultimately be in charge of those areas, but opening the emails first does make me smile!

Catch 22

Often I have found myself in a Catch-22 or chicken and the egg situation when it comes to sales, marketing and PR for nomie baby. It seems that stores, especially now, are hesitant to take inventory on anything that isn't going to fly off the shelves and sell itself. There are fewer sales people in stores explaining and selling new products; therefore, the products need to be well known and recognizable to the consumer. This recognition factor involves a tremendous amount of PR and marketing.

When trying to market a product or get press placement, I have found that it is helpful if the product is familiar to the editors, and doesn't need a lot of explaining so they know where to place it in stories they are currently planning, or they think of the product when deciding upcoming articles or features. Perhaps you see where I am going with this. Chicken or the egg comes to mind. Getting traction and familiarity takes a tremendous amount of time and persistence. Every once in awhile someone will take a chance on me or nomie baby, and that will open doors ever so slightly, which makes the next go around just that much easier.

There are a couple of accounts and press I have been trying to get for the nomie baby, which I have always thought were perfect matches, and others have mentioned them as well. Now I have been able to go back to them and say, "CBS Early Show" and "Pregnancy & Newborn" magazine both featured the nomie baby car seat cover as a "MUST" baby product, and now those accounts are interested! So it seems you need PR to get accounts, and the press wants to know where their viewer or readers can buy the great new product before running a story on it. And so it goes, slowly building until it reaches the "tipping point." It feels as if it's getting getting there. I hope we're tipsy!

CBS's "Neat Baby Product"

A couple of weeks ago Sabina at Collective-E called and suggested that I submit the nomie baby car seat cover to CBS's Morning Show for a segment they were doing on great new baby products. I was thrilled to hear that the producer has little kids, "got it" right away, and wanted to use it! Then I played hurry up and wait to find out that the segment was going to air on May 2nd, my anniversary! What a great present. I set the DVR, but didn't want to tell everyone I know to wake up for the 7:44AM Saturday piece, just in case a big news story like perhaps the Swine Flu outbreak preempted it. Well, much to my delight the segment ran on schedule! There was the nomie baby car seat cover along side a Bugaboo stroller, a changing pad, and a stylish diaper bags. It was such a thrill seeing it there for everyone else to see!

I have been spending a tremendous amount of time and energy on PR, since I know that if people know about the nomie baby car seat covers, they will understand why they are a mommy-must-have, and then people won't pass them by on the shelves. When I am in front of moms during demonstrations and trunk shows, they sell incredibly well, because they are reasonably priced, and solve many messy problems easily, and as the CBS producer said, people "get it!"

I know that it takes a long time to build a brand, but getting recognition just gives more fuel to keep plugging away, and getting encouragement from others has been a tremendous help.

Just in case you didn't happen to be up at 7:44AM this morning, I don't want you to miss the CBS segment, so here's the link! http://www.cbsnews.com/htdocs/pdf/050209

_baby.pdf

People really do do the nicest things

There are so many lessons I have learned through the process of starting nomie baby. I have learned about website design, SEO, manufacturing, packaging, customer service, promotions, blogging, twittering, and the list goes one and on. However, the best lesson has been how incredible people are.

I have found that in all areas of building nomie baby as a company the people I have encountered have genuinely wanted to help me, and see me succeed. There are so many examples from my manufacturers who have taken me under their wing as their "pet" project, to the stores like Citibabes and Albees who took nomie baby car seat covers early on, and gave me a chance. Most recently I was struck by kindness when I was looking for helping in sewing new labels onto the covers for a co-promotion I am doing with Kid Car NY, which is a car service specializing in driving families with young children needing car seats. All of their car seats have nomie baby car seat covers, which is great exposure for nomie baby, and the hassle-free cleanups are fantastic for them. To enhance our co-promotion I created labels with a joint nomie baby/Kid Car NY logo. I asked my storage company, Elite Logistics in NJ if they could help. They are aware that I am just starting out, and counting all my pennies, but I couldn't believe it when Cindy, woman who works at the storage facility, called me from Ohio. She was there starting up a new storage facility, and said that she brought the nomie baby car seat covers with her, all 30 of them, because her grandmother is there, has a sewing machine, and she would be able to help me out! I couldn't believe what an incredibly thoughtful gesture this was. Cindy and I have never met. We have only emailed one another, yet she was willing to go to this trouble for me. What kindness!

I keep learning that people really do do the nicest things! This is definitely something I will pay forward.

Tweeting and Twittering Success!

When it was first suggested that I twitter about nomie baby, my response was, "What does that mean?" I was again feeling like a techno-rookie, but I had gotten over being ashamed about asking questions. I followed the directions, went on twitter.com, started an account, and began tweeting and twittering. I must say I was told what to type in 140 characters or less and started "following" people, which seemed a little creepy at first. Slowly people started "following" me, and I even began to get "DMs." I have to admit, I'm still not entirely sure how it works. It mostly feels like I am sending 140 character messages into the ether, but something does seem to be working, because a new store in Iowa is now carrying nomie baby car seat covers, and a number of product reviewer have posted reviews on their sites and blogs. I guess it really doesn't matter whether I completely get it or not, because others are "getting it!" Tweet Tweet!

The Spring Has Sprung

Happy-mess is as easy as 1,2,3!

It is starting to feel a little like spring, which I suppose means that we are shedding our layers, cleaning up and getting ready to be out more. I can't wait. I'm not thrilled about the cleaning part, but I have realized that there are some tricks that make it easier and more hassle-free.

When I first created the nomie baby car seat cover, I knew that if I had the problem with cleaning up, then other parents probably did too, and I was right. Now I see that there is an easier way of dealing with the ritual of spring cleaning. Here are my suggestions for cleaning out the car: get 2 bags, 1 for garbage and 1 for things you want to keep, but might need to wash or switch out. Now start attacking the inside of your car. I'm sure there are plenty of broken toys, spare mittens, and food wrappers littered around your car, and you can easily sort them into one of the 2 bags. After you have cleared out the winter's worth of stuff, take the nomie baby car seat cover off, shake it out and throw it in the washing machine to get ready for the next season of mess. If you don't have a nomie baby car seat cover yet, this is a great time to get one. There are 6 terrific colors, and if you enter "Spring" as the promo code on the website, http://www.nomiebaby.com, you'll get 10% off your order from now until May 1st. Now you'll be ready for those sticky ice cream fingers!

Here's to happy-mess!!

New Arrivals

I know I can't be everything to everyone, nor can nomie baby, but I'm trying. When I first started selling I went to one store in NYC, and while they loved the feel and ease of the nomie baby car seat covers, they felt that their customers would like colors that "blended" more with their car's interior.  The next day I went to Kidville, and they loved the "sherbet" colors, so my mind was spinning, and I was cautioned not to try to make everyone happy, but that's my nature.  Therefore, once things were up and going, and I started thinking about the next run, I decided to introduce new colors: navy and charcoal, and the response has been great!  They are sleek and chic, and let parents pretend that there isn't an ugly cow-print car seat behind them.

I also realized that while my website was fine, it wasn't great, and I wanted great.  I have been working with Collective-E on branding, getting the word out and pushing to the next level, so when Katie at CE suggested "cutification" I knew that's what I needed.  Once again, not my strength, but certainly Katie's, so we were off!  Now the nomie baby site is cleaner, has great features that allow people to click and buy more  easily, and is more in keeping with the whole idea of nomie baby, which is to solve problems for parents.  Please check out the new improved site at http://www.nomiebaby.com.  You can add a review, send it to a friend, and of course order all the colors now available.

I have also been told that I need more products, so keep your eyes out for the soon-to-be-introduced "carry-beaner."  It is the extra helping hand that everyone needs!

Once again, I am learning that while this might be my "baby," I can't do it alone, and having wonderful people around to give feedback and support is key!

Getting creative with parties!

It's time to get creative.  I am getting so tired of hearing how bad things are, how it's only going to get worse before it gets better, blah, blah, blah...  So instead of throwing up my hands, I've decided to roll up my sleeves.  I am not the only one in this situation, which is comforting, and allows for great brainstorming.  Therefore, when I was talking to those who inspire me at Colletive-E.com and my friend who started Kule clothing, I realized that the nomie baby car seat covers are perfect for house parties.

Right now it's a little tough to invite people over to spend money unless you are saving them money.  This isn't a riddle.  The nomie baby car seat cover can save people money, since it's perfect to use with a hand-me-down car seat to make it new again, and it also can help extend the life of your car seat.  Moms love to share their great finds with friends and families, and especially now if it's a great way to save money.  That's why I have decided to launch the nomie baby house parties.  Host moms can sign up at www.nomiebaby.com, or send me an email at katie@nomiebaby.com, and then they are on their way to spreading the word about a great new mommy-must-have, as well as making money for themselves.  The word of mom is the most powerful tool of all, no matter how scary it gets out there!

Out from Behind the Screen

On Tuesday I went to one of my stores, The Upper Breast Side, in NYC to put on a trunk show. It was a wonderful 3 hours for so many reasons. In this age of emails, blogs, facebooking, twittering and tweeting, it was great to finally meet Felina, after 5 months of virtually working together. She was incredible, so knowledgeable about all her products, and she knew just what each of her customers needed and how to handle them in their pre and postpartum states. She also provided a wonderful opportunity for me to showcase the nomie baby car seat covers, and talk directly to new and expecting moms face to face!

Not only did we have a terrific selling day for the nomie baby car seat covers, but talking to people, hearing their thoughts, and answering their questions was so helpful for me. I realized that having the covers displayed on the car seats made it much easier for people to "get it." I also heard how much people liked how soft and cozy they felt, but they didn't know that from the package or the website. This will be a challenge for me to convey virtually, since you still aren't able to reach through the computers - yet! Another interesting point that was brought up, was the fact that they assumed for such a reasonable price the quality would not be as good as it is! Hmmm, this is an interesting dilemma, since I don't want to raise the prices just to send a message that they are well made.

As wonderful as computers are for keeping in touch and doing business quickly and efficiently, there is still nothing that like face to face. All in all, getting out from behind this computer, meeting the store owners to hear their thoughts, issues and needs, as well as hearing from the consumers is something that I not only enjoy, but find invaluable and hope to do much more!

What's in a name?

Picking names has always been challenging. I remember when I was pregnant hearing a few helpful rules, or guidelines: 1. don't float ideas past friends and family, because if they hate a name and tell you, and then you pick it, you'll never forget it, 2. Don't pick a name that's too out there and creative, because your child will have to be really cool to pull it off, 3. don't spell things in a new funky way, because you will always be correcting people. I took these suggestions to heart when we were choosing the names for our children, but when it came time to think of a name for the new product I invented I was stuck.

I knew enough to know that "the removable, washable and waterproof car seat cover" wasn't exactly catchy, nor did it roll of the tongue, but where to go from there was leaving me drawing a blank. When I was speaking with my patent and trademark attorney he suggested I come up with a name that meant nothing. He said that many household names started that way, such as "crocs," "velcro," and "gibbitz," so it seemed like a good enough starting place to me. At that point, coming up with a name was easy. When my older daughter started talking there was a word that she used for anything that was soft, comfy or cozy, it was "nomie," and that stuck in our family. Friends even knew if a sweater or blankie was "nomie" it was a huge compliment, and something snugly! That's how nomie baby got it's name. I am hoping that the "nomie" word will continue to spread.

Now What Baby: Nomie Baby

Now What Baby: Nomie Baby

Is there ever too much?

I am new, very new, to blogging myself, but I have been getting to know about its reach in trying to spread the word about the nomie baby car seat cover.  I started by reaching out to mommy bloggers hoping they would "test drive" my new product, and then write a review on their blog, which I was told would lead people to the website to purchase one of their very own.  Many bloggers were receptive, and liked the idea of finding a new product, especially one that would make parents' lives easier.  It was, and still is exciting to read reviews real moms were writing.  Slowly I noticed that bloggers started contacting me, asking if they could review the newest "mommy-must-have."  I was thrilled and flattered that it was working.  People knew about the nomie baby car seat cover.  Word was getting out their through cyberspace.  I was thrilled!  Then I got an email yesterday from a friend, who' s wife is starting her own blog.  He asked if I would spread the word about it, and ask fellow moms with young children to sign up and spread the word.  I was happy to help her out, and asked if she would be willing to write about nomie baby.  I was pleasantly surprised, and disappointed by her response.  "Of course I've heard of the nomie, so I don't think that I can write about it."

Had all this out reach backfired?  Had nomie baby reached the point of being not being a new find, and therefore it was old news, not hip or cool?  If this is the case, had everything worked the way it was supposed to, or gone off the track?  One of my goals had been to make the nomie baby name as well known as Graco, Bugaboo, Baby Bjorn, which were all big question marks until moms and dads started talking about them.

I am still hopeful that all this social marketing and spreading the word will make nomie baby a recognizable baby product, and after all that won't work in the opposite direction.   I guess this is just another example of how important striking a balance always is.

Baked vs. Bought

Today was my littlest's birthday celebration at nursery school, which means we are allowed in the room for a treat, a special birthday necklace, books chosen and cupcakes!  What could be better?  Yesterday was spent talking about it a lot, and baking our first cupcakes together.  I pulled the stool up to counter, gave her her own spoon to help me stir, and she put the Dora paper cupcake holders in the pan.  Then we spent, what seemed like a long time waiting for them to cook AND cool while we discussed how to decorate them.  Of course they would have yellow frosting, since that's her favorite color, and sprinkles and polka dots all over.  When we were done they looked wonderfully homemade, and she was so excited to share them with all her friends and teachers.

We arrived at school with a box of cupcakes,which made it through the trip undamaged, and  "Spot's Birthday Party" to read to the class.  The door was opened, and my husband and I were shown to our little chairs on either side of the birthday girl.  The whole celebration was so sweet. Then it was cupcake time.  We all sat at the table, decorated our place and waited patiently for our treats.  When we were all served the cupcakes,  of the teachers leaned over and said, "Of all the birthday celebrations, this is the first time all year we've seen homemade cupcakes."  I was both shocked and sad, since it's not only so easy to make them, but it is so much fun, and a great way to spend time together.

Many say, "Well, I work, when am I supposed to do it?"  So do I.  It just doesn't take that much time, it is such a treat, and so much fun to spend the time together, not to mention the pride in my daughter's face as she saw everyone licking their fingers and enjoying every last sprinkle!

Accidental Beginning

As the saying goes, "Necessity is the mother of invention."  Therefore, when my little one spilled on her car seat, and I struggled to remove the cover only to read the care instructions, which said, "Do not machine wash," I thought there has to be a better way.  I searched for a solution, and when my search came up empty, I knew an idea was born. Solving a problems is what is was all about.

  

I didn't start out wanting to create a company, far from it.  I thought that I would make a few car seat cover, or bibs for the car seats, sell them to some friends, and it would be a fun.  That's how it all started, but it quickly spiraled when I started looking for the right fabric that did everything I wanted it to do - it had to be cozy, absorbent and leak proof.  I then learned about "fabric sourcing," which took me to trade shows where I met people from Turkey, Pakistan and China, and realized I was way out of my league.  I finally asked a friend of mine in the real estate business in the fashion district if he knew anyone who did fabric sourcing.  He had no idea what I was talking about, but he did lead me to a person who does a tremendous business in plus size clothing, and figured he must know people in the fabric world.

Luckily for me the fabric sourcing people were incredibly nice, and took me under their wing.  They weren't in the baby gear business, but took the project on anyway.  When I explained what I was looking for in a fabric, they helped me develop it.  They then explained manufacturing and minimums, which brings me to why I was not able to just sell to my friends!  With minimums of 1000 yards per color, I realized that I didn't have nearly enough friends, and to continue to pursue this idea of a car seat cover/bib would mean creating ways to sell to thousands, which brought me file for a patent, create a website, www.nomiebaby.com, since everyone told me that I had to have ecommerce, which became a whole new journey of web design, codes, and merchant accounts.  Then there was the challenge of finding sales reps to help with distribution, getting a warehouse to help store and ship all the orders... you're getting the picture.

I didn't set out to create a company, but it is a wonderful experience to build something from scratch, and most of all it shows me how much people are willing to help, and the encouragement and cheerleading I get really does keep me going.  I am now in the position to pay it forward, and help others with information I have learned in the process.  It was a happy accident.

Welcome

Welcome to the first of what I hope will be many musings.  As a mom of 3 (15, 13 and almost 3) there are so many things that I have been able to draw on in starting my business, but mostly, I am so thankful for the encouragement and support from my entire family.  Just as no one told me how challenging being a mom would be, no one told me how difficult starting a business would be.  I remember hearing that having a baby would make me feel exhausted, but I figured that I had pulled all-nighters in college, so what could be so bad?  Well, getting up every few hours to feed a baby for months on end is much tougher, and I'm glad that I didn't know that going in.  Some times ignorance really is bliss. The same is true for starting nomie baby.  I am happy that I didn't know everything that would be involved in starting a business, or I most likely would have been too intimidated to give it a try.  I have found that while there are many areas that were completely new to me (creating a website, merchant accounts, manufacturing, shipping and the list goes on - you get it), there were just as many people who were more than willing to take the time to teach me what I needed to know.  I also found that I didn't need to know everything from the start.

Since we are told that we can be Super Moms, it is often hard to ask for help.  However, I have found that people are happy to help, especially when they are given a particular assignment.  Sometimes is tricky to figure out exactly what needs to be done, but once that is clear, finding people to teach, give advise, or support you becomes easier.  Now what I find rewarding is that I am able to share what I've learned with others.

Best, 

Katie Danziger

www.nomiebaby.com