Tell us a little about the person behind the business? That’s a tough one. The original people behind the business were Moo my daughter and myself. Now it’s my husband Carlos, my son Bear and daughter Bubble as well. We all bring different creative skills to our business and help out in very different ways. Carlos handles the web side of things while I do the sewing. We do cross over into each others territory on a regular basis. The children help out with the designs. The majority of designs are either drawn or inspired by them and they also help make our handmade business cards. It’s a big family event with lots of shredded paper, water and lots of sunshine.
And now a little about the business itself? Our business branches off from our own family values. It’s about our respect for the Earth and the people who live on it. Our shirts are all ethically made and environmentally friendly with no negative impact on our environment. Our baby bodysuits are organic too. All our designs are made using recycled fabrics from clothes, company off cuts and op shop finds. Each shirt is unique and original as the first ones made 5 years ago. We are proud to offer the world kids clothing with a conscience, designed by children made by adults, not the other way around.
How did you come up with your business name? Our business name is a combination of our eldest daughters nick name, Moo and the name she gave her younger brother before he was born, Bear. Designs is what we do…
What made you want to begin a WAH business and how did you get started? Carlos and I had always wanted to run our own business. As two very creative people we just knew we could do it not only for ourselves but also for our children. MooBear was started as a little hobby of mine then I was making shirts to order for friends and family and realised I actually had a viable business. I did a course with Bizness Babes which bridged the gap between hobby and business and Carlos gave up his full time job and finished his own business course. Now we both work full time on MooBear. I have also started another hobby called Over It! You could say she is MooBear’s little sister label.
What motivates you to keep your business going? A fair-trade coffee in the morning is a big help. Just knowing that we can call the shots and don’t have people breathing down our necks at work. We can work at our own pace. It really is the perfect balance for Carlos and I. We both know how to motivate each other, we support each other and we change who is ‘boss’ on a regular basis. We both get to share our children growing up. We will have the same memories to share with them when they are older.
Do you have a current best-selling product or service? Our best selling product is Moo’s Rocket. The first official MooBear Design ever. Followed closely behind by Bubble Factory.
How do you advertise your business and which methods have proven more successful? When starting off a new business advertising is one of the most expensive aspects. We started off with a few product reviews, small advertising options on web sites, children’s magazines, The most successful advertising for our business has always been word of mouth. It’s the best feeling and it’s totally free. Being an on line business we don’t get to meet customers face to face so we have a blog which shares a bit more about Team MooBear and our crazy little eco conscience family. We also do Markets when we can which is another great way to meet our customers and WAHP too.
How do you juggle your family and your WAH business? Any tips for other WAHPs? I’m pretty lucky that my husband is also my business partner. We prioritise what work needs to be done in the morning then take it from there. I usually look after the morning routine with Moo, Bear and Bubble while Carlos heads to our detached studio then we’ll switch over after lunch. If we both need to do work in the studio we have made it kid friendly with a play area, hammock, lounge, books and television. Carlos and I also have a no work after 8.30 PM policy. That’s our time to switch off and just enjoy each other, catch up and watch a movie.
And finally, what advice would you give to anyone wanting to start a WAH business? If you are already thinking about it then I would explore the possibilities. Do a business course and start a business plan. Everyone knows a WAHP so ask them what they did to get to where they are and if they can help you. We are always helping out other WAHP because that’s what we do. Support each other.
Location: Sydney, Australia
Website: http://www.moobeardesigns.com.au
Blog: http://moobeardesigns.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/moobeardesigns
If you have had the pleasure of dealing with MooBear Designs, please feel free to leave a review below. Would you like an ‘In the Spotlight‘ interview for your business? Click here for more information.
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