Tell me a little about you and your company.
We are two sisters who grew up in a tight-knit family. Like many moms juggling a career and family, we strive to maintain a balance between our busy schedules and healthy lifestyles for our families. As avid supporters of the swaddling method, we both quickly realized we needed a way to keep our babies swaddled while in the car. Within a year of swaddling our little ones and finding nothing like we were looking for on the market, we began development for our own Car Seat Swaddle. This idea has opened the door to our Drool baby bib line and other innovative baby products for the future.
How long have you owned your own business?
We officially launched our line of bibs about a year ago and we launched our car seat swaddle in the fall of 2015. In some ways, it seems like we haven't been around that long but all the prototypes and behind the scenes work has been in the works over 3 years now.
What made you decide to start your own business?
Both of us have always wanted to start our own business but didn’t know exactly what we wanted to do. Even in college Jenny would throw out different ideas but nothing ever seemed to stick. When we both came up with the idea of the Car Seat Swaddle we instantly knew this was the business we needed to go into.
What was the best advice you received when you started your career?
Make time for yourself. Whether it's going to a yoga class, out for a run, or getting a massage, you need to give yourself personal time at least a few times a week. As entrepreneurs, employees & especially as moms, it is so easy to go all day without having a minute to yourself. From the moment your feet hit the floor in the morning its go go go; feeding the kids, cleaning, work… we don’t stop until our head hits the pillow. Making sure you incorporate some personal time throughout the week makes you a better mom as well as a better worker.
You wish someone had told you when you started your business?
It’s not going to be as easy as you think and it's hard to turn it off. It takes a lot of hard work...marketing, research, taxes; things you don’t necessarily think of when you are starting out. You are constantly learning and evolving and grinding it out… some days are harder than others.
What are three skills that new entrepreneurs need in order to succeed?
I don't know if there are three skills that I can say if you have these you are definitely going to succeed but I do think there are attributes of people that will help to make you successful.
Learn from others. You don't know it all, even if you think you do. Be willing to take advice from others and be open minded.
Prioritize and don’t procrastinate.
Ask for help and don’t forget to help others.
A little bit about you?
Jenny - I love being home with my family. I have a beautiful little girl, a great husband and our dog Rylie. I'm a homesteader at heart, I embrace the simple, natural life. I love working in the garden and playing outdoors as much as possible.
Lauren - I have 2 adorable and very little boys, a precious baby girl, and a very supportive husband. We are very into sports (both watching and playing) & just being active. Whether it's watching my kids play golf or baseball or being out on the water, we spend a lot of time enjoying the outdoors. I also love any excuse to get together with friends or family for good food or a glass of wine!
What routines do you have a place to help your days run smoothly?
Wake up before anybody else in your house give yourself some “me time”. Have a cup of coffee, go for a run or yoga, say your prayers… Most importantly get your day started with a clear mind.
How do you find balance as an entrepreneur?
I think it's really hard to find balance. In this day and age we are constantly inundated with emails social media, kids screaming in the background trying to get dinner on and trying to be everything to everybody. That is why it is so important to take time for yourself. You can’t help others until you are the best you.
What is your favorite thing about being an entrepreneur?
Seeing your ideas and dreams come to fruition.
What do you do to unwind?
We both love yoga and we love having down time with our kids whether it's playing outside or going for a walk; spending time with our kids is so important to us both.
What is a project that you are working on right now or just finished?
Our summer bib line! We are so excited because this is the first line that is completely ours... the design, details, and colors. The design process has been a lot of fun! From our ideas to paper, to seeing it actually turn out, it is cool to see the process come alive.
How can people get in touch with you?
Instagram: thecocoonco_
Facebook: The Cocoon Company
Website: www.thecocoonco.com
Email jenny.simon@thecocoonco.com
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