As a new mom, I can absolutely relate to the story that unfolds below. For the most part, fashion for children is ..well, it's not a pleasant sight. Some of us feel compelled to go one step further and take matters into our own hands. Heather Nolte of Glamajama is such a person.
I hope you enjoy her story and tune back in to read many others in this brief series on amazing entrepreneurs changing the landscape and not taking "no" for an answer.
Most successful small businesses begin because you realized you couldn't find what you were looking for on the market. This seems to be the case with you as well. What's the back story?
As a 25 year old first time mom, my world changed overnight with the birth of my son. I had been working at an investment firm and knew I couldn’t go back to working 50 hour weeks without him. I just couldn’t go that long without hugging and kissing on him!
Over the next couple of months, I brainstormed ways to satisfy both my personal goals of being a good mom and my professional goals of feeling like a success in business; in other words, "have my cake and eat it too". Nothing seemed to be the right fit so I busied myself with caring for my newborn and more domestic endeavors like re-decorating the house and sewing up special pieces for my little "Rock Star". I had been desperate to find unique and creative clothes for him that showcased his personality and that were easy care. When I couldn't find what I was looking for at the boutiques, I took the "do it yourself" approach and designed my own clothes for him.
A couple of months later, I had my "a-ha!" moment. Strolling around town with my little one dressed in his mommy-made tee, I was approached by other moms wanting to know where they could buy the shirt. A-ha! The perfect fit was right there all along and I didn't even realize it. With my newfound direction, I sat down and drew upon my creative experiences growing up in a crafty household, business lessons learned from a career in investments, and finally a healthy dose of patience derived from my many years working at a psychiatric treatment home. The result was the business plan for Glamajama and the birth of a lifestyle brand of glam-studded fashions for baby, toddlers, women, and even doggies.
So... how did it go from being just an idea to a thriving business? How did you start getting word out about your products?
The best marketing tool I had was my son. I’d make sure he was wearing one of my creations as I went to the grocery store, playground, salon, etc. I put together a very simple website (VERY simple) and gave the website address to the people who seemed interested. Soon I was asked which stores carried the line. I would then ask them, “which store should carry the line?” After hearing the suggestions I mustered up the courage to show up at a local store and asked for a meeting with the buyer. That just about ended the dream right then and there!
With my heart on my sleeve and butterflies in my stomach, I broke into my best sales pitch. About 60 seconds later she started texting on her phone, talking to her employees, and then at one point called her Mom on the phone. I offered to stop and come back when she had more time. Her response? “No, you’re fine I don’t mind.” I was humiliated and tried to fight back my tears.
I managed to get through the ordeal and kept smiling long enough to hand her my sales sheet and business card. Needless to say, I had a couple glasses of wine that night! I had a major “gut check” the next morning and wondered if I should keep going. I mean, I had no clue what I was doing…just an idea and a dream.
As I was sitting there feeling sorry for myself, the fax machine rang. In came an order for $1,000 worth of merchandise for the store. They needed it ASAP. They wanted to have it on display for a media party they were having in two weeks. I about passed out! I called immediately to thank her for the order. Her response, “Yea, I knew I wanted the line the second I saw it….but I figured you needed the practice so I just let you keep going.” Oh. That was a big lesson for me…most of the time the person holding you back is “you”. I swore to never let that happen again-no more second guessing myself!
Can you pinpoint one amazing breakthrough moment? (Um... besides Oprah!!!)
Besides Oprah…Okay, okay, let’s see. We’ve had a lot of moments…probably one of the more memorable ones was when I reached out to Lisa Rinna. I had met her husband, Harry Hamlin, at a Golden Globes swag party. I say “met”, but it probably was a little more like “grabbed”. Anyway, I told him that I knew how much Lisa enjoyed being a Mom and asked him if he could give her one of our “mommy” tees for me. He posed for a picture and agreed. I didn’t really think anything would come of it, but hey-I tried!
A couple days later my phone was ringing off the hook, Lisa Rinna was wearing the shirt on Entertainment Tonight. I couldn’t believe it -and it didn’t end there. She wore it on Access Hollywood and during her practice on “Dancing with the Stars” all that same week. She also bought some to put in her two stores in California. It was a complete whirlwind.
About a week later Harry Hamlin ended up calling me on my cell phone one night telling me he couldn’t believe how well the clothes were selling. They always saw a spike in sales when Lisa wore our clothes on TV, but were shocked that sales were still growing steadily a week later. He wanted to make sure I could keep up with the demand. It was pretty amazing! I kept his number just so I could reminisce a little every now and then. Almost three years later, Lisa still stocks the line at her store, Belle Gray.
I know firsthand that running a business can be both thrilling and trying. What keeps you going? What's the best part? What do you thrive on?
Yes, it can be hard. Especially when things are hectic and I feel like I’m being impatient with the kids. The trial and error of finding your personal work/life balance is always the hardest part. I think it took me almost two years before I finally figured out what worked best for both the family and the business.
Even now I still I have my moments when I wonder, “Why am I working this hard?” That’s usually when I have to remind myself that I am my own boss. I canto take a day off. After a day or two spent doing nothing but spoiling my three kids, I’m usually back good as new. All the hard work is worth it in the end. I think the best part is that there is always a new adventure. Each and every day is different and full of unique opportunities. I thrive on seizing those opportunities.
And finally... a little shameless self promotion is good for the soul. What's next on the horizon? Any news you can share? :)
Honestly, my biggest goal for 2009 is to just have more fun with the brand. I’m really loving the whole social media phenomena and interacting more with our “Glamajama Moms”. I’m active on on Twitter and just launched our Facebook page. I’d love to get some tweets from everyone and be sure to friend us on Facebook!
We’ve also updated our newsletter to include more glam friendly articles and a special “Glamajama Mom of the Month” feature. The Mom of the Month receives one of signature “mommy” tees and a $100 gift certificate to boot. To sign up all you have to do is join our Facebook page.
