Meet the Mom Behind Baby Starlet!
Baby Starlet is an online boutique that designs and sells fabulous baby bedding and accessories. In addition to www.BabyStarlet.com, my products are available through several other online stores and in four brick and mortar locations.
How did you come up with your business name?
I wanted a name that had some sass to it, something that described the type of products I make without pinning me down too much should I ever want to extend into baby clothing or furniture. When I hear “Baby Starlet,” I think of both Hollywood glamour and something shiny and new. It also reminds me of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” – my daughters’ favorite lullaby.
When and why did you decide to start your own business?
Starting my own business was something I’ve wanted to do for quite a while now – it seemed that no matter what kind of job I’d take, I’d soon become frustrated with working for other people and restless over the lack of creativity in what I did.
In 2002, I launched a line of maternity clothing in Los Angeles called The Funky Mama, but quickly realized that designing clothing was tedious and time consuming so I decided to close down shop. I was still interested in running my own business, and after we moved back east and I started working with my mom making custom draperies and bedding I found my niche. The idea for Baby Starlet wasn’t too much of a jump from there, and I started putting things together after my first daughter was born in 2004.
How did you get started?
When my sister was pregnant with her first child, I retrofitted some bedding for her and added some designer touches. I really enjoyed the process – it allowed me to blend together what I’d learned while working with my mom making custom home décor items with the style I’d developed with The Funky Mama – and it took off from there.
What motivates you to keep your business going?
Working for myself and watching my company grow is what motivates me. I especially get excited about new designs and products. Shortly after I launched BabyStarlet.com, I was playing around with ideas for a changing pad and came up with a very cool changing pad clutch (that's Angela Bassett below holding one of Baby Starlet's changing pad clutch!) – now it’s one of our most popular items.
Do you have a new product/design you are featuring on your website?
I recently went back to the drawing board and developed a whole new line of products. Featuring a fabulous star appliqué, my Star Line is a streamlined version of our original (Luxe Line) Moses baskets, blankets, burp cloths and onesies.
How do you juggle family and work at home?
I really enjoy being on a schedule – that’s probably my control freak aspect to myself – but I like knowing exactly how much time I can devout to my business each day. After a quick shower and breakfast, I bring the girls downstairs to my studio where I work for three hours. My studio has a playroom attached so it makes watching the girls easy. Then it’s lunch and nap time is around 1pm -1:30pm and then I’m back to work by 2pm until dinner. Of course doctor appointments and quick errands for supplies come up – but that is my usual day.
What advice would you give to moms seeking to become a WAHM?
If you have an idea for a business, do some research to see if there is niche – if there is, then go for it. You don’t want to regret it later. If it doesn’t work out, then at least you gave it a try. Also, don’t be afraid to ask advice from other WAHMs. In my experience, everyone is very supportive and eager to help out someone just out of the gate.
Visit Baby Starlet at www.babystarlet.com
Stores that carry Baby Starlet products
Bel Bambini –West Hollywood, CA
Spanky Lane – Pacific Palisades, CA
Rockin’ Baby Shop – Los Angeles, CA
Elite Bebe - Belmont, MA 02478
www.instylemoms.com
www.poshpunkboutique.com
www.lovebuglane.com
www.photobugbabyboutique.com
www.toptoggery.com
www.supermomz.com
www.lababycouture.com
www.myposhbaby.com
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