Interview with: Secure2Me Blanket

Meet the Mom Behind Secure 2 Me Blanket!

Who is Secure2Me Blanket? Where are you located?
The Secure2Me Blanket is a clip-on blanket that attaches easily to every stroller, car seat, baby carrier and more. Each corner of the uniquely shaped Secure2Me Blanket features a finger-friendly, fabric-safe clip to secure it to any baby gear ensuring the blanket stays on baby and off the ground! We are located in McKinney, Texas.

How did you come up with your business name?
I wanted a name that conveyed what the blanket does, and I liked the play on “security blanket.”

When and why did you decide to start your own business?
I made the first Secure2Me Blanket for myself in October 2006 and wore it on my sling to Costco. So many people stopped me to ask about my blanket that I knew my concept would be of interest to other moms. I incorporated in December 2006, filed for a patent and our website went live in February 2007. I have an entrepreneurial spirit and am always open to opportunity but I was not seeking to invent a product so I could start a business! The response from other moms convinced me that Secure2Me Blankets filled a need in the marketplace.


How did you get started?
I started sewing blankets myself and selling them to friends. As interest grew, I hired a seamstress who worked from her home and when demand outpaced our combined production abilities, I began identifying local manufacturing. In the beginning, we relied primarily on word-of-mom referrals and website traffic. We exhibited at American Baby Faire last Spring and found it was a great way for us to introduce our blankets to thousands of local families at once. We then began our first PR campaign by sending samples to popular mommy blogs and review sites.


What motivates you to keep your business going?
I am motivated by my belief in my products and by what we have accomplished thus far. During times of fatigue or frustration, I focus on the positive feedback from happy customers. I remind myself that bringing a new product to market is a marathon, not a sprint.

Do you have a particular product that a best seller on your site?
Eclipse Sun Protection Blanket is a runaway bestseller! Eclipse is made of Solarveil, a patented, open-weave fabric that protects baby from the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun. It is a wonderful alternative to chemical sun block for newborns and infants! Moms love to use Eclipse as a breathable nursing cover up too!


How do you advertise your business? Which methods proved successful/effective?
We have been most successful with PR. I really enjoy pitching my products, company and story to the media. The saying “You pay for advertising. You pray for PR,” is so true. Local television has been particularly effective for us and I have found local media in Dallas/Fort Worth to be receptive, supportive and delightful to work with.

How do you juggle family and work at home?
My standard answer to the question “How do you do it all?” is “Poorly! I do it all poorly.” Sometimes that is really how it feels! I work early in the morning before my children are awake and schedule calls or meetings for times I know they will be interested in a quiet activity like stickers or coloring. I involve them in as much as possible so they don’t feel they are competing for my attention. My husband is my greatest support and he contributes tremendously to the business and to the home.


What advice would you give to moms seeking to become a WAHM?
When starting a business, you must be honest with yourself about your strengths, weaknesses and motivation. Like a newborn baby, a new business takes much more than it gives for a long time! Be prepared for long days (and nights!), stressful decisions you feel poorly equipped to make, long hours with no pay, a steep learning curve, expensive mistakes and lots of worry. If you believe in your concept so strongly that none of that scares you, then you are probably ready to embark on the most exciting, rewarding journey of your professional life!

Any current promotions/specials at Secure2Me Blanket?
Save 20% off your entire purchase with the code ‘WAHMR’ at checkout through May 31!

Visit Secure2Me Blanket at: www.Secure2Me.com