Spot-light on: The Gifted Grasshopper

Who is The Gifted Grasshopper? Where are you located?
A few years ago, Laura and Jen were busy first grade teachers. They enjoyed all aspects of their classroom days, but especially enjoyed discovering and sharing great new pieces of children’s literature with their students. This thrill was soon to be shared with a new generation…Laura and Jen’s own children. This time, both moms enjoyed searching for and discovering books that would be perfect for their newest additions.

Hoping to help all parents, grandparents, family and friends foster a love of reading in their homes, Jen and Laura have created collections of quality children’s books that are bundled according to age groups and are themed according to children’s interests. The Gifted Grasshopper is the result of a lifetime love of children’s literature, a love for sharing wonderful stories with children and for watching their eyes sparkle as they discover a new favorite book or author.

The Gifted Grasshopper is based in Basking Ridge, NJ. It can be found online at www.giftedgrasshopper.com. The Gifted Grasshopper ships Bags Bursting with Books across the Continental United States.


How did you come up with your business name?
That was quite a process! We knew we wanted an animal for our logo and being teachers, we naturally loved alliteration. We came up with the word “gifted” because it had a double meaning; our products were indeed gifts, but the children who received them would be “gifted” for reading them. We loved the thought of a wise grasshopper reading a book for a logo so The Gifted Grasshopper was born.


When and why did you decide to start your own business?
People were always asking us what books to buy as gifts for a baby shower or birthday party. Jen commented about how we should be able to make money from giving out such advice. Laura repeated this comment to her husband, he said “Then why don’t you?”. They took him up on his challenge and the website was up and running a few short months later.


How did you get started?
Laura’s husband drew up the business plan and soon they were off and running, visiting web designers, creating a logo and crafting the signature Gifted Grasshopper Tote. The idea was conceived in March and we were ready to fill orders in September.


What motivates you to keep your business going?
Jen and I really believe in what we are doing. We have a passion for children’s books and know that parents are overwhelmed when looking for books for their little ones. We enjoy the feedback we get from parents who say the books in their Gifted Grasshopper tote are the first books that are requested each day.


Do you have a particular product that's a best-seller on your site?
Our New Baby bags are definitely our best sellers. Perfect for a shower or “”Welcome to the world” gift, they are filled with titles that will keep the squirmiest infant interested.


How do you advertise your business? Which methods proved successful/effective?
Jen and Laura find that they are the most successful promoters of The Gifted Grasshopper. Getting out into the community and talking about their passion for quality children’s books has proven to be the best advertisement.


How do you juggle family and work at home?
Lots of work before the kids get up, after they go to sleep and during naptimes!


What advice would you give to moms seeking to become a WAHM?
Be creative and find something you are passionate about. Jen and Laura never get tired of discussing new books they have found and that’s what keeps the day to day of running the business interesting and fun.


Current promotions/specials at The Gifted Grasshopper:
WAHM10 for 10% off any purchase of $29.99 or more. Good until 12/31/08


Visit The Gifted Grasshopper at: www.giftedgrasshopper.com and
www.giftedgrasshopperchildrensbooks.blogspot.com




(Note: Logo, product images and interview responses courtesy of The Gifted Grasshopper. Please respect their work and do not copy and/or alter their images and words. Thank you! )