Mitten Sleeves is a New Zealand-based business born out of necessity and a mother’s determination to find a solution for her baby’s skin condition. What started as a simple homemade fix has evolved into a business that helps and supports families across the country and around the world. Specialising in soft, comfortable and secure mitten sleeves that prevent scratching, while allowing babies to self-soothe, Kara Subritzky prides herself on creating high-quality, effective and locally made products. With a focus on practicality, innovation and supporting local communities, Mitten Sleeves continues to grow, ensuring that parents have a reliable and effective solution for their little ones. Here Kara talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the passion behind Mitten Sleeves, the pros and cons of running her own business, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The Passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
It was a specialist appointment with my son that changed everything. She mentioned that his skin was looking great and when I told her about Mitten Sleeves and showed her, she said to me, “Never heard of them… Where on earth did you get these? They’re brilliant – so many parents would benefit from these, Kara”. My response was “Really?!? I just whipped up a couple and they do the trick”. This is when I realised that other families needed them too.
The Launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
I have a brain that runs at 100 miles an hour and a heart that wants to solve all the world’s problems. I’ve always had a strong work ethic – I’m definitely a workaholic! I thrive on problem-solving and seeing results.I also really care about others, sometimes too much!
When my youngest was a baby, he developed severe cradle cap. It looked like the surface of the moon, and he scratched relentlessly. Even with his nails cut short, he still managed to take slithers of skin out of his head, face and neck. There had to be a solution! It didn’t even cross my mind, at that time, that I could make more and sell them and help other families. I just wanted my baby to be scratch free! Initially, I was sewing socks to the end of his long-sleeve tops to keep his nails covered! Then it hit me: “I just need sleeves… that’s all… just sleeves”. It was a real lightbulb moment! OMG I can do this…
As someone who is dyslexic and highly creative, I immediately went into design mode to problem solve. I had a vision in my mind of what I was trying to achieve. I started jotting down some ideas then created a template, sewing, tweaking, sewing and then throwing it out. Then recreating the shape, the size and fit and finding a fabric to finally create a garment that looked do-able. I needed a design that my baby couldn’t remove and something that would let him relieve the itch without a scratch. I had to create a solution that was effective and effective immediately! With my trusty Bernina sewing machine and a few meters of fabric, I brought Mitten Sleeves to life.
The Innovation: What was the biggest break through for you with your business?
A bit of a side eye look…
One defining moment was participating in a Baby Show Expo. They sold like hot cakes, and not only did I gain interest from potential customers, but from retailers too. Oooo this was exciting!
I realised I needed to up my game… Purchasing an industrial machine was the best thing I could have done! Faster, neater, cleaner and I didn’t look back! Goodbye domestic machine! I was “manufacturing” my own design/product, buying 6 metres at a time… because you have start somewhere right?! And now I’m ordering hundreds of metres at a time and working my little arse off. My idea had turned into a fully fledged business.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Honestly? It’s hard and I don’t think I’ve ever fully mastered this. Maybe I have a reasonable balance but just don’t know it! Working AND having a growing business and a family is a juggle. Not gonna lie, it’s exhausting!
