helloBABY Designs is devoted to producing beautiful and original baby announcement cards. No matter what you’re announcing, a birth, just sending a thank you, they have the card for you. We spoke to business owner Kate Schulte to find out more.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
helloBABY Designs was founded in 2009 by two of my friends, Amanda and Sallyann, who developed a newfound love for all-things-baby after the arrival of their first children earlier that year. The duo set out to create a user-friendly online shop for beautifully designed affordable cards, and helloBABY Designs was born.
I joined the helloBABY team in early 2012. Originally my tasks centered on the role of client work and communications. As I continued to work alongside Sallyann I eventually became her ‘carbon copy’ as I began to take on more and more responsibilities. Eventually I took over the reigns entirely with the purchase of the business at the end of December 2013, allowing the girls to move on to other business opportunities and growing their families.
The Launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
Having acquired a functioning business in which I already knew all the products, routines and client expectations, was obviously a huge bonus when starting out on my own. I announced the changeover to my loyal customers and was met with many congratulations and words of encouragement for the future of the business. It felt like a kind of ‘passing of the torch’ and I felt so much love!
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
I have found over the years that a good support base is necessary for a successful business! I still have many brain picking sessions with Sallyann, the previous owner (she was even my bridesmaid at my recent wedding!). And I found my biggest breakthrough was when I joined a ‘Women in Business’ group. Knowing that you can contact these women who are in the same situation as you are for advice, knowledge, or even a kick to action sometimes, can really help to motivate you and keep you accountable! There is so much support out there among female entrepreneurs.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Before working for myself, I had many jobs in retail and hospitality, which kept me away from home at the times when my husband was usually there. Working from home certainly gives me the flexibility to spend time with him when he is not at work, although it can be challenging to get keep motivated if I do need to get a task done and there is the temptation to join him in his fun!
