Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in baby products but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amanda Little, co-owner of ABBY&FINN, a family-run company dedicated to making high-quality, eco-friendly baby products located in Denver, Colorado, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
A family-run Colorado company started by parents, ABBY&FINN is dedicated to making high-quality, eco-friendly baby products that are free of harmful chemicals and gentle on kids' sensitive skin. From the changing table to the bathtub, ABBY&FINN provides a variety of trusted essentials in a convenient, flexible subscription. Skip that extra trip to the store and enjoy more quality time with the family! ABBY&FINN was founded with a mission of helping to eliminate the 1 in 3 US families who struggle with diaper needs. To ensure this commitment, we've included the give back in our name (FINN stands for Families IN Need).
Tell us about yourself
As a parent of two myself, one day, my husband and I looked at our credit card bill and realized we were spending over $180 a month just to diaper our two girls through a subscription service. We wanted to use high-quality products that were free of harmful chemicals and gentle on their sensitive skin but didn't think it needed to be so expensive. Our girls also regularly didn't finish a diaper size when we bought in bulk, which left us with a pile of diapers that we couldn't use because they were too small and couldn't be donated due to open packaging. So we set out to provide high-quality products at an affordable price with the flexibility and customization we needed in a subscription service. After diving into the world of diapers, we realized that 1 in the 3 families in the US struggle to provide any sort of diapers for their little ones. Helping these families and donating diapers became our mission.
As a co-owner of a small business, I wear many different hats and help with all aspects of the company. I am motivated by our team's flexibility and ability to be nimble. By engaging directly with our customers and community, we're able to genuinely listen to their feedback, ask them what's important to them, and then go out and develop products that best fit their needs. We can also help educate customers and explain why clean ingredients and sustainable production are so important, not only for our little ones but also for the environment.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Over the years, we've been dedicated to giving back to the community. Whether it's been donating diapers, facilitating diaper drives, providing organizations with community pricing, or raising diaper need awareness, we have successfully distributed millions of diapers to families in need. Since day one, this has been a focus, and we are constantly seeking opportunities to help.
We don't do this for a good PR story or for tax purposes at the end of the year, but because we genuinely care and believe that any little bit helps and can make a difference. We also understand that those experiencing diaper needs are already facing such hardship, and they deserve a quality product that they can trust. The last thing someone needs is a diaper that leaks, leading to more laundry or a diaper rash due to the chemicals found in other brands, requiring ointment or a visit to the doctor.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I would say the work-life balance is difficult. Being a co-owner of a start-up means there is always a long to-do list. Turning off my work mode mindset is challenging. Especially now with the pandemic, we are all working from home, so separating work life from family life is even more tricky. I have learned to put my phone away or shut down my computer to provide my family with the undivided attention they need and deserve as well as necessary time for myself.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find something that you are passionate about because you will be living and breathing it 24/7.
- Set measurable and achievable goals with a timeline to help you stay on course.
- Take the time to research and build your brand. Your brand defines your company's character and provides that first impression.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://abbyandfinn.com/
Instagram: @abbyandfinn.co
Facebook: @abbyandfinn
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.