The Most Loved Baby Gifts - Beba Bean Designs

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in a baby clothing line but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lisa Malcic, owner and founder of Beba Bean Designs Inc., located in Port Coquitlam, BC. Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are a boutique brand that designs and distributes baby clothing and accessories throughout Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. We partner with gift stores and baby boutiques as well as direct to consumers. Many of our partners have been working with us for over ten years. We pride ourselves on the relationships we have developed.

Tell us about yourself

I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. My mother owned a fashion boutique in San Francisco when I was a teenager, so I spent every day after school learning and studying from her on how to run a small business. After the birth of my son, my husband and I developed a patented product called the pee-pee teepee. This product has always been our best seller and continues to be a very popular baby shower gift. With my education being in fashion design, I was quick to add beautifully designed pieces of apparel that would serve the same market as the pee-pee teepee.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner was reaching untouchable markets. Years ago, when our apparel pieces were picked up in Barney's, NY, I was so excited to be alongside such high-end designers. Recently our sweater moccs are being sold in Holt Renfrew, and I have the same sense of pride. When I was in fashion design school, these are places we all aspired our designs to be sold.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner is juggling all the tasks that have to be accomplished each day. I have found using a daytimer and time blocking has proven an invaluable asset. As a business owner, I have to think about product development, supply chain, distribution, marketing, financials, staffing, purchasing, etc. One must be extremely organized to keep on top of all the business needs.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Firstly, do something that gets you excited. If you aren't excited about your idea, no one else will be. Secondly, persistence, it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to make anything work. Be prepared to put in the time, and you will be rewarded. Lastly, I would say be cautious about acquiring too much debt to start a company. If possible, build slower so you don't put yourself in a financial crisis.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Building a business has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I can't imagine my life without it. It has been a ton of hard work, but in turn, it has given me the flexibility to be a part of my children's lives; it has given me purpose, direction, and confidence that as a woman, if I can dream it, then I can do it!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.bebabean.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bebabeandesigns
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bebabean/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bebabean
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beba-bean-designs-inc-/

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.