A few months ago, while clicking around on Facebook, I found the fan page for Ecological Babies – a Tallahassee local, yet worldwide (yay Internet!) cloth diapering retailer. It’s not that simple, though – Jen’s not just selling cloth diapers, she’s got a phenomenal community of local moms in Tallahassee. Jen works with clients 1:1 in her home to educate and advise on all manners related to cloth, and on her fan page (have you joined? You really should!) she actively posts informative topics in a wide variety of parenting and healthy living issues.
Over the last few months I’ve really enjoyed working with Jen. Here’s my interview with her! Leave her some love too!
Hi, Jen!
Where are you from and how did you end up in Tallahassee?
I was born in Chicago, IL but was raised in South Bend, Indiana. Most of my extended family is in upstate NY, since both my mom and dad grew up in that area. In 2005, Brian (my spouse) accepted a position as an assistant professor in the Sociology Dept. at Florida State University.
How did you decide start Ecological Babies?
Ecological Babies was born out of my desire to be home with Rita Clare and wishing I had more one/one help with starting to use cloth diapers. I loved the idea of creating my own business based on my personal values and to have an outlet to be a part of my community. Rita Clare was about 5 months when I came up with the idea and Ecological Babies launched 6 months later. I never could have actually launched my business without the help of many friends and family members more talented than myself (Liz Buzone- web and logo designer, Michelle Maguire- bookkeeper, Brian Starks- practical and numbers man, my dad- sales and marketing expert, Katie Allina- Marketing/Advertising Expert, and many more).
Who is your biggest influence/inspiration?
This is a tough question. Obviously, my business is fueled by wanting to be home with my children. They inspire me to be a better person, a better mom.
Before I started my business and had children, fighting for social justice was a big priority. I can’t be as active as I used to be, but I use my business as a way to promote awareness, talk about issues, and support organizations who are fighting for us. They inspire me to continue to build a better world.
The families I work with are a HUGE inspiration for me. To see a parent taking the risk to simply LEARN about the option of cloth diapers is a leap of faith for them. Then to see them making it work for their families and feel positive about their commitment absolutely sets me on fire! Finally, I honestly am inspired by my faith and belief in saints.
Finally, as a Catholic, I’ve learned how ordinary people done extraordinary work with love/passion, commitment, trust, respect, and reliance on others in community. I don’t try and force my beliefs on anyone, nor expect others to subscribe to my beliefs. However, I believe anyone can do extraordinary things with their life with those qualities in mind.
What is your go-to favorite product you market?
Usually I’m thrilled with my newest product. It refreshes my enthusiasm in the business and brings some enthusiasm in my house as I try it out first. I think my overall favorite product is the diaper sprayer. It makes a huge difference in dealing with poop and mess. I think sometimes families give up on their commitment to cloth diapers after solids are introduced and the hard to clean poops are happening in the diapers. It’s also a very versatile product- post partum spray, cleaning the bathroom, potty training clean ups, and more. It’s a bit of money to thrown down, compared to the diapers but is worth it and a fantastic gift to give someone.
What’s your best advice for balancing work and family?
Oh geez, it’s a day at a time in this house! I have to constantly remind myself to take care of my self first. I can only find balance when I’ve made my health a priority (sleep, nutrition, hydration, alone time/quiet time). After I’m in the right state of mind, I have to be organized, yet flexible and accepting of myself and family. In other words, I have to be intentional and careful with my time. I also have to accept when I can and cannot do work. My family is higher priority. This means, some days I can manage to find good balance and do lots of work. Other days, it’s just not happening. I have to remind myself that it’s ok and to go with the flow of the day. My kids are only this young once and I want to be present for them (it’s why I’m doing this in the first place).
What does the future hold in store for Jen and for Ecological Babies?
Rita Clare, my almost 3 year old, is heading to preschool this fall. This will free up some more time to focus on Ecological Babies (at least that is my hope!). I’m planning on trying to help more working parents consider cloth as an option. Even if their child is in day care, it’s easy to do cloth part time and can still save a bunch of money. Also, I’m in the works of having an online registry system. This will give easier access to encourage friends and family purchase off existing registries.
What are your favorite things to do with the kids in Tallahassee?
As a community advocate, I love bringing the kids to community places (esp. the free ones). The libraries, parks, festivals, and pools are my favorite. It’s fun going to “kids night” at different local restaurants, so (a) I don’t have to cook and (b) I don’t feel self conscious about my toddler yelling and climbing out of her chair. It’s nice to see madness happens in every family and to laugh with each other about it.
What are the three words your spouse would use to describe you?
Hmm, I depends on how “balanced” I am that day-ha! Here’s a guess and then I’ll ask him: safe, passionate, & (good) values.
Lastly – you were a 2009 Tally Award Top 3 Finalist: for Best Green Products – as a successful business woman, what would you advise others just starting out?
Don’t rush the planning part of starting your business. Take the time set up your business right, not fast. Also, I’m a big advocate of “bootstraping” a business. This basically means that I didn’t take a loan out to start my business. I put in a small investment and built my business by reinvesting my earnings back into the business. That way, I wasn’t paying interest and building it based on the demands of the market. Slow and steady wins the race! It’s hard sometimes, when I’m excited to not want to invest a bunch in something “new and exciting”. Finally, be honest in everything you do in your business. People want to support someone they can trust and it feels much better operating a business when you make the right choices.
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THANKS JEN!
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