Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tara Williams, Founder of Dreamland Baby, located in Danville, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Dreamland Baby specializes in gently weighted sleep solutions for infants and children, promoting safe sleep for healthy and happy families. Our customers are parents (usually exhausted parents!) who need a safe and effective sleep solution, and Dreamland is their one-stop sleep shop for sleep sacks, swaddles, pajamas, crib sheets & more!
Tell us about yourself
I'm, first and foremost, a wife and mother to four children. It's their support that helps motivate my work at Dreamland Baby, and it was my youngest son, Luke, that inspired the business. At almost six months old, he was still waking up every hour and a half. Like so many other new parents, my husband and I were desperate for sleep. One night we placed him under a heavy throw blanket while sitting on our couch. I noticed as soon as the weight was on his body, he instantly calmed down. My "aha moment" came at that moment when I realized: he needed a weighted blanket! I called my mother-in-law to sew my idea a lightly weighted blanket. The first night wearing our prototype Luke slept 12 hours! We couldn't believe how immediately his sleep improved. Word quickly spread, and I was flooded with requests from family and friends. The idea to bring Dreamland Baby to families everywhere was born.
My biggest motivation is knowing our company is helping families get the sleep they deserve. The success stories and feedback from our loyal customers motivate me to keep going. I know firsthand how taxing it can be to not sleep, especially for such a long time. When parents leave a review, comment on social media, or email our customer service team to thank us for helping to solve their sleep issues, it's the most rewarding feeling in the world.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I love to celebrate our success, so I will give you our top three:
- Making a deal with Lori Greiner on Shark Tank.
- Expanding into 450 Target stores.
- Helping over half a million parents get more sleep.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is always being on. I think about Dreamland Baby 24/7. At the end of the day, I am directly responsible for every success AND failure of the company. There is a lot of responsibility and a lot of pressure. Being a business owner is not for the faint of heart, but it's my passion, and I can't imagine my life without it!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- There is never going to be a "right time" - Just start!
- Companies don't fail; founders quit. You will experience some of the highest highs and lowest lows - Never give up!
- Hire before you think you are ready. The hiring process always takes longer than you think. One of my biggest regrets was how long I ran the company alone.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://dreamlandbabyco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreamlandbabyco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamlandbabyco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dreamland-baby/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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