Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in children's clothing and accessories but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Hilary Kurinsky and Dani Cupps, Co-Founders and CEO of Pockimals, located in Chicago, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Made for little hands and big hearts. Pockimals is a women-owned, children's lifestyle brand featuring mini stuffed animals that fit snugly into the palms of little hands. Designed for kids who love imagination-driven play and parents who value extra security for the "lovey" that goes everywhere, each 3-inch Pockimal features a child-sized button on its belly that buttons into pockets on specially designed apparel and accessories. "Our belly buttons button in" so kids and loveys can be on the go together! Pockimals currently features 12 unique animals, plus high-quality t-shirts, hoodies, tunics, and backpacks, to let kids collect favorites and choose outfits that show their style. Every child is sure to find their perfect match!
Tell us about yourself
We are two Midwestern moms brought together by the friendship of our daughters. The girls went to the same preschool and then public elementary school in Chicago, where we had many opportunities to volunteer together. We became great friends leading fund- and friend-raising events for that school. We got started in business together in 2018, as we both had time and energy for a new challenge. We tapped other talented friends to bring the vision to life, so we are a true Mom-inspired company with nine kids across our core team! Our goal today is to make fun, comfortable, high-quality products for children. We love what we do and adore the joy on children's faces when they meet their Pockimals for the first time.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Turning an idea into a sellable product with consistent 5-star reviews! And with that, show our kids that you can make a passion into a business.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
It's always on, literally dreaming about the business and trying to solve business issues even as we sleep!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Easy! Our top three tips today are: find and learn from the industry experts, be willing to figure anything out, and develop a thick skin. A year ago, we spent a day at a Women's toys event in Dallas and met experts in sourcing, packaging, distribution, and other parts of our business. This was invaluable, and we continue to work closely with those generous women. Every day, there's a new challenge, and in a boot-strapped start-up, it's just us. With no other people to turn to, we figure it out. And on developing thick skin? Every founder in today's social media world knows this one. The overwhelming majority of posts and reviews are heart-warming, but some are tough. The first couple felt personal, but with thicker skin, we now look for the insight and move on.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://pockimals.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pockimals/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pockimals/
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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