Starting a Children's Business
Interview with StinkyKids Founder Britt Menzies
Britt Menzies may sell t-shirts at StinkyKids, but her real focus is teaching kids to be a force for goodness.
Britt Menzies shares with us how she began a company with the goal of teaching children how to 'Always Be A Leader of Good'.
Britt, tell us a little bit about your business.
StinkyKids is a playful brand that is teaching little stinKers everywhere core values! Lighthearted and whimsical, StinkyKids sends a simple but powerful message to 'Always Be A Leader of Good'. Built around 10 unique and inspiring characters who share the philosophy of being a little stinKer yet doing good and making positive choices, StinkyKids celebrate the innocence and joys of childhood
What were you doing before this and is it your first business?
Yes, it is my first journey through the roller coaster ride of being a mompreneur. Before StinkyKids, I was a stay at home mom. Before being a stay at home mom, I worked at Coca-Cola.
Where did you get your start up money?
ALL ON OUR OWN..savings, husband's bonuses, interest free credit cards, great sales!!
Who are your main competitors?
Currently there is nothing like StinkyKids. As our main revenue generator today is our signature StinkyKids brand tee shirts, I suppose any tee shirt company with characters is our competition. But I am building a brand, not just selling tee shirts. And as a brand, we do not have any competition as we have created a nitch in the world of characters.
Is running a business different than expected?
Yes but in a very positive way. StinkyKids is a passion, an extension of myself. I love every minute of what I do. Is it hard, yes, but nothing worth it comes easy. Is it expensive, Yes, but I wanted to be high end and professional right from the start and it has paid off tremendously. Do I ever wish I was back to being a stay at home mom without StinkyKids..NO WAY!! Do I have a lot of wrinkles under my eyes from many late nights..yes (and those I wish would go away!!
Do you wish you had done anything differently?
I believe that all mistakes lead you to later success. StinkyKids has been a movement towards a well developed brand consumers can trust. There is a lot of money that I wish I used in different ways however I would not be educated today to say this unless I made those mistakes.
What have you done that has been effective in helping grow the business?
I adopted the motto 'NEVER ASSUME NO!'. I follow up on all leads. I use one contact to get three more. I mentor other entrepreneurs and always learn. I do whatever needs to be done to make it happen. I am a PR animal!!
What advice do you have for prospective entrepreneurs?
As far as being a company who sells tee shirts (which is not what StinkyKids is currently about), you must have a story behind the tees!! There are too many tee shirt companies to compete with and you must find a way to separate yourself from the crowd. Anyone interested in starting any business, you MUST give back!! Tie your business with one or more charities. People will pay a premium knowing that their money is helping. And let's face it, we should all help make the world a better place.
Thanks for the advice, Britt!
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