Feature Articles: Behind The Brand

I first met Claire Ekelund, co-founder of Bébé au Lait, about 8 years ago when she introduced her collection of designer breastfeeding covers, which was a first in what became a new product category for nursing mothers. I loved that she had the practical sense of humor to name her creation “Hooter Hiders,” which was brilliant too because it quickly told the function of the product, which previously had not been so fashionably conceived. The company, Bébé au Lait, has evolved into a multi-line brand that is equally known for its fashion and function.

For almost thirteen years, Pamela Neckameyer’s Juvenile Solutions has been looking for, discovering, distributing, and manufacturing a variety of products that are the solutions to common childcare needs. Specializing in baby feeding, bathing, and diapering products, Juvenile Solutions has developed a loyal retail and consumer following that looks to the company for the “next best thing.” Pamela recently gave The Giggle Guide® an inside look at how Juvenile Solutions remains a “go-to” brand for both online retailers and specialty stores in neighborhoods nationwide.

In recognition and celebration of this week’s Earth Day on April 22, Twirls & Twigs Creative Director/Founder Shawna Dalton talked with The Giggle Guide® about her passion for green living, children’s fashion, color, and the balance of nature, business, and her family. Dalton says, “I was one of those girls who always wanted to be a fashion designer. I studied design from age 16, when I drove to my first summer session at Otis/Parsons. It was love at first sketch for me. Design made my soul sing!” And she has been following the beat of a different drummer and singing the praises of her chosen career path ever since.

In January, Bobux, the children’s shoe brand, celebrates its twentieth anniversary! Designers and parents Chris and Colleen Bennett invented the original pre-walker shoe in New Zealand to help their own child. Before Bobux, retailers and parents were largely not aware of the benefits of footwear for babies. Pre-walker shoes has become a growing product category worldwide, with many competitive brands touting their features and fashions. Bobux gives The Giggle Guide® a “Behind The Brand” look at its company, from its first baby steps to the great strides it has taken in its product expansion and marketing to families around the world. We, of course, especially love the latest Bobux brand slogan: “Giggle & Grow… Naturally!”

Bugalug, a fashionable and functional accessories brand, began when Sundi Hoffman scratched her head wondering how she could solve a problem her friend was having with her newborn’s hair clips. Born from necessity, Bugalug now offers hair accessories, pony loops, adjustable head bands, boys’ cool cuffs, and soother savers pacifier clips. Sundi candidly shares her story, including the inspiration, perspiration and celebration of Bugalug’s success.

After more than forty years in business, Elegant Baby has become one of the most recognized specialty baby brands. Offering a diverse collection of quality products in a wide range of categories and price points, from apparel, soft goods and accessories to gifts and keepsakes, Elegant Baby has kept up with the changing times in beautiful style! Elegant Baby shows great versatility, but holds true to its brand image and corporate vision, with both loyal retailers and consumers. Here, we get an insider’s look at the birth and growth of the well-known and respected brand.

Wee Ones has been a popular brand of accessories for over 37 years, and although it has grown, the brand stays true to its core business values and ability to provide the finishing touches through a number of trends, from classic to funky, formal to everyday. Wee Ones is optimistic for a bright future with new owners, and is focused on continued dedication to excellence and customer service. Here, Wee Ones shares a “wee bit” of its enduring success story. Take a bow, Wee Ones!

Baby K’tan is the one-of-a-kind carrier with a double sling design that supports baby in eight different positions, without complicated wrapping or buckling. Michal Chesal shares her Behind The Brand success story and provides insights into her product’s development and growth. The Baby K’tan carrier’s unique design was first created to provide support and comfort for Chesal’s special needs child, and has since grown far beyond its original inspiration and purpose. This success story is one of hope, love and charity.

Over the past few years, Lori Riley, has taken her brand, Shoe Money, from a cottage industry working on a shoestring budget, to a shoe-in as one of the most “ahh”-inspiring collections of infant and children’s apparel and accessories on the market! Lori named her company “Shoe Money” after the ‘50’s housewives’ dollar-stretching expression, which referred to tucking away a few dollars to buy “I-want” items. In Lori’s case, she literally loved to buy shoes! When Lori left her teaching career to focus on being a mom, she quickly realized that she would need to get creative to make ends meet. Here, Lori shares her Behind The Brand tale of the trials and triumphs that gave her more than pocket change to keep herself well-heeled.

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