Feature Articles: Road To Success

Rebecca Finell, founder of Boon, shares her “Road to Success” with The Giggle Guide™. Editorial Director David Gaunt recalls, “I remember very well the impact her student design, The Frog Pod made at the JPMA show several years ago. I met her among a group of competitive student designers, and by the next show she was a successful corporate executive, building one of the most exciting new children’s brands in years. I’ve seen a lot, having attended juvenile product shows since 1979, and Boon has been one of the best, and most well-deserved success stories. She understood function and design, plus the importance of brand image.” Her story is a great example of the possibilities of staying true to one’s business vision and being willing to take the risks necessary to succeed.

At The Giggle Guide™, our “Road to Success” series shares the interesting paths leaders in the children’s industry have taken that have guided and influenced their businesses. We recently heard about the journey of Pat Martinek, founder of Martinek BéBé. We’ve all heard about “Renaissance men,” but nothing about “Renaissance women.” Pat is a true Renaissance woman. She is known for her award-winning furniture products — round & rectangular cribs, hand-forged cradles, armoires, toy chests and other baby-oriented furniture — plus innovative, elegantly designed store fixtures.