Kristen Arnold: Tubby Bundles

Who: Kristen Arnold

What: TubbyBundle.com, manufacture anddDistributes the Tubby
Bundle, a high quality baby bath towel apron to keep baby safe and you dry.

Where: Massachusetts

Number of Employees: 1 plus contract seamstress

Startup Cash: $500

Number of Kids: 3- ages 7, 5, and 2

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Our Interview with Kristen

Mommy’s Company (MC): How did you come up with your business idea?

Kristen Arnold (KA): The product was born out of necessity, lack of counter
space and trying to bath a new baby while holding a towel under my chin, I knew
we needed to simplify the process to make bath time more enjoyable and safe.

MC: How did you make your vision a reality?

KA: I started making my baby apron for friends and family years before I started
the actual business. It was from their encouragement and word of mouth sales
that gave me the confidence to start the business on the internet to reach more
te job and the baby (I had no daycare or nanny and often would breast feed,
knit and be on a conference call at the same time).

I would do research on manufacturing costs, or how to start and online business,
etc. Once I had a business plan together and figured out how to create the business
with a minimum of startup costs and had a confident ability that my product
would sell there was no turning back. I am also very lucky to have a supportive
husband who encouraged me to pursue my idea.

MC: What was your most exciting entrepreneur moment?

KA: Being contacted a news station for an interview.

MC: What was your biggest obstacle?

KA: Finding customers. The internet is so competitive and it’s hard to
spread the word when you’re only one person!

MC: How did you overcome the obstacle?

KA: Keep focusing on that Target Market and create a good marketing/PR plan!
It doesn’t happen overnight but if you have a quality product or service
and excellent customer service it all comes together and word spreads.

MC: What surprises you most about being an entrepreneur?

KA: How many resources there are available!

MC: What advice do you give to entrepreneurial moms just starting
out?

KA: Set your goals early on, big and small. If your going to go for it, go
all the way and don’t let people discourage you.

MC: What book has inspired you?

KA: The Mom Inventors Handbook

MC: What product could you not live without?

KA: Besides the Internet? My calendar.

MC: What is your first thought in the morning?

KA: I love my life

MC: What do your kids think of your business?

KA: They like having me close and often are busy with puzzles or coloring at
my feet. My 7 year old daughter likes to help where she can.