There’s a to love about Nappy Shoppe, the premier local source of natural, eco-friendly parenting products in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. In addition to offering a wide variety of classes and special in-store events, this unique community hotspot specializes in cloth diapers, baby carries, nursing supplies, teething needs, and more. Is it any wonder that Nappy Shoppe was your Totally Awesome pick for best baby and maternity shop and best mom-run business?
Nappy Shoppe owner recently took the time to chat with us about what makes her store awesome, how she balances business with parenthood, and more. Read on:
Red Tricycle: Congratulations on being voted “Most Awesome” by your community! What do you think your customers value most about your business?
Sharni Vaughan: Our customers love our in depth customer service. When someone walks in the door we will spend the time with them showing them the products they are interested in, answering their questions, letting them try out the carriers that we sell and more. They love the classes that we hold and they love the sense of community that we offer in store.
RT: What inspired you to start your business?
SV: I saw a need for a product, which was a cloth diaper insert, that no one else seemed to offer. And I was inspired to take my business from online only, to a brick and mortar when I saw there was a real need in the Dallas Fort Worth area for a place to see cloth diapers, baby carriers etc. in person. To get answers face to face.
RT: Any advice for new business owners just getting started?
SV: Be prepared to put in the hours. Many people start a website thinking that if they build it they will come. This is simply not the case. A successful small business requires time put into it, and not simply a basic 40 hour week. Be prepared to put in more hours than the average employee. Be passionate about what you do, customers sense it when you love what you do.
RT: Can you give us one tip for balancing entrepreneurship with parenthood?
SV: Set aside time that is family time, and keep it only that. I learned the hard way that it is important to NOT work at certain times and devote those times to your family. For me when I leave the store and come home of an evening, I am done with working on store things. I don’t do bookwork, or website work at home. I do it all at my store. And my day off is Sunday, and I spend that time totally devoted to my family.
RT: What is your proudest moment as a business owner or parent?
SV: As a business owner, the month of August 2013 was a great time. We were acknowledged by the Dallas Area Breastfeeding Alliance for our support of breastfeeding mothers. We had our 5th birthday celebrations and had an overwhelming amount of regular customers turn up to the events to support us, and then we capped off the month by winning not one but two Red Tricycle awards.
RT: Is there a special offer you’d like to include for Red Tricycle readers?
SV: Yes! RT readers can receive a free Credible Cravings Nutrition Bar with a purchase of $25 or more.
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