May 15, 2024
Summary:
In this episode, Laura engages Sarah Wells, founder of Sarah Wells Bags, in a deep dive into her entrepreneurial journey, from creating breast pump bags to expanding her brand into clothing products. They explore Sarah's motivation, challenges faced, and strategies for navigating rapid growth and financial hurdles. The conversation also delves into the evolution of consumer needs, adaptation during the pandemic, and Sarah's advocacy for working moms through her book.
Key Points Discussed with Timestamps:
Introduction (00:00:00 - 00:00:29)
Laura introduces Sarah Wells and discusses their shared background in e-commerce businesses.
Sarah's Background and Business Start (00:00:29 - 00:04:57)
Sarah shares her journey from identifying a need for breast pump bags while exclusively pumping for her first daughter to founding Sarah Wells Bags.
Balancing entrepreneurship with new motherhood and quitting her job to focus on her business full-time.
Reflecting on the risks taken and the immense support received from her partner, childcare, and business mentor.
Entrepreneurial Spirit and Product Expansion (00:05:33 - 00:10:07)
Sarah discusses her entrepreneurial spirit and the evolution of her brand from breast pump bags to cooler bags, wet/dry bags, and clothing products.
Adapting to changing consumer needs, especially during the pandemic, by introducing washable and durable products.
Overcoming Business Hurdles (00:10:51 - 00:13:50)
Challenges of scaling rapidly and maintaining financial stability.
Difficulties in securing financing and managing inventory quantities.
Managing Inventory Dynamics (00:13:50 - 00:15:24)
The challenge of forecasting demand accurately amidst market fluctuations.
Balancing inventory across different sales platforms like Amazon and personal websites.
Adapting in Business and Parenting (00:15:24 - 00:16:57)
The necessity of pivoting quickly in response to challenges in business, akin to adapting in parenting.
Learning from experience and understanding that challenges will be overcome with time.
Advocacy for Working Moms (00:17:21 - 00:39:44)
Transitioning from the nonprofit sector to entrepreneurship and advocating for systemic changes in corporate environments to support working moms.
Writing a book focused on guiding managers and employers to create a supportive environment for working moms.
Emphasizing the importance of dialogue between employers and employees and fostering a culture of support for all caregivers.
Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship (00:26:46 - 00:39:44)
Supporting caregivers in the workplace benefits all employees, fostering empathy and productivity.
Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship by prioritizing quality interactions and advocating for a supportive work culture.
Sarah's DIY approach to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of understanding every aspect of the business.
Notable Quotes:
"Creating a product is great. You always have to step into creating the product, but just know that it's always going to transform."
"We're never going to have it like this. There's no perfect spreadsheet... accepting that it's going to be an ebb and flow."
"What I really want is not just lots of reading, I want lots of change."
"Children appreciate presence more than multitasking."
Resources Mentioned:
To learn more about Sarah and her book "Go Ask Your Mother," visit goaskyourmothers.com.
Other Resources:
BIO: https://goaskyourmothers.com/pages/about-sarah-wells-author-ceo-mom
WEBSITE STORE: sarahwellsbags.com
Connect with Sarah Wells:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahwellsbags/
Connect with Laura Berens:
WEBSITE STORE: www.loveandfit.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itslauraberens/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itslauraberens/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-berens-b094897/