Meet Mom Entrepreneur – Laura Toto, Diaper Diva Designs
“That if you know in your heart of hearts that you are on the right track KEEP GOING no matter what pops up. And there WILL BE plenty of things that will whether externally or internally. It’s not a journey for the faint of heart! I’ve had even the people closest to me telling me it’s a ‘pipe dream’ and I know they’re only trying to protect me, but these are also people who worked at a job for 40 years and would never be willing to travel this journey themselves. Surround yourself with people who encourage you and help you look at things through entrepreneurial eyes.”
What does your business offer?
My product is Naked No More under the company name of Diaper Diva Designs. Naked No More is a one piece that prevents toddlers from undressing during their naps and bedtime (and whenever else it may come in handy!;) It’s an easy and versatile solution that doesn’t require a complete outfit change for a nap and allows these little houdinis to continue wearing their regular pajamas.
Parents and caregivers who are dealing with this issue! I’ve had parents tell me that babysitters have quit over this problem that they themselves couldn’t put a stop to. I’ve also had parents of special needs children give valuable feedback. One lady said she dealt with “smearing” (yes there is an actual name for it?!) for 10 years with her two autistic boys and would have paid anything for a solution. The benefits can reach far and wide and bring sanity back to frustrated parents and caregivers everywhere!
What was your AHA moment?
Had the idea and just went for it
How has PR and Marketing helped your business?
Thus far I’ve created a website to follow the progress of the Naked No More and link up to my Teespring campaigns. I’ve created Facebook pages for Diaper Diva Designs for the Teespring campaigns and a page for the Naked No More itself. Right now I run Facebook ads for the Teespring campaigns and just started Google ads. Their pretty fresh so results are yet to be seen, but I’m hopeful! I have more to learn about SEO, etc. and I’m sure that’ll make a big difference. I have to remember that there are people out there who specialize in this stuff and I don’t have to know everything … I can source some of this out ya know!;)
What’s your greatest success to date?
I received my design patent this year and have the prototype underway as we speak! I’ve made amazing contacts and am beyond excited to get this product out there! I’ve started Teespring campaigns to help fund the project (which is really fun in and of itself!) and plan to launch an Indiegogo campaign as soon as my prototype is finished. Just an exciting time all around!
What’s been challenging and how did you overcome it?
With five kids from 12 years old down to 8 months, I’d have to say TIME (and money of course!;) My husband is self employed in the construction industry so we already have that going and tapping into the family budget is not an option. Patience is also high on the list!;)
I’ve to be resourceful and have an open mind. Look for new options and ways to move forward. Not let that ugly self doubt come in and take over. When I feel stuck or not sure what to do next I pull back, get centered and let my solution present itself to me and it always does! That’s where the patience comes in as well since that doesn’t always happen within hours like I’d love it to!;)
What steps are you taking to achieve your goals?
I’m making as many contacts as I can, learning through books and webinars and the experiences of others who have gone before me to try and make the process as streamlined as possible. I just try to do the best I can and learn as much as I can along the way.
What are your best tips on managing family and business?
Balance is STILL something I am learning. I can get soooo enthralled in working on something new about the process that I just learned that I can’t pull myself away! I do as much as possible during the day, but the majority of what I can accomplish is at night when everyone is sleeping. For me, having an understanding and supportive spouse is crucial to the survival of our marriage. I’ve had to be that for him as well with his business. It’s important to remember the bigger picture and the “why” behind what you are doing all of this for! You have to plow ahead, but remember the ones you are doing all of this for in the meantime.
What are your favorite tools and resources?
I love books because you can go back and reference anytime you need to (and you will need to!;) I also love webinars because I always take plenty of notes that I go back and reference as well.
If you could wave a magic wand right now, what would you wish for?
Money and an insane marketing campaign up and running. And of course to have my first small production lot done and ready to ship out to parents and caregivers in need!
Where can readers go to learn more about you and your business?
www.nakednomoreonepiece.com
