True Cuddles interviews British Columbian mompreneur Shaheen Hirji, founder of a unique organic baby products store, Organically Hatched. As with many new moms, Shaheen wanted the best for her baby and found it difficult to source out the best organic baby items. The idea was born and after several months of acquiring suppliers and setting up the online store, Organically Hatched was opened.
After being nominated three times in the Savvy Mom Mompreneur contest as well as chosen as one of the Top 10 Mompreneurs in the Green Products or Services category by Mompreneur Magazine True Cuddles asked Shaheen to share some of her success secrets!
1. Tell us a little about yourself.- I love everything design and style. I love to shop! I asked my five year old to describe me and he said that I was pretty, smart and funny. I couldn’t ask for a better description! At Organically Hatched, we will continuously be researching and looking for the best organic baby things to bring you. As a Canadian company, we are proud to feature a selection of quality organic baby products from local B.C., Canadian suppliers. We will also be adding unique baby items that we think will make your life easier. So keep coming back to see our new items or sign up for our newsletter to get notified of new additions.
2. What makes your business unique?- Organically Hatched is unique in that it’s open 24 hours a day and carries a variety of organic, natural and eco-friendly baby products as well as products for the home and the family.
3. What do you love about being a mom and a mompreneur?- I love the flexibility. I have the ability to schedule events and appointments for my kids during the day and not have to worry too much about work. I can then catch up with work once I put them to bed.
4. If you had to describe your business in less than 15 words, how would you do it?- An online organic baby store that brings our customers the best in organic baby products.
5. What is your inspiration for your business?- It’s difficult to find safe, organic, natural products to use on your children and in your home and that’s where we come in. We hope to make it easier by creating a one-stop shop where you can find these kind of products without any hassle.
6. What are three items you always have in your purse?- I carry the Oopsy Daisy rinse free wash, the All Things Jill Lip Balm and the All Things Jill hand and body lotion.
7. Describe your biggest success and how you knew that you were going to make it.- The biggest success is doubling our sales in our second year. I didn’t think it would happen so quickly and it goes to show that we are doing something right. I am proud of working hard to bring a store like this to fruition and I continue to work hard to make it better for our customers.
8. Tell us about your typical ‘work’ day.- Answering customer questions, coordinating our suppliers for new shipments, products, processing orders, preparing orders for mailing and going to the post office to mail them out. Also updating and maintaining the website, managing inventory, stock and accounting.
9. How do you juggle it all?- Multitasking is important. I always have a couple things going at the same time. Also getting help with the kids. My parents are big supporters and help out daily with the kids so that I can focus on the business.
10. What is the most rewarding thing about being a mompreneur?- It’s so fulfilling to do something you love. The sense of accomplishment is tremendous after a long day of work. You feel satisfied knowing that you got things done and you look forward to the next day. It’s great knowing that you are doing your bit by educating your customers on organic, natural products and you are promoting products that make the world a better place to live in.
11. What keeps you motivated?- I am inspired by moms who are successful at juggling their professions and motherhood. It’s tough to be great at both, but I see so many moms out there doing it and reading about their stories (on True Cuddles!) inspire me. We have just started to franchise so I’m hoping to see a few Organically Hatched franchise stores out there in the next few years.
12. What is your guilty pleasure?- I love to travel and fortunately my kids enjoy travel as well so we try to go away at least twice a year.
13. What does your “go-to outfit” consist of in your closet?- Go to outfit would be jeans and a tailored shirt or sweater. There are so many brands I love. Some of my favourite are BCBG, Max Azaria, Zara, Marc Jacobs, Burberry, Tory Burch.
14. Name a product that you cant live without for your baby or child?- Right now we are going through diapers like crazy since my 5 month old is growing, so I would have to say the Mama Zone Moltex Eco-friendly diapers made out of recycled wood pulp. They are good for the environment as well as good for the baby as they have no nasty chemicals or plastic.
15. What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a mompreneur?- Choose something you love to do, because this will ensure that you will stick with it for a long time despite the ups and downs. Also do your market research and know your product or service well. Lastly don’t be afraid to follow your gut. As a mom you need to learn to juggle work with being a mom and sometimes this is hard but don’t be afraid to ask for help and figure out a schedule that works for you to do both well.
Contact Organically Hatched:
Website: http://www.organicallyhatched.com
Blog: http://organicallyhatched.wordpress.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/orghatched
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/organicallyhatched
