5 Questions with Bamboobies Founder & CEO Kerry Gilmartin

As the owner of two leaking breasts, I sought out nursing (or breast) pads that would help cover up my wet spots on my blouses and tank tops. Lucky for me, I had a pair of Bamboobies and a pair of EpiBi nursing pads. The Bamboobies won out – they’re almost leak-proof and made of soft bamboo material. (Read my review here.)

There were two other fantastic facts about this company I couldn’t ignore – 1. It’s a woman-owned business, and 2. the product is made in the USA! (‘murica!)

I reached out to Bamboobies Founder and CEO Kerry Gilmartin and asked if I could pick her brain on the origin of the business! She said yes and here we have our next Bitchin’ Business interview! I’m excited to have her on the blog!

Meet Kerry Gilmartin – Founder & CEO of Bamboobies Nursing Pads

Kerry Gilmartin and family – Bamboobies Founder & CEO

1. Almost all the women-owned businesses I’ve interviewed or run into created their business because of a need for a better product for themselves or someone they knew. Was this the same case for you and Bamboobies? (What was your catalyst(s))?  

That’s exactly right – I was frustrated with other washable pads that showed through clothing – and leaked through too.  When I discovered the cool fabrics like bamboo velour and PUL I knew I could make a better pad – but it wasn’t until I thought of the fun name ‘bamboobies’ that I jumped head-first into the business.

2. Bamboobies are different from mainstream breast pads because they’re partly made of bamboo material. How did you decide on bamboo, hemp, and organic cotton as the building materials for Bamboobies pads? (What materials did you reject?)  

I really looked at what cloth diapers were using and was inspired by those fabrics – the eco-fabrics like hemp and bamboo absorb more than cotton and don’t require any pesticides so there were perfect!

Bamboobies Nursing Pads – Multipack

3. How long did it take to bring Bamboobies to market? Was there an obstacle or hiccup that you didn’t forsee (and how did you get through it)?

It took me 6 months to get the pad design right and find a local manufacturing partner who could make them – pretty long considering how simple the product seemed!  I worked through difficulties by adhering some fabric together myself with quilting material first before I was big enough to get things made at the mill level. I would iron together using the adhering film little by little on my living room floor – not easy when I was pregnant!  Gotta do what you’ve gotta do!

4. Where do you see Bamboobies in the next 5-10 years? Have customers given feedback on what they want to see as your next product?  

I have a lot of new product ideas – always working on those… And I see us just having fun, growing the product line to help more mamas and remaining an independently owned, agile and smart little business.

5. What’s been your go-to advice for new parents and new moms breastfeeding?

Ask for help – the biggest surprise for me was how tough breastfeeding was. It seems like it should be a natural and easy thing but it can be tough – asking for help from family and friends and great LC’s [sic] is best to get you through the early days and nights.

Pregnancy Bundle Pack – Bamboobies

###

If there’s one lesson I caught with my interview with Kerry, it’s this: There is a business for everything because you (or someone else) can make a better product for the market. There is room for you.

I can’t thank Kerry enough for taking the time to answer my questions about Bamboobies!

If you know of any expectant moms out there, please let them know about these awesome pads! In fact, buy a few pairs for them – their boobs will thank you for it!

** I want to remind y’all that Bamboobies is offering my readers 20% OFF their purchases at Bamboobies.com! Use code: WIRI20. The offer expires August 31, 2014, so get going and get your orders in! **

Use the code: WIRI20 and take 20% off your Bamboobies purchase! Expires 8/31/14.

Talk to the Bamboobies team directly:

• Website: https://buybamboobies.com/
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Bamboobies
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/bamboobies
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/bamboobies

The post 5 Questions with Bamboobies Founder & CEO Kerry Gilmartin appeared first on What I Run Into.