I caught up with the lovely Katie Glickman, Founder and Managing Director of Bibblyboo – our September Member of the Month! We chatted about how everyday life can be the inspiration for starting your business, what it’s like to be a “game changer” and the Dragon’s Den!
Why did you start your small business?
As a parent of two very dribbly babies, I spotted a gap in the market for a bib that was both absorbent and waterproof. At the time my second child was teething in 2019, I was having to layer plastic bibs under cotton bibs to keep my little one dry and had over 60 bibs from every brand known to man drying on the radiators and in constant rotation – and it was frustrating!
So I decided I was going to design the ‘perfect bib’ that should not only be both waterproof and absorbent, but it should look great if it is covering a beautiful outfit; last for longer throughout the day, to save us from doing extra washing; and stop dribble rashes, to protect my baby from sore skin.
Nobody else was able to offer this combination and so it was time to get creative to save our sanity!!
Tell us about your background before Bibbilyboo
I was on maternity leave at the time the idea came to me, having been working in the NHS as a Research Operations Manager; discovering new medicines and therapies and introducing them to our local patient population. The role naturally involed research which has always appealed to me having a Psychology degree; so combined with my love for being creative I was able to set about researching the best materials and shape for the now patent pending Bibbilyboo waterproof bib.
I have always enjoyed craft hobbies, having had two previous hobby businesses in my twenties. One was creating custom Swarovski crystal hair slides and tiaras whilst I worked part time at a Hair salon during University and later creating handmade cards after I started my career in the Research industry.
I had however, little to no experience in sewing when the Bibbilyboo bib came into my head, but i was determined to learn and have been completely self taught!
What’s your best selling product, and why do you think it’s so popular?
As a parent myself, where maternity pay is precious, I understand that it’s frustrating when you can get a discount on an item that is in a bundle, but you don’t like all of the colourways that are included. So I created the option of a ‘Build your own’ bundle of 6 bibs at a discount of 20% off, where the customer can choose any colourways they like – effectively customizing their order to suit their needs whilst receiving the best discount. It is by far the best seller, closely followed by the build your own bundle of any 5 plain fabric bibs.
Its a great way to start a collection and i even see friends buying a bundle together to split in half – and i love being able to offer parents an affordable option.
To see the Build your own Bundle of 6 you can click here
What’s the nicest thing a customer has said about your business?
I’m fortunate enough to be left amazing feedback almost daily, and a frequent comment is that my bibs are a Life Changer’. With dribble rashes eradicated in a matter of days, reduced washing piles and the elimination of dribble soaked clothing changes; I am able to offer peace of mind in a really simple and easy way!
One customer said: “Game changer Took a chance and ordered 6 bibs as we were going through multiple outfits every day as they would be wet with dribble – so so worth it! Now my little one can stay in the same clothes all day. Only bibs I’ve found that work to keep her dry and the material is so soft and of such good quality.”
What does the last quarter and lead up to Christmas look like for Bibbilyboo?
Lots of work and exciting launches! In an economy like ours right now, we need to ensure true value in every purchase to reassure the customer it is a great decision to shop with Bibbilyboo.
I offer practical gifting ideas for not only the Christmas season but baby showers and newborn gifting and try to cover all price points so no matter the order value, the customer feels happy shopping with me.
Once the halloween season is over, we launch the Christmas collection and from there the days usually blur into one as we race toward December 25th!
I have recently had the pleasure of expanding my solo business to include two part time helpers and I cant wait to enjoy the Christmas crazy season with them!
As recommended by Bibblyboo
I asked Katie to recommend 3 books/podcasts/films/tv that have helped her in starting and running her own business – take a look below:
Book – Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
Holly & Co live talks on social media for small business tips with other specialists
Dragons Den – I love to be inspired to dream big and take the risk to explore your ideas and I think watching this show encourages you to dip a toe into the unknown and dream of making something new, possible!
To find out more about Bibblyboo head to the website and Instagram.
If you enjoyed this blog post take a look at our interview with our July small business member of the month Rachel Winchester, founder of Holchester Designs.
