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FEATURED MOM INVENTORS > ERICA AQUART
Meet Erica Aquart, mom to Stefan - 12, Zachary - 5, and Marlo - 1. Out of necessity she invented the "Cuddle 'n Cover Towel Apron and Bath Essentials." The Cuddle 'n Cover Towel Apron and bath Essentials consists of 3 unique pieces- the Towel Apron, the Wash Gloves and the Towel Cap. As we all know, babies are slippery during bath time which can be stressful for even the most experienced parents. Erica designed a unique alternative to the baby bath towel. It is a baby towel that moms or dads wear! It is a towel, an organizer and safety support all in one! And it protects you from getting wet while you bathe your little one!
Erica shares her story in the following interview... Tamara: How did you get started? What inspired you? How did you think of your business idea? Erica: I work from home and I have 3 young children. I am always in search of products that would help me simplify and organize my daily tasks. Baby bath time became a challenge for me because with all the responsibilities I take on daily, I would forget to get the towel to dry my daughter Marlo, my last child, I would forget the bath time products and I would get really flustered when I had to maneuver between grabbing a towel to dry her and trying to wrap her with it as I took her out of the bath. It seemed as if the phones would ring constantly and my then 3 year old son would call me because he needed something and this was a major distraction for me while giving my youngest child a bath. It was real nerve racking for me so I received a vision of a multifunctional baby bath towel design that would organize baby bath time and be safer and easier to use. 
Tamara: What process did you follow to design your product?Erica: When I put the design of my product to paper, tweaking it constantly, I first showed it to my husband, family and my closest friends. I had them sign a confidentiality agreement, and asked their opinions. They loved it so I then had a proto-type made. I used it on my daughter and I was so elated to know that it really worked well and it made me feel a lot more comfortable and confident while giving her a bath. At that time I also realized that the towel design also had another significant use, it protected me from getting soaked at bath time so I no longer had to change my cloths after her bath. I then designed the Cuddle 'n Cover towel Apron and Bath Essentials set (Towel Apron, pair of wash gloves and towel cap). The wash gloves are more practical to use than the wash rag and helps prevent your wet baby from slipping out of your hands while you take her out of the bath. The towel cap is used right after you wash your baby's hair (unlike the hooded towel) to keep her little head warm and dry as she splashes up fun. It also protects water from getting into her ears as you give her a bath. Tamara: Did you conduct any market research to gather feedback about your product? Erica: I conducted an "informal focus group" with a group of moms and dads. They inspired me to make my product available to all parents who face the same challenges I did. Tamara: What process did you follow to find a manufacturer for your product? Erica: I scouted out manufacturers and suppliers locally. I searched online and also in my local telephone directories. Eventually I had to shop around outside of my local area to find the best prices. There are websites available with lists of manufacturers and suppliers. I wanted my products to proudly carry the "Made in America" tag which can be a lot more costly than if you were to have them made overseas. Tamara: Did you experience any setbacks during this process? Erica: I have definitely experienced manufacturing setbacks. When I first started to search for manufacturers, I came across one that said the job that I needed was no problem for him to do and he referred me to a cutting company that he works closely with. Well, the cutting company made all the markers for my design incorrect so when it was sent over to the manufacturers, it was a major problem. All the material that I purchased was ruined. On top of that the manufacturer informed me that they did not have a sewing machine for the binding of my product. This was a big disaster because I had a deadline. I needed the finished products for a show that I was attending in two weeks! Therefore, I had to quickly find a company to rectify the problem and produce as many towel aprons in that time period. The new manufacturer's realized that I was in a crunch, so they charged me extremely high prices. I had no choice at the time so I had to go with them. I attended the show and I was pleased with the response. After the show, I had orders for my products and I finally found a manufacture that I am happy with. I stayed focused and didn't allow any of those set backs to consume me. This entire set back process had its rewards, I learned so much in respect to the manufacturing side of my products and the sewing industry terminology which I wasn't aware of before. I can now approach manufacturers and suppliers with an abundance of knowledge. 
Tamara: What was the biggest learning curve in terms of marketing your product?Erica: My biggest learning curve in marketing my product which is still probably my biggest challenge is never relying on someone else to do a job you know you are probably better off doing yourself. Finding a good and proven sales and marketing firm to take your product to the next level is very challenging. Tamara: What kind of support system do you have in place personally and professionally? Erica: My family has been my biggest support both personally and professionally. My husband, Marlon, holds down the fort, so to speak, while I introduce my new product to the baby industry. This can be both expensive and time consuming. I am very grateful to have his support. I have also developed some great business relationships with new inventor moms from attending Trade Shows. We keep in touch and help each other as much as possible. Tamara: Have you experienced a "low point" and if so, how did you rally yourself to get back on track? Erica: My low period came in the very beginning when I first started to introduce my product to small specialty boutiques. The very first store I went to loved my products and placed an order. This was a big confidence booster. The next boutique I went to liked my product but felt that it wasn't for her store. I felt pretty bad but then realized that after getting more orders from other boutiques and my online sales, that not everyone will love what you have. You must be confident and focused. Never give up, that's how I operate and I am getting the results I want. Tamara: What has been your greatest success or "high point" in the process? Erica: The "high" I have experienced is that my product has been well received by moms and dads. When I get emails from customers praising the Cuddle 'n Cover Towel Apron and Bath Essentials and how it helps them. It is enormously gratifying when those customers order another one for either friends or family. It is also thrilling when publications write great reviews about my products. It was also gratifying that the Cuddle 'n Cover was voted as 1 of 10 "Best New Products for Parents" in 2005! Tamara: How have you dealt with the competition? Erica: Thankfully the design concept I came up with for my towels has no competition. I'm truly grateful for the advice my husband gave me to Patent my idea. My design is the only other alternative to the baby bath towels being offered in the market and my design is a lot more practical and safer to use. Tamara: How have you financed your company? Erica: With the financial help of my husband and myself, I am happy that I have not had to seek financial support from banks or lending institutions. I predict that in the near future as my business grows, I am going to need additional funding. Tamara: What advice would you offer other moms developing their products/ideas? Erica: My advice to other moms developing their products/ ideas would be to follow through with your dreams and stay focused. Have faith in yourself and God. Have a concrete plan of action and a good support team at home. I have learned to appreciate good advice from business associates (with proven success and experience) that I have made along the way. Most importantly, do not be afraid to ask questions. If you are not sure about something do not be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help. I feel so honored to help other aspiring mom inventors get started and what ever helpful information I can pass on, I pass on with pleasure. Thank you, Erica for sharing your story. To learn more about Erica and her products, visit: www.marlosinspirations.com. 
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