10 Questions with… Custom Made For Kids
Entrepreneur’s Name: Sarah Headrick and Sarah Rivera
Phone: 1-866-360-4546
Email: info@custommadeforkids.com
Year business established? Custom Made For Kids became an official company in the late summer of 2006. It was at this time that we began writing and developing our book, hiring our illustrator, creating our website, etc. We didn’t officially “open for business” and start selling the book until August 1st of 2007.
What did you do before you started your company? We were both moms first and foremost, but Sarah Rivera was trained as a lawyer and Sarah Headrick was a physical trainer and nutritionist.
What was your motivation behind starting your own company? We wanted to work for
ourselves and to have a “family friendly” schedule.Most of what we do for the business, we can do
from our respective homes so we can still pick up our kids from school and attend their events
and volunteer at their schools.
What do you enjoy most about running your own business? The fact that the product we chose to create (a personalized children’s book) is such a joyful product and people are so appreciative and complimentary when they receive the book -- it makes all of the hard work worthwhile!
What is the most challenging aspect of running your own business? That’s easy -- balancing our family lives with our work lives. There is always someone who could use more attention and/or there is always more marketing to do!
What programs/services as a parent do you use in the community? Both of us belong to a women’s organization in our community called Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club. We have both been active members for over 4 years now and the club has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for families with cancer and for children who are physically challenged.
If we only knew then what we know now….had we known that we would grow so quickly – we may have tried to bring in a third partner from the start!
Best selling product? We only have one product currently – so, of course, it is our personalized storybook, The First Adventures of Incredible You.
What I’d like to tell everyone about my business? Our award-winning book, The First Adventures of Incredible You, is one of the most highly personalized children’s books on the market today. Customers are able to “build” a one-of-a kind book at the Custom Made For Kids website by inserting over 20 personal facts about a child and the people and places that are most important to that child. From tasting a favorite food to cheering on a beloved sports team to visiting a special vacation spot or park, this rhyme-based book celebrates the first adventures of every young child that “stars” in it. By personalizing these experiences, The First Adventures of Incredible You highlights the connection between children and the people and places that are special to them in their young lives. There is also a dedication page in the full-color, hardcover book where you may provide a personal message so that the child will always remember that this thoughtful gift came from you. The delightful illustrations are cleverly executed so that the book is perfect for any child -- no matter what their sex, race or family structure. The First Adventures of Incredible You makes a memorable keepsake that both children and parents alike will cherish for a lifetime.
Plans for the future…. We hope to develop additional personalized books in the future. In the even nearer future, we hope to offer 1 or 2 gift products on our website, that compliment the book (e.g., add-on gifts for customers looking for something to go with the book). Labels: 10 Questions with..., babies, baby products, books
