We love highlighting other women-owned businesses—especially when the women in charge are mothers, too! Each month, we showcase an entrepreneurial mom in our "Moms Who Made It" interview series, where we dive into the challenges and joys of building a brand while juggling the demands of family life.
This month, we're featuring Egle Artigues, the creator of littleCHEW, a line of beautifully handcrafted, natural baby toys and accessories. A true artist with a passion for design and a knack for knowing what her fellow moms will love, Artigues has been building her small business over the last six years and amassing a dedicated following along the way.
We're delighted to share her story and introduce our Bandita mamas to littleCHEW's whimsical, covetable toys and more.
-------------------
Tell us a bit about your company and the products you’ve created.
My business came about in 2015, when my son was six months old. I carried him around 24/7, and he was always tugging on my hair and chewing on everything. I went to a local pool and saw that one of the moms there had on a chewable necklace; I started looking for a similar product, but only found a few options to choose from. Since my background is in art and design, I came up with an idea to create a product that is stylish for moms to wear and safe for babies. This is how I started my Etsy shop, and now I have a shop on Shopify. To this day, I still make all the beaded items myself and because of the support from my best customers—moms like you—my business is growing.
What was the problem in the marketplace that you set out to solve, and how did you go about finding a solution for it?
As a mom, you want safe toys—no toxic chemicals, 100% food-grade silicone, natural wood. Moms are thinking about their own healthy lifestyles, as well as that of their babies. Our products are built taking all this into consideration.
Describe your business philosophy in a few words.
I really focus on making memorable toys. I remember my own favorite toys so many years later. I want to do that for new babies—to create that experience for them. I want families to have options when choosing a toy that is unique and special for them. Moms will remember those toys, too! I love the idea of toys that keep kids busy and help moms feel safer about leaving their baby with a toy.
What has kept you motivated throughout the journey of starting your own business?
It was my passion to create something enjoyable for babies and moms, and I didn’t realize how big it would get and how much I would create. That’s been my motivation! But my biggest motivator is my son—he’s the reason littleCHEW exists. I want him to be proud of me, and to show him that when you follow your passion, everything is possible.
When did you start to think, “OK, this idea might actually work” or “I might be on to something here”?
When I created the first rainbow teether, that was a ‘wow’ moment. Everybody liked it! Last year, our Instagram following grew from 3K to 50K, so people are starting to discover us.
Where do you get inspiration?
I’ve been drawing since I was little and I made my own clothes in high school. I love architecture, clean lines. The inspiration for the color combos for our products comes from following the four seasons of nature, or the beads just lying on the worktable.
What’s your #1 tip for moms interested in starting their own businesses?
It’s like a roller coaster—you have some highs, and you have some lows. Just follow your vision, stay strong, and don’t compare your ideas to others. Stay true to yourself!
What does “me” time mean to you?
I’m trying to stay healthy—healthy body, healthy mind. It helps me mentally in being confident about myself.
Any favorite books or podcasts that you’ve found particularly motivating?
I listen to “School of Greatness” a lot, which is about different people sharing how they became successful. Just finished listening to “Fast This Way,” with Dave Asprey, and reading “Superhuman” by him, as well.
What’s on your bedside table?
A copy of “Superhuman,” my son’s lamp from the movie Cars, and water.
Share your favorite inspirational quote, if you have one!
“If you can dream it, you can do it. Never give up!”
This month, we're featuring Egle Artigues of littleCHEW, which creates super-stylish teething accessories that please both mama and baby alike. Read on to hear all about Egle's experience growing littleCHEW.
-------------------
Tell us a bit about your company and the products you’ve created.
My business came about in 2015, when my son was six months old. I carried him around 24/7, and he was always tugging on my hair and chewing on everything. I went to a local pool and saw that one of the moms there had on a chewable necklace; I started looking for a similar product, but only found a few options to choose from. Since my background is in art and design, I came up with an idea to create a product that is stylish for moms to wear and safe for babies. This is how I started my Etsy shop, and now I have a shop on Shopify. To this day, I still make all the beaded items myself and because of the support from my best customers, my business is growing.
What was the problem in the marketplace that you set out to solve, and how did you go about finding a solution for it?
As a mom, you want safe toys—no toxic chemicals, 100 percent food-grade silicone, natural wood. Moms are thinking about their own healthy lifestyles, as well as that of their babies. Our products are built while taking all this into consideration.
Describe your business philosophy in a few words.
I really focus on making memorable toys. I remember my own favorite toys so many years later. I want to do that for babies—to create that experience for them. I want families to have options when choosing a toy that is unique and special for them. Moms will remember those toys, too! I love the idea of toys that keep kids busy and help moms feel safer about leaving their baby with a toy.
What has kept you motivated throughout the journey of starting your own business?
It was my passion to create something enjoyable for babies and moms, and I didn’t realize how big it would get and how much I would create. That’s been my motivation! But my biggest motivator is my son—he’s the reason littleCHEW exists. I want him to be proud of me, and to show him that when you follow your passion, everything is possible.
When did you start to think, “I might be on to something here”?
When I created the first rainbow teether, that was a ‘wow’ moment. Everybody liked it! Last year, our Instagram following grew from 3K to 50K, so people are starting to discover us.
Where do you go to get inspired?
I’ve been drawing since I was little and I made my own clothes in high school. I love architecture, clean lines. The inspiration for the color combos for our products comes from following the four seasons of nature, or the beads just lying on the worktable.
What’s your No. 1 tip for moms interested in starting their own business?
It’s like a roller coaster—you have some highs, and you have some lows. Just follow your vision, stay strong, and don’t compare your ideas to others. Stay true to yourself!
What does “me” time mean to you?
I’m trying to stay healthy—healthy body, healthy mind. It helps me mentally in being confident about myself.
Any favorite books or podcasts that you’ve found particularly motivating?
I listen to “School of Greatness” a lot, which is all about different people sharing how they became successful. Just finished listening to “Fast This Way,” with Dave Asprey, and reading “Superhuman” by him, as well.
What’s on your bedside table?
A copy of “Superhuman,” my son’s lamp from the movie Cars, and water.
Share your favorite inspirational quote, if you have one!
If you can dream it, you can do it. Never give up!
Shop popular Belly Bandit collections
- Belly Bands & Postpartum Belly Wraps
- Postpartum Underwear
- Maternity & Postpartum Shapewear
- Maternity Leggings
- Maternity Underwear
- C-Section Recovery
- Nursing Bras
- Pregnancy Skin Care
