Here at Belly Bandit HQ, a women-owned and operated company, we believe in celebrating the success of all women in business! Our “Moms Who Made It” series is our way of honoring Mompreneurs who inspire us every day.
This week we're excited to be featuring Kelli Kenny & Lauren Parisier, founders of basq NYC and our newest Belly Bandit partners! Yes, starting right now all of our WonderWeave products will contain a sample of their amazing Stretch Mark Butter. These two moms are dedicated to "creating gorgeous, addictive skincare that over-delivers results" and we're thrilled to be partnering with them!
Describe your business philosophy in 5 words:
Kelli: Focus on the bottom line
Lauren: Create products for specific needs
What inspired you to go into business?
Kelli: Moms like us – women looking for high-quality solutions to pregnancy-related skin care issues.
Lauren: I was involved in an ingredient research program and found the pregnancy products my girlfriends were using and had given me contained ingredients inappropriate for pregnancy.
When did you know you, “made it?"
Kelli: When our store count hit 1000 stores and we graduated from being sold in just maternity stores to baby, health & wellness and spas
Lauren: When Disney called us to create products for their It’s a Small World Celebration line because they felt we were the best in pregnancy skin care business.
Who is your mentor?
Kelli: I have several close friends who are great moms and successful business owners
Lauren: I’ve had a great blend - friends, and family who are entrepreneurs, wonderful senior managers, and a fantastic business school professor.
What's your #1 tip for moms interested in business
Kelli: Find a great partner(s) who share your work ethic and vision; add structure to your weeks; go outside your comfort zone but trust your gut; always be prepared for change.
Lauren: Plan ahead but understand most things change; be nimble as some of the best opportunities come unexpectedly; calculate the ROI and make sure it really makes sense to spend the money; Pick a partner with a great sense of humor because you’ll both need it.
What does “me” time mean to you?
Kelli: Perfect “me” time would be a run without a time constraint or sitting at the beach at the end of the day.
Lauren: Skiing - I love the feel of being on a wide-open mountain on a gorgeous day; Cooking – I love food and I love to experiment and create something delicious.
What‘s on your bedside table?
The Rainbow Comes and Goes by Anderson Cooper
Lauren: So many books – A Man called Ove, A Little Life, Untangled, Freakonomics
Words to live by - Share your favorite quote!
Kelli: “Don’t sweat the small stuff”
Lauren: “Ask for all, expect nothing, only the coming true of your most impossible dreams.”
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To learn more about Kelli & Lauren head to, https://www.basqnyc.com
