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 featuring Manasi Gangan founder of Nested Bean, home of the world's first gently weighted swaddle. Manasi created the swaddle after coming to the realization that her infant son slept more soundly when her hand was gently pressed against his chest. The company has now grown to include a full line of weighted sleepwear - the Zen Collection - promoting "sweeter sleep at every stage!"
Describe your business philosophy in 5 words or less:
Challenge the status quo.
What inspired you to go into business?
My first son had been a good sleeper. While on maternity leave with my second son, who was a very poor sleeper, I felt the struggles of extreme sleeplessness for the first time. I wanted to solve this problem for myself first. I chanced upon a solution that gave him the security of my touch. It’s as though I was possessed with the idea of helping other moms who would experience sleep deprivation. I wanted them to feel sane, alive and a part of this world again.
When did you know you, “made it?”
Since there is no one universal definition of having “made it”, this is a tough question especially for someone who sets her eyes on the next goal the moment the first one is accomplished. There have been some “aha” moments along the way. First one was when we passed the safety testing by beating benchmarks by 8 times. Second was when we more than tripled our customer base in one year and have continued since. That’s when we knew we were the safe zone. Third and my favorite was when I knew we had created sufficient awareness of our brand and products that in a mom group, most moms had heard of us.
What’s your #1 tip for moms interested in starting their own business?
Be curious. Be connected. Be focused. Be resilient.
- Seek advice, don’t idolize. Seek mentors to learn. But don’t always seek external validation. No one knows your business better than you.
- Mentors don’t have to be a single person. They can be virtual. They can be from the past. There have been many greats. Pick one that matches your philosophy, challenges your thinking and supports you in your failures. My mentor during my startup years was Steve Jobs, with the addition of my husband who supported me in my struggles.
What does “me” time mean to you?
Early morning time when I think, meditate, ideate or exercise.
After 9:30 PM when I am done with mom duties as I listen to music, watch inspirational videos, satirical videos or read a good book without being disturbed
What‘s on your bedside table?
“On Entrepreneurship And Impact” by Desh Deshpande. It’s a quick and an essential read for entrepreneurs.
A 2008 HBR Issue on Leadership. It’s got some amazing go-to case studies.
Making Cents – A Children’s book, which me and my 9-year-old are reading together.
Words to live by - Share your favorite quote!
It changes. Of late it’s been the one by Bill Gates.
“We always overestimate the change that will occur in the next two years and underestimate the change that will occur in the next ten. Don't let yourself be lulled into inaction.” – Bill Gates
To learn more about Manasi and Nested Bean head to, https://www.instagram.com/nestedbean/ and follow them on Instagram @nestedbean.
