Illene Segal Of baby idesign

Welcome back!

	My guest today is Ilene Segal. Ilene runs a company called baby idesign. Her company sells modern-meets-traditional stationery products for the baby and family markets. All the products are designed by Ilene. The products are absolutely gorgeous. Ilene started the company in 2004 and through her hard work and creativity, the company is now well established and growing from strength to strength. In 2007 Ilene won the the prestigious Make Mine A Million $ Business Contest for women entrepreneurs. Read and Be Inspired !!!



I understand that you started out designing cards for your friends and then realized that there is a business potential. At this time you already had a successful full time career. Was it hard to take the plunge and start your own business? Based on your experiences, have you got any advice for women thinking of starting their own business but afraid to take the plunge?

	The truth is I went with my gut. I saw a huge opportunity and was ready for a new challenge in life. I didn’t think about all the difficulties, all the challenges and all the stressors of starting my own business. If everyone did that no one would ever launch. I think its about being ready and taking a leap of faith. I had been at this great job for almost eight years but I was bored. I needed something new and exciting, I was ready for the next step in my life and for me, that was starting my own business.
Fear can stop anything we do. I thought what is the very worst thing that could happen? I was wrong and I go back to getting a job? That’s not failing, that’s trying something most people never have the guts to do. Having the strength and the moxie to start your own business makes you a success in itself. I wish more people would remember that.


Once you are finished with your designs, do you outsource the production or do you do it yourself?

I work with a printing facility off site. Unfortunately, New York City is too costly to do it all on premise. But, my goal is to have a baby idesign printing house and do everything on site.


What is one business tool you cannot survive without?

My Macintosh Computer.


What do you believe is your greatest business achievement so far?

I’ve been very fortunate with wonderful press in publications such as TIME Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, etc. I also won an amazing business contest sponsored by American Express OPEN. I’ve met and been inspired by some brilliant folks in the creative and business communities. But honestly, the greatest achievement was walking down the street behind two total strangers and hearing them rave about the incredible baby idesign holiday cards they received in the mail. It brought a tear and a smile and a feeling of pride like nothing else I could imagine.


What kind of market research (and market testing) do you do before you introduce new products to the market?

I’m not one to look that closely at my competition otherwise it will make me crazy. I try to introduce new products based on my own ideas and creativity. I have always had the natural ability to find the trends rather than follow them. I use other industries such as fashion and interior design for inspiration. My girlfriends and family are my personal test marketing. No one else could be more honest!


What’s next for ‘baby idesign’ (where do you see your company say in two to three years time)?

baby idesign is working on some great partnerships for the future. I am very interested in taking my overall aesthetic beyond paper. Look for new products in the baby world that have our unique sense of style.


Finally, your five keys to success?

• Confidence: Both in yourself and your idea. No one will believe in you, your product or your company if you don’t. Just create and sell from the heart. This allows your confidence to naturally shine. • Commitment: You can’t be afraid or resentful for the hard work your new business demands. I’ve made a lot of sacrifices, work long hours and have a hard time shutting off my business brain. But, ultimately its because I love what I do. • Don’t be afraid to ask for help: I try and surround myself with smart people who can do the things I can’t or don’t want to do. We’re not all great at everything and entrepreneurs tend to try and juggle it all. Realize that the more you can delegate, the more you can focus on your strengths, grow the business effectively and ultimately do the part that you love to do. • Make sure you remember to enjoy what you do: I made a deal with myself that the minute this wasn’t fun anymore, I would stop. Sure, some days are better than others but you should always be excited about your business and the direction its going. I remember to laugh daily and not take things too seriously. • Don’t give up: Starting a business is tough which is why most people don’t. Sometimes things will be great and other times you’ll get hit with things beyond your control. Find a way to keep your strength and move in a direction beyond your competition. One of the best little pieces of advice I ever received was “remember to zig when everyone else zags.”

To read more stories about women in the creative selling businesses click Idea Home Based Service Business

Sites Of Interest
http://www.babyidesign.com/



This interview was published on 3rd January 2009

Visit Ilene’s website to get more information about her business….