http://www.sweetknee.com
Marketmommies: Tell us about your business.
Kristy: Sweet Knee was created to provide families with chemical-free, non-toxic skin care for baby made of certified organic ingredients. We believe in full disclosure on our labels so that you can make informed purchasing decisions for your specific needs. All of our products are multi-functional and so moms and dads tend to find uses for themselves. For example, our Bun Glaze is not only great as a diaper ointment, but works great on cuts, sunburn and insect bites to name a few. This way, one product takes the place of two or three traditional products.
We hand source our ingredients and seek out organically grown, sustainable, fair-trade ingredients. Our products are formulated and manufactured in boutique quantities, so that we are able to keep quality and credibility of our name.
Sweet Knee believes in giving back. We support breastfeeding and cloth diapering moms through corporate sponsorships and donations. We also believe in healthy homes and healthy air. So, we plant a tree for every gift bag purchased. A list of our donations and sponsorships can be found on our site.
Marketmommies: How did you get started?
Kristy: The impetus for Sweet Knee was when my son developed a chemical burn from the disposable diapers used on him at birth in the hospital. I tried over the counter diaper ointments from my health food co-op and from the regular drug store to no avail and was even prescribed a steroid cream by the pediatrician. I didn’t want to go that route, so I made my own at home remedy and his skin was healed within a day. That remedy later became our first product, Sweet Knee Bun Glaze.
Marketmommies: Is there a person in your life that inspired you to go for it?
Kristy: My husband, Brent, is my biggest cheerleader. He encouraged me to share my products with our friends and family, and then to package and market them to others. He readily steps in to help out with shipping and behind the scenes chores. His face lights up when he sees me succeed and he is right there to pick me up when things are challenging. He is also a remarkable daddy to our son. That makes for a happy home, and a happy life, and a great partnership.
Marketmommies: What has been the biggest learning curve?
Kristy: Marketing has been the most foreign concept for me. However, as I learn more about social networking and the wonderful opportunity to engage with moms and dads, I’ve embraced this new role. I have also found a group of mompreneurs who have “been there and done that” and can help me along the way. I have a tremendous amount to learn in this area and I’m always looking for new motivation.
Marketmommies: What are the pros/cons of having your own business?
Kristy: I think your attitude is all that you have. I am able to draw on my talents and strengths and the end result is that a growing number of people enjoy my products. I don’t see a con to that. There are definitely times when I don’t know an answer, but I know how to seek out answers and then I’m smarter in the end. I want to be successful, so I surround myself with people who positively nurture my growth.
I want to be a great example for my son. I want him to see that work can be meaningful and fulfilling. So even if things don’t always go smoothly, I think about what I can do better or differently to get a better outcome next time. Children are sponges and I want mine to soak up something good!
Marketmommies: How do your find your balance between your family and your business?
Kristy: I think balance is about the art of being in the moment for me. I try to be 100% at work when I’m wearing the Sweet Knee hat, and 100% with my family when work time is done. So, I schedule my routine work tasks that require the most time a month in advance; and take on the daily tasks of phone calls and customer orders around my sons sleep schedule. I also have family members who step in as needed, whether it is with child care or packaging orders for shipment.
Marketmommies: What advice do you have for moms with their own business, or moms who are thinking of giving it a try?Kristy: Believe in yourself, or no one else will. In my first grown-up job, my mentor told me to “find my bliss”. That is the best advice. You should be smiling while you work and the time should fly.
Also, don’t be afraid to go against the grain a little bit. There will be people who will say you can’t do it this way or that way. Trust yourself, and if you make a few mistakes, that is okay!
Marketmommies: Tell Us about your family.
Kristy: I live in North Myrtle Beach, SC with my husband Brent and our son Carson. In my spare time, I enjoy painting, growing a garden and hanging out with my two favorite guys. Brent owns his own business, custom designing clothing for men. He enjoys fishing and training Labrador Retrievers (including our two, Breaker and BoBo). Our son Carson is a curious, adventurous, creative little boy who enjoys walking across the street to the beach and playing in the surf, making noise, and getting dirty.
Marketmommies: Anything else you would like to add?
Kristy: Looking back on my life, I can see that there were pivotal people who brought me to where I am today, and I’d like to thank them for their knowledge.
I learned most everything I know about the medicinal and healing properties of plants from my hometown herbalist. She ran a healthy living store and taught me how to take care of myself by using flowers and herbs. This was the start of my education in holistic healing.
I learned about formulating products from my mother, who took me with her to cosmetic labs and even let me help with graphic design and packaging of her more traditional product lines.
After earning my M.Ed. in Special Education, I began teaching children with autism spectrum disorder. Later I became an autism program coordinator for a school system in NC. Those experiences with amazing children and their amazing parents taught me most of what I know about eliminating toxic chemicals from the home and embracing a natural lifestyle.
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