Sari Crevin got her business to $1 million in sales without a single full-time employee. How did she do it?
Crevin is founder of BooginHead, a company that makes and markets attachable hooks and related products for sippy cups, pacifiers and other things tots like to toss from their high-chairs, strollers and car-seats. Read our article about her business here.
How do you do this business yourself? What about manufacturing, product design, marketing?
There are certain aspects of the business that have to be outsourced, like manufacturing. In order to manufacture in the volumes needed to meet the demands of the larger retailers they need to be done in mass production. I have a main designer that I work with that is freelance but most everything is done in house. Up until earlier this year I was the point of contact for everything. But now I have been able to bring on some folks that can be the first line of contact for things like marketing or advertising as well as customer service. I guess I never thought of how I did it myself, I knew it had to get done so I figured out a way.
Why did you do this business yourself? Wouldn't it grow faster if you had other people involved?
For me, I really wanted to grow the company organically without outside capital for as long as I could. I didn't have the budget or the time also working full time at Microsoft to devote to bringing others on board. However since leaving Microsoft, getting an office space and hiring some people it is amazing to me that I was ever able to do it successfully on my own. I have been able to get so much accomplished and move the business forward in a way I never expected I could in such a short period of time.
You only worked part-time? So you generated $1 million+ annual sales as a solopreneur?
That is correct. Last year the business grossed in excess of $1.1 million. Amazing when I think about it, it is something I am proud of that I was able to do that while also holding down a full time job.
Are your products available only online or through retailers?
A majority of my business is wholesale to retailers such as Babies R Us, Buy Buy Baby, Baby Depot, Amazon.com and numerous smaller retailers. I do sell direct to customers online but a big part of my marketing and advertising is geared toward giving my retailers increased business. I don't want to compete with them, but simply have product available to my customers in different patterns that they might not carry on their shelf.