Bamboobino

Making Magic This Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0000

We were recently invited by fellow entrepreneur Suzanne Bertani of Green Planet Parties and Mommy Footprint to band together with 12 BC companies to contribute 10% of proceeds from December 5-11 to the Making Magic Fund.

This is made possible by a collaboration with The Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund's Adopt-A-School program. This project identifies schools and their specific needs throughout Metro Vancouver. The site tells you the individual needs within each school so everyone can identify something to donate (sports equipment, winter coats in particular sizes, mitten, socks, etc.) The most needed item identified by all the schools of course is money so they can assess and fix their most outstanding needs. The amazing thing about donating the money via Adopt-a-School is they will match all donations so the money is being doubled, hence why we are all donating 10% of our online sales.

So from December 5-11th if you shop at these stores online – proceeds will be donated to help schools, which help children, helps families and helps our future.

Let the giving begin!

Here is the list of Stores participating:

Apricot Culotte: an e-boutique specialized in previously loved baby clothes that we bring in from France. We also carry end of season brand new designer baby clothes including some very nice French organic brands.

Bamboobino: is an adorable line of children’s clothes and accessories made from soft, eco-friendly bamboo.

Bumblebee Toys: offers a unique collection of natural toys, crafts and playthings to inspire the imagination and nourish the senses.

dandelion KIDS: modern kids shop that stocks hip baby clothes, stylish duds for boys and girls plus cool, unique gifts for the next baby shower or kids birthday party.

Fill Your Own: offers an array of carbon-neutral, non-toxic and reusable products ideal for both kids and adults.

Giving Gifts – fair trade, eco friendly and fun gifts for babies, kids, adults and pets.

Green Planet Parties: where it’s possible to shop for eco-friendly party supplies in one place! Supporting locally manufactured decorations & goodies!  Kippo Kids: proud to offer you a quality mix of products that include a good selection of eco-friendly, handmade, organic, and Made in Canada items.

Maxwell Designs: leading Canadian designer of beautiful purses, the best diaper bags in Canada, and many accessories.

My Little Green Shop: is a hip e-boutique that provides a wide range of safe, non-toxic products for babies, children and mamas. We are careful that the products we carry meet our standards of what’s safe and eco-friendly.

Onyx Containers: food storage containers that are of the highest quality, manufactured in responsible conditions and available at affordable prices.

Puddlegear: toddler and baby raingear- children can play outside feeling warm, unrestricted and dry in their PVC and Phthalate free rainwear – certified by oko – tex.

Today I Ate A Rainbow: passionate about creating tools to help parents and caregivers raise healthy kids!

@bamboobino

Mother's Day Bamboo Bouquet

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:35:00 +0000

Mother's Day is approaching fast!

If you're looking for the perfect gift for a new or expecting mum, we've transformed a selection of our bamboo goodies into a beautiful and practical floral bouquet!

Look carefully, and you'll see that some of the budding roses are actually:

- A pair of nursing pads

- A pair of newborn socks

- One nb-6m beanie hat

- Five baby washcloths

- A pair of no-scratch mittens

We're offering this for Mother's Day for now, and taking orders by phone only, so hurry as we have a limited quantity! Available in pink, blue or gender-neutral theme (shown above).

Price: $55. Two-day shipping, and local pickup for Vancouver residents is available.

To order, call 604-551-3882.

Hope you have wonderful Mother's Day!

Sharon

@bamboobino

Good Earth FriDay

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 19:45:00 +0000

Make every day Earth Day. Be power smart. Reduce, reuse, recycle. Buy local. Walk, bike, & transit for climate change.

And many more environmental cliches. There are times when I think, has the message gotten through? Or have we just become desensitized because we've heard the message over and over again and because we aren't directly experiencing the impact of our actions... yet? After all, we aren't polar bears swimming toward our last 2-foot squared ice cap. I haven't breathed with more difficulty, or been overcrowded by garbage, felt warmer, or felt significantly healthier than, say 20 years ago when I was less enlightened by environmental issues.

Do you remember when you were growing up, how your parents used to warn you about not touching the stove or you'll get burned? Then one day, you finally learned by experiencing the stinging, blistering pain of a burn.

In many ways, warnings about climate change can be just as meaningful to us to a child who's been warned incessantly about fire but never experienced a burn. Although we are pretty green out here on the west coast, there are few who have traveled to witness the destruction rapidly devastating our Earth; most of us know what's going on but are tremendously removed from it.

I wonder, when will most of us experience the first eco-burn? And if and when we finally do, will it be too late? If we are fortunate (or unfortunate) to witness first hand devastation, and even if we don't, how can we influence those who are complacently far removed? How can we teach our children? How can we make a difference?

I believe we're going in the right direction; I just fear that cliches and the same green messages have become tired and meaningless. Or worse, hopeless rhetoric. But I am hopeful, because although being green is a conscious effort for our generation, I believe, thanks to dedicated teachers, parents and role models, green habits will become second nature to our kids. I guess we do still need to be reminded, and to try our best to set an example. Even if we'll never fully understand or experience the impact personally right now, I'll say it again anyway.

Make every day Earth Day. Be power smart. Reduce, reuse, recycle. Buy local. Walk, bike, & transit for climate change.

Blessings,

Sharon

@bamboobino

Photo: Courtesy of Scraps Vancouver

Beginning Again

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 06:53:00 +0000

It's already the end of February. How is your commitment to your new year's resolutions? I don't really make resolutions any more, but I do love that feeling of starting fresh at the beginning of the new year.

The daytimer and notebook I was looking forward to using since September is broken in. I started off with an ambitious to-do list at the beginning of the year, and I am both congratulating and admonishing myself for completing most of my list.

A couple of setbacks threatened to make me want to call this year a "bad start" : My credit card was defrauded. And my Christmas gift to a dear one for use in the new year was ruined by exceedingly substandard customer service.

As an optimist in general, I will still feel the freshness of the new year on March 1. And April 22, Earth Day, represents my 'green' new year. The start of the school year in the Fall brings another beginning, especially for the kids. Next thing you know, it's the calendar new year again.

Speaking of which - you may have noticed this blog has a new look, thanks to a special social media gal!

Wishing you renewal throughout the year,

Sharon

@bamboobino

Some New Products...

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 16:32:00 +0000

We're excited to reveal some new products that are now available just in time for Christmas! Available on our website are our pink and blue toe/heel socks. They come in sizes nb-6m and 6-12m. Many of you have babies growing out of our After-Bath Hats, so larger sizes are now available- 12-24m, and 24-36m. And now, Pocket bibs and Burp Pads trimmed with our whimsical prints are here! As always, they are super-soft and more absorbent than cotton alone, with a theme for everyone: Ocean Playground (blue), Ladybug Garden (pink) and Panda Forest (brown/green). They are available for purchase on www.bamboobino.com now, and you can also order by phone: 604-551-3882. Enjoy!

Blessings,

Sharon

@bamboobino

A Different Christmas Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 04:15:00 +0000

It's that time of year to think about giving. Giving to kids. Giving to loved ones. Giving to those in need in our community. And outside our community. And giving a special thanks to all our faithful customers.

In addition to some exciting specials we have going on (and you'll have to check it out on Facebook and Twitter), I'm proud to announce a very special contest running this holiday season.

We're sponsoring a family in need this Christmas, referred to us by Healthiest Babies Possible. HBP is a prenatal outreach program supporting pregnant women of all ages living in Vancouver. Since 1977, HBP has offered free services in many languages to women to have have healthy pregnancies and improved lifestyles, with a focus on nutrition.

Our special Christmas Family has 2 little girls, ages 4 and 4 months. Together with our wonderful partner companies listed below, they will receive a gift basket full of goodies delivered by us before Christmas:

Survival Guide for Roo kie Moms

Love Trees

Green Planet Parties

Sweet Earth Photographi cs

We'll keep updating this list as more companies participate.

And you know what? A lucky winner will receive the same gift basket from these companies as well! All you have to do is to follow instructions on Bamboobino's Facebook page, and you'll find out how to enter multiple entries. Best of luck!

Blessings,

Sharon

p/s - If you would like to donate something for this family, please join us! We'll include you on the list if you have a company, or give you an honourable mention if you're an individual donating (some really great) food or any other (brand new) product. For more details please email me - sharon@bamboobino.com.

Catching Up

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 21:16:00 +0000

As you can guess, it's been busy here at Bamboobino.

In January, one of our Bamboobino gals Robyn gave birth to her beautiful baby boy William - one month early! Congratulations again Robyn!

In February, Vancouver welcomed the world by hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics. Orders were pouring in full swing by now, and in all the "busyness" I made it a point to get out with the kids and enjoy the festivities as much as possible. The kids loved staying up way past their bedtime on some nights! Although I had some reservations about our city hosting this expensive event, it was really a wonderful opportunity to educate the kids about countries, sports, fair play, teamwork and community.

In March, even after the big party was over, the kids were still high in Olympic spirits and continued the party at our house. Our cardboard medals continued to be won and our paper and tissue torch burned on!

And just when I thought I could catch up on some sleep, we welcomed another 9 new retailers - from San Francisco to Montreal!

Which brings us to April. We're busy again, Spring cleaning and preparing for Earth Day. In a couple of rare baby show appearances, we will be clearing out slightly imperfect stock at heavily discounted prices at Birth Fest (April 10) and Babyvibe's Spring Fair (May 15). We've also got baskets of goodies to be won from Lunapads, Silk Concept, Liduccia Jewelry, Momma Nature and Mom Cafe.

In celebration of Earth Day, I'll be helping out again at an elementary school's Earth Day assembly. Their Environmental Club will be presenting the year's summary of their wonderful environmental projects and a fun fashion show of eco-friendly clothing and recycled accessories. A special thanks to Granville Island's Organix and Scraps Vancouver for sponsoring our fashion show!

Enjoy your Earth Day this Thursday...

Blessings,

Sharon

@bamboobino

Looking Back, Looking Forward

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:33:00 +0000

It's been a while since my last post, but not from a lack of thoughts to share. Admittedly being a mom running a business doesn't mean I can do it all; and my plate has been so full that there just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to tweet and blog about it all.

I end this year, as I try to end each day, with humility and gratitude. Just as every stage of parenting poses its own unique challenges, so does every stage of a growing business. So thanks to all my loyal customers, for doing such a great job spreading the word about us; and thanks to my retailers, suppliers, production partners and to my wonderful team who make it all happen. Friends and Fans of Bamboobino, I wish you a fantastic 2010!

Blessings,

Sharon

What the Mompreneur didn't ask me

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 07:09:00 +0000

As some of you may already know, Bamboobino is the cover feature of the latest annual green issue of Mompreneur magazine. When editor Kathryn Bechthold called me up for the feature, I was trembling with excitement - I've been a longtime fan of the Mompreneur. Familiar with the magazine's Q & A format, I drafted several Q & A's of my own for the interview. She had so many great questions and was genuinely interested in our company's commitment to environmental and social responsibility. One question often asked of Q & A interviewees is tips for entrepreneurial women starting out. I didn't get asked this question as we focused on carbon emissions issues - and I'm glad she did. So here is how I would have answered the question:

Q: What advice would you give for women wanting to start a successful business?
A:

Be honest with yourself. So many fall in love with an idea (or even the idea of running their own business), but you MUST calculate feasibility. Do the market research, and be realistic. Are you ready to start a business and are you prepared for the hard work?
Take an entrepreneurial training course. You may be a talented lawyer, a gifted artesan, but have no idea about how to run a business. Then write out a business plan - in any shape or form to start - and revisit regularly.
Network – either by attending events or through online social networking. Never underestimate what doors may open from networking.
Know your numbers, and keep track of your cash flow. What profit or loss are you making – if you're making a loss, when will you be making profit?
Visualize where your business will be in 5, then in 10 years. It'll help determine what you do today.
Find a mentor. S/He does not necessarily have to be in the same business or industry, just someone who has "been there, done that" and can offer insight, inspiration, focus and advice.
At the beginning, do your own PR. Online resources are out there to help. For example, Elena Verlee's ebook "PR in your Pajamas" is a great tool for mompreneurs wanting to get started on their own PR.
Don’t spend money unnecessarily. Ask yourself over and over again if you really need to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on, for example, advertising, trade shows, or volume purchases. You may have to do all at some point - and assess if it will meet your objectives and if the benefits (financial and/or nonfinancial) outweigh the costs.
Balance. It’s easy to be "obsessed" with the business when it’s gaining momentum. Do something active, really spend quality time with your kids and "turn off" the business several times during the day. You need that mental coffee break, and you'll have a fresh view to a problem when you're taken away from it. And don't sweat the small stuff - chances are, in a week you won't be worrying about it.

Blessings,

Sharon

Happy Anniversary, Bamboobino!

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Fri, 08 May 2009 20:57:00 +0000

Can you believe we're already 2? Can you believe we're only 2?!

On May 9th, 2007, we made our first deliveries to 4 stores in Vancouver who (and I'm very thankful) took a risk and decided to give this industry newbie a chance.

This date is a milestone, the result of a full year's work of sourcing, designing, and research. I set out designing bath and swim robes at first, but the mother in me got carried away and made washcloths, after-bath hats and nursing pads.

We've reached many more milestones since, and to celebrate the beginning of our 3rd year in retail stores, we're having a very special customer appreciation sale. We didn't have one last year, so we're not letting you miss out on one this year. It'll be announced on Twitter and Facebook, I hope you take advantage of it!

Blessings,

Sharon

Earth Day Blog Debut

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:17:00 +0000

It's Earth Day, and I'm finally taking the plunge to start my blog. What better landmark to remember the birth of a blog? I have to admit, I have reservations about promoted events such as Earth Day and Earth Hour, as I prefer that green practices are done on an ongoing basis. However, as I Twittered today, one can take these media-hyped events and turn them into events of personal meaning. Earth Day could be a start of a "Green New Year" - perhaps an annual visitation of eco-resolutions. Earth Hour last year started a fun activity for my kids - now we have several "Earth Hours" throughout the year, resulting in spontaneous family bonding time.

I spent the last few days with the Environmental Club of Brock Elementary School, helping prepare for their second Earth Day assembly. Today I spoke briefly to the school about how families could reduce greenhouse gases, and the kids had a grand time educating the school about their projects, and presented a mini fashion show of eco-friendly clothing. The kids from the Environmental Club are a wonderful group - and they have already achieved gold status (100 projects) for their school and are well on their way to becoming a "Green School." If Earth Day is an excuse to educate, entertain and involve the kids about contributing to a greener planet, I'm all for it. For the rest of us, we know what we have to do, and a motivating reminder once (or twice) a year doesn't hurt.

Blessings,

Sharon