Baby and toddler clothing are totally considerate with their conveniently located buttons or snaps to aid in diaper changes. There's just one problem... all those buttons and snaps. You need to line them up correctly and keep your little one still for long enough to fasten each one. Not the easiest task with a squirmy baby or toddler who's just perfected his alligator roll. And let's not forget those bleary-eyed, middle of the night diaper changes.
The answer: Zipease.
Zipease was founded and created by mom and self-taught seamstress, Taeler Horak. Armed with her great-grandmother's sewing machine, Taeler began making baby clothes for her daughter and noticed a gap in the market for convenient and high-quality baby rompers, so she started making them. Zipease rompers are buttery soft, have stretchy necklines for easy on-off without wearing out over time, and feature a zipper right where you need it. Simply unzip from ankle to ankle, take your little one’s legs out, slide the romper up, and change the diaper. (Insert mic drop here.)
We had the chance to learn a little bit more about Taeler and where she finds inspo for growing her business, how she avoids burnout, and what she considers the needle to her thread:
Have any advice for a mom with an idea?
If you have an idea, go for it and don't think twice. If you don't have the finances to build on your idea right away, bootstrap your way through and save up a little at a time. This is exactly what I did with Zipease, which has allowed me to never be in debt in my business. It isn't always ideal to move at a slow pace with this method, but at least you won't owe someone money if your idea falls through! If you need something done right, give it to a busy mom.
What’s something you’d love for the world to know about Zipease that they won’t necessarily glean from your social media channels?
I am an avid podcast listener. I’d call it a compulsion. Getting in the creation zone with my AirPods in while learning how to improve and grow my business is my jam. A couple of my favorites are "The Goal Digger" podcast with Jenna Kutcher and "The Rise" podcast with Rachel Hollis. These ladies inspire me like no others! It’s free mentorship at the click of a button. The knowledge I acquire from these episodes allows me to implement new business ideas almost immediately. When I’m not in the mood for business advice, "Crime Junkie" is my go-to.
What's your favorite story/testimonial that you’ve heard from Zipease Rompers fans?
My favorite stories have come from moments when I am recognized in public as "the Zipease girl." From restaurants to public restroom changing tables, people recognize me and feel comfortable enough to approach me, a total stranger! Nothing makes me happier in my business than meeting a Zipease customer for the first time and seeing them light up while they brag on their Zipease purchase to me.
We noticed G-Tube Rompers on the site -- brilliant! Clothes that accommodate little ones with special needs are hard to find! Is this an area of the brand we can look forward to seeing more from?
Without a doubt, YES! Providing clothing to children who need special accommodations is the needle to my thread, literally. From G-Tubes to chemo ports to colostomy bags, I have made clothing for hundreds of children (and even some adults) who need accommodating clothing. Finding a niche like this has served my business well and in turn has allowed me to serve customers with the convenient clothing that they need!
As a mom, what's your absolute favorite baby product?
The Haakaa. Hands down. I loved using it as a temporary substitute to my second favorite baby product, The Willow Wearable Breastpump, when my son was still drinking from the tap. However, when my son was a few months old, I went back to waiting tables. I successfully wore my Willow Pump every night without being detected. It’s an investment for ease and convenience, but you get what you pay for!
What are the most important elements in your life that allow you to create boundaries and balance?
As far as boundaries go, I don’t currently have any. There’s no limit on how far I would go to grow my business and serve my customers. I make the rules; I am my own boss. I am also a workaholic with a tendency to lose track of time in the effort to get through as much as I can. In business, no risk means no reward, so you’ll always find me going the extra mile even when it means I accidentally skipped a meal. My kids allow me to create balance because if I didn’t have kids, I’d probably work 13 hours a day. Yes, I’m serious. I also have yet to miss a family gathering due to work, which is important to me to maintain. During this unpredictable time of COVID-19, my schedule looks a little different, which means I do not have uninterrupted work time. My boyfriend has selflessly adjusted his work schedule to be home one work day a week to be with the kids while still working over 40 hours! My family provides the balance I need in order to avoid burnout and for that, I am beyond thankful.
