Words cannot say how impressed we were when we were first introduced to Peekaboo Beans clothes for little ones. The quality is that good. My husband now swears by the brand and keeps insisting we buy more! I am just in awe of what Traci has been able to achieve. She is a Vancouver mama. Her brand Peekaboo Beans makes clothes that are comfortable, fun, easy to move in, and incredibly durable. She thought of every little detail from the absence of scratchy labels to comfortable wide elastic bands and smart stitching. Here is Traci's girlboss story.
Could you please describe your business to our readers?
Peekaboo Beans is a playwear company providing children with durable and versatile clothing that facilitates an active lifestyle. I wanted to eliminate loose ties, fussy buttons, and itchy zippers in favour of high-quality materials with functional features while designing clothes in cute, mix and match styles. The business operates under a direct sales model with over 900 Play Stylists across Canada.
When did you start Peekaboo Beans?
I started the business in 2006 when my oldest daughter was two years old.
How did you decide to start? Were you inspired by your product and the need for it or did you want to start a business first and thought of the product second? Is it a full time job for you?
As I watched my young daughter develop and grow more curious, playful and independent, I became very aware of a gap in the children’s playwear market. Always a fan of fashion but with a strong desire for function, I couldn’t find good quality, yet stylish clothing that supported play and empowered children with the independence to dress themselves fuss-free. While meeting and chatting with other parents I realised I wasn’t the only one looking for such products.
Inspired by the desire to find my own solution, I became a Mom on a mission to design and create quality playwear fostering freedom, comfort and play. I had zero experience in retail, so in 2006, armed only with my background in investment banking, I bootstrapped my business from my Vancouver basement.
It very quickly became a full time job and as well as taking over my basement with stock products and staff!
Was it hard to get things started? Could you describe the process?
There were definitely challenges initially and doubts floated in my mind constantly but when I saw the designs and eventually the products come to life I was so inspired. It was important for me to develop a strong support network of friends and family that believed in me and would pull me up when I was down. I set small milestones to help me achieve my larger goals and every time I met one my passion was renewed and I was able to see the next success ahead.
How did your family react? Your partner?
My partner and family were incredibly supportive. They saw how badly I wanted to make a success of the business and were right there with me. My husband Brad has been my biggest cheerleader since day one.
With social media, it is easy to fall in the comparison game. I believe women entrepreneurs should lift each other up - what has your experience with social media been like?
I’ve had many positive experiences with social media. We have a strong network of Bean-a-holics online that share their parenting successes as well as their challenges in addition to photos of their Beans in Peekaboo Beans. I’ve also had lots of support in my community and among other Mompreneurs and within my network of Stylists. They way those women build one another up is a pleasure to watch and be a part of. I love social media as it allows me to give customers and stylists a look behind the curtain at what fuels the business. It also allows us to connect with one another across the country so easily.
What are your hopes for the future?
This year we are celebrating 10 years in business. As we move into decade number two I am really excited to see where we can take Peekaboo Beans. Our next endeavor is to take the company public and list on the Toronto Stock Exchange. I also see partnerships with other Canadian businesses as we expand our collections and offerings. I also hope to see our Stylist network expand even further, I’d love to break one thousand!
What advice would you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
I advise other entrepreneurs to begin by building a support network. Find a network of family and friends who believe in you and your dream and will be there to pull you up when you feel like you won’t meet your goals. Next I would say, ask for help when you need it. Although we want to do it all, often that is impossible and you’ll wear yourself into the ground which will not help the progress of your business. Rely on that support network, ask your friends, family, spouse for help when you need it. Take time for yourself to exercise and do things you enjoy. Don’t let the prospect of success consume you. Lastly, don’t give up. There will be times you want to but remember your vision, your passion and the reason you began this journey. Your passion and dedication will get you there!
Thank you so much Traci! Check out Peekaboo Beans here.
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