Four moves, two babies and a personal illness didn’t deter this woman from pursuing her dream of being a successful mompreneur. So if she can do it, what’s stopping you?
When Debbie Savage combined her love, heritage, fashion and babies into a jewelry company, the unexpected happened. Her company, Baby Emi Jewelry, which she affectionately named after her oldest daughter, landed on the pages of InTouch Magazine and on the Celebrity Baby Blog. Why? Because her Cambodian Jingle Bells anklet was recently sighted on one of Hollywood’s cutest babies! Photographs featured Heaven Rain, daughter of Brooke Burke and David Charvet, wearing Baby Emi Cambodian Jingle Bells jewelry at her mommy’s baby shower in Beverly Hills. Other sightings include The View’s Celebrity “Bump” Bag, when the producers televised a baby shower for co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck and at the MTV Movie Awards Celebrity Gifting Suite.
Savage has generously shared how she kept going when the going got tough, the turning point for her business and the people and values that inspired her to get started. And although Savage’s tagline is, “Glamour for pint-sized people,” she’s not just another pretty face on the fashion scene. Savage is on a mission to help others by giving back to organizations that help children in need. Words she lives by: ” ‘Pay it forward baby!’ That is our motto here at Baby Emi Jewelry because we sincerely believe that giving back is the best reward in life.”
When did you start your business and what inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
Savage: Baby Emi was started well before its online storefront graced the web. It took a few years to create the business and, finally, when the timing was just right, Baby Emi launched in April of 2006. My passion to become an entrepreneur was instilled by my mother. She nurtured an ability and confidence to grasp the impossible and do all in your power to make it happen. My source of inspiration was the birth of my daughter Emi and our rich Cambodian tradition of baby jewelry gifting.
What tips can you give others who want to embrace their dream but don’t feel they have the confidence to move forward?
Savage: You will never “fail” if you try. I do not feel like I have lost when I have given an opportunity a chance. My belief is that if you are scared about doing something, you must do it. To gain confidence and experience you must go through the experience. And allow the stress, mistakes and disappointments in running a business benefit you by providing wisdom and a clear vision of what you are and what you represent. It is overcoming these bumps in the road that empower us to feel confident in making better choices.
What gives you the edge over your competitors?
Savage: Our flagship product is our Cambodian Jingle Bells jewelry. My daughter was given her first set of Jingle Bells anklets at her Cambodian baby blessings. The fact that my family is from Cambodia and I am selling a product that honors a tradition of ours that has been passed down by the generations tells an amazing story that provides Baby Emi a depth and familial connection that sets us apart.
Tell us about your product and what it was like to take an idea from concept to getting it up and running?
Savage: I am a jewelry designer. The concept of Baby Emi in its infancy stages was created in 2002. It took three solid years before my online boutique launched in April 2006. During that time I was researching the craft, jewelry designs, business logistics and competitors. Also, I was making jewelry prototypes and building the site. It was a lot of work between getting pregnant twice and giving birth, going through four moves and personal illness.
Was there a turning point for you when you knew you could succeed with your business idea?
Savage: It was not until I had a breakthrough conversation with one of my dropship account owners. Not only is she a dear friend but also a profound business mentor. I was feeling discouraged and wanted to see Baby Emi grow in leaps and bounds. A suggestion that she made was to find a way to make my business different from my competitors. I realized that I started this business because of my culture’s tradition to gift babies with jewelry. It was then I realized I must sell Cambodian baby jewelry. And since we added our Cambodian Jingle Bells anklets and saw the success of it through press and celebrity gifting, we knew we were on to a business concept that had depth and longevity.
Have you noticed certain advantages to being an entrepreneur versus having a day job?
Savage: At my past day job I often found myself thinking about my family. The things I wanted to do with my family. And as an entrepreneur, I am “home” with my family, and it is wonderful!
How long did it take before your business became profitable?
Savage: Baby Emi will be 2 years old at the end of April. So we are very new. It is my third baby. I have not financed my company. In the beginning we were paying for it personally. And now the business is running on its own. Every “profit” that we do see gets put right back into building the business. However, it wasn’t until a year and a half [after] its launch that I felt happy with the sales it had been generating. All great things take time!
Were there any challenges that you experienced along the way that you had to overcome?
Savage: Oh, my goodness, have there been a lot of challenges–like finances, time, personal illness, etc. The only thing I could do while facing these obstacles is pray and keep moving forward, keeping my eye on the vision of my business.
Did you have a mentor?
Savage: Yes, I do have a mentor. Many actually that have helped me during certain points of my business. But my greatest mentor is the woman who reached out and asked if she could carry my jewelry, and that is Heather Ledeboer of Mom4Life.com.
What’s next?
Savage: This is the fun part! We are currently in the process of launching our Cambodian Jingle Bells anklet on a national wholesale level. This has been a very exciting and stress-inducing project. We are working with international manufacturers, domestic gift box manufacturing companies, web designs, print designers and business colleagues to get this baby ready. My ultimate goal is to have our Cambodian jewelry sold in every trendy baby boutique across the U.S. and in high-end retail shops like Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue. I also have a dream to be on “Oprah!” I find her to be amazing and uplifting. I would love to share my story of Baby Emi on her show one day. To just sit next to her would be a dream come true.
Debbie’s jewelry is beautiful. In fact, when I first saw her website, I couldn’t wait to order something for my 3-year-old niece, McKaina. It also occurred to me that I would like to write about how you can get your product in gift bags. So check back to find out more.
Oh, before I forget, my favorite section of the website is Giving, and that is where you can see how Baby Emi is giving back to other organizations. And for more info about Debbie Savage check out her blog: savagebunch.blogspot.com.
Sooooooo, it’s time for YOU to live the lifestyle of your dreams. Let me know your thoughts and what sort of ideas and resources you are looking for. I am here for you.
Peace,
Michelle Anton
This entry was posted on Sunday, April 13th, 2008 at 2:27 pm and is filed under Online Business, Work, Starting a Business, Work at Home Mom, Women in Business. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
27 Responses to “Trendy Mompreneur Captures Celebrity Buzz”
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April 13th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Debbie, It has been so exciting to see your business grow. You have so much passion and drive to succeed, not to mention talent for what you do! Your recent press has only confirmed what I already knew–you have a gift and a product line worth talking about. I can’t wait to see where things go for you in the future and am so glad we are able to work together and as a result have become friends! Keep it up!
-Heather
Owner and Mom 4 Life
April 14th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Hey Debbie - You have a very inspirational story. I wish you much success in the years to come!
April 14th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Debbie,
I am so happy for you. You have a beautiful line! I wish you continued success:)
Jennifer
Owner of Little Piddles
April 14th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
I am so proud of you. I wish you much blessings and continued success. From your friends at My Baby Gifts ‘n Things!
April 14th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Debbie,
Congratulations! Our customers love your beautiful jewelry line. Many blessings to you for continued success!
Cheryl
www.InYourName.biz
April 14th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Beautiful jewelry made by a beautiful person! I am so thrilled to hear of my friend’s success - she works so hard and nobody deserves it more! Love ya Deb!
April 14th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
It’s been so great to watch your business grow. You are so talented and I know this is just the beginning for you. I really think you’ll make it on Oprah one day!
April 14th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
Thanks for this beautiful and inspiring jewelry business success story! Planning, steady work, a great product line, and helping others - it sounds like the recipe for huge success. Best wishes, Debbie and family!
Rena
http://www.home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com
April 14th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
The Baby Emi jewelry is so beautiful and special. It’s no wonder that everyone loves it. Congratulations Debbie!
April 15th, 2008 at 5:26 am
Hey Debbie,
We’re really happy for you and your family, and wish you continued success!
Jason and Sheri
Scrapless Press
April 15th, 2008 at 6:45 am
Thank you for sharing your story. I too launched an online business in April of 2006 and similarly it took a year and a half before we started to feel like the concept and store was finally gaining traction. It’s great to hear similar experiences from other Mom business owners. Best of luck to you as your business grows!
Sue Kirchner
Owner of the Chocolate Cake Club
April 15th, 2008 at 10:07 am
Debbie,
That was such an inspirational story. You have approached the whole thing with great humility and generosity. Thanks for sharing your experience.
April 15th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Debbie at event where I photographed her very adorable daughters. Her youngest daughter was wearing Cambodian Jingle Bells anklets, and I was so enchanted by the look and sound. It is inspiring to read Debbie’s story here in Entrepreneur. Congrats Debbie!!!
April 15th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Way to go Debbie!
Your friends at PrissyPoofs love to see other women succeed and get well deserved recognition! Keep up the good work!
Best,
Laura
April 15th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Congrats! You are so great and your drive is inspiring! Love
Karen
April 15th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Debbie, it’s great to see that your hard work and dedication is paying off. Your jewelry is beautiful; I cherish the bracelet you made for my daughter. You are an inspiration and a great friend!
April 15th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Hi Debbie,
What an inspiring article! It couldn’t have happened to a nicer girl. I was just telling another young mom about you last week. She has a vision of where she wants to be but needed to see an example of someone who pursued a dream with a husband and two kids. Thanks for being so awesome!
April 15th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Debbie,
I’m astounded by all of your achievements and hard work. You are an amazing person, mom, business owner and friend. I cherish the jewelry that you have made for me and Boston and they are heirlooms. Thank you for being so inspiring and I’m so proud of you. This article and your interview answers were wonderful!
April 15th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Debbie,
This was an interesting and informative article about your business–I’m glad to be a part of helping the brand stay strong as it grows.
April 17th, 2008 at 8:28 am
Debbie I’m so proud of you! It’s so nice to see all of your hardwork payoff. Not only are you an up and coming entrepreneur, but you’re also a great sister, mother, and wife!
April 17th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Debbie,
I love the anklet I got from you! I’m sure the little one will love it as well. It is very refreshing to see and hear about one of my Cambodian fellowwoman climb the ladder of success and succeed. You are an inspiration to Cambodian women everywhere! I enjoyed reading your interview.
April 17th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Debbie,
Congratulations! You’re a very inpirational woman and I’m very proud of you and your business! With your vision, passion and determination I believe you will make it big in the department stores!
Love,
Thida
April 17th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Debbie,
You are an inspiration! It makes me want to start a business of my own. You make it look effortless. Your jewelry is beautiful and Kalli wears your bracelets with MUCH pride. I feel fortunate to have such a wonderful and talented friend. Keep up the good work, you have come so far in such a short time. You are amazing and I hope you meet your goals soon (Can I come to the Oprah show with you?!) Best wishes and lots of love- Tash
April 18th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Trendy Mompreneur Captures Celebrity Buzz
Four moves, two babies and a personal illness didn’t deter this woman from pursuing her dream of being a successful mompreneur. So if she can do it, what’s stopping you?
April 19th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
WOW!!!! I’m so proud of you Deborah! You’ve always been into style and have been so for a reason. And that is to make unique, fashionable baby jewelry!
June 1st, 2008 at 12:53 am
[…] looks interesting: ‘Trendy Mompreneur Captures Celebrity Buzz‘ — with Khmer ankle […]
July 31st, 2008 at 8:48 am
Hi Debbie,
I really do wish you the best for the future, and believe that your dream of being on Oprah will be achieved.
Regards
Beadyshell