Blog
One On One
LIRM One On One ~ Cocoa Babies Owner - Nia McAdoo
As we often state to our followers, we are always looking for the next positive movers and shakers to showcase.
Once again the stars have aligned and we have crossed paths with Ms. Nia McAdoo, owner of Cocoa Babies, a prosperous company that is serving the masses. Check out this amazing One On One with the owner and experience the encouragement that is Cocoa Babies.
Give our readers some background info of where you come from and the goal of your brand/businesses.
My name is Nia Tillett-McAdoo and I am originally from Buffalo, NY. I received my undergraduate degree from the University at Buffalo and my masters in Higher Education from Buffalo State College. While studying at Buffalo State, this was also the time when message tees were first widely introduced and marketed.
Being on a college campus, I constantly found myself surrounded by teens and young adults that were wearing various t-shirt brands. Many of the tees that were popular were also inappropriate which bothered me. I took a trip to the mall to see what was out there and I noticed that there were no positive messages being promoted and none that were designed and marketed to teens of color.
My goal has remained the same and that is to create a quality product that is both positive and trendy. Cocoa Babies is a brand that children like and one that parents feel proud to associate with.
The word Cocoa Babies is a very unique and catchy statement. Share with our reader where you garnered inspiration.
We love the name “Cocoa Babies”, my friends and I toyed around with a few different names and Cocoa Babies is the one that stood out. The inspiration for Cocoa Babies comes from all the adorable little children we see and come in contact with. We receive a number of suggestions from customers via our website and in person when we do events around the country.
Being a businesswoman is hard work and often involves stressful moments. How do you handle those moments?
You always have to have a plan B! Right before the holiday season I had a huge issue with a vendor which almost halted my production and any entrepreneur knows dealing with vendors can be a job in itself.
In times like that, you need to take a step back, look at the pieces and see how you call pull it back together and call in assistance when needed. I have a great network which allowed me to keep things moving, my customers didn’t see any delivery delays and we were able to replace the vendor with one that appreciates my business a bit more.
As a young woman growing up, did you have any role models who you looked up? Tell us more about them.
My mother was my first and most important role model. She instilled in me the idea that hard work and a good education are key to future success. My father and aunt ran their own businesses and working with them on weekends and school breaks allowed me to understand early on that being your own boss and running a business was possible.
"I have a great network which
allowed me to keep things moving"
In a time where everyone has a brand, what sets you apart from the others?
Cocoa Babies is a strong brand that continues to grow. There are very few minority owned companies that cater to babies and toddlers of color, we have over 75 onesies and bib designs most of which can be customized and all are positive.
Cocoa Babies clothing initiates conversations between parents and children and that is fabulous. I have had parents purchase shirts at events and change their child’s clothing on the spot. Cocoa Babies designs are ones that catch your eye and parents appreciate that the models look like their children and that the messages are marketed directly to them. Our price point is very competitive which is something else that makes the brand appealing.
Nia with actress Naturi Naughton
People in the world today often judge a book by its covers before getting to know them. How do you deal with criticism?
When you stay humble you are able to appreciate every praise and positive message you receive. It also allows you to take criticism whether it’s constructive or not. I try to look at what people are saying and see if it's relevant. I have made many improvements to the brand because of customer suggestions and I value each and every one.
I had an interesting discussion with a customer at an event in DC last summer where she commented on our “The Next Black President” design. She stated that she wouldn’t feel comfortable putting her child in that because it would be more than the child could handle and may be an unrealistic bar to set.
I asked her, “If we don’t tell our children that they can be president, are you telling them that they can’t?" That design can be used as tool for children to start setting career goals. A child can be president of everything, from their own business, to the president of the United States. The more they are surrounded by positive themes and designs, the more that this will become their reality.
Well said. Nia, what would you say to that young girl who is thinking of starting a business but doesn't have alot of resources?
I think starting a business can be very cost effective. Web hosting and website development is fairly affordable and if you’re selling a service or a product you can create a website, Face book fan page and business cards for less than $100. In the beginning it’s so important that you research multiple vendors and negotiate good deals and most of this research can be done easily online.
In a time where many are surrounded with yes people, what keeps you grounded and focused?
I have a strong network and trust me, when I am trying to introduce a new product, they are very vocal and honest. I have a group of five or so parents who I send designs and samples to for their feedback. Sometimes the feedback is brutal but I would rather hear that from them than potential customers. The key is to know who will give you honest feedback and who won’t. When your business reputation is at stake, you want the truth not what people think you want to hear.
Being a business owner, I can agree with you. Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
In five years I see Cocoa Babies fully expanded with its own retail store. We are gearing up for the release of our wholesale catalogue and should have a strong business to business base by that time. We currently do all our business directly with the customer. By being placed in various stores and boutiques, which will allow us to grow the brand in ways we can’t yet anticipate.
Nia with famed Photographer Derek Blanks
Our most immediate addition is our home parties. We are launching our Cocoa Babies Home Parties in January of 2011 which will allow us to sell products in an intimate setting. This is something that we’ve heard from our customers over the past 2 years and are finally ready to introduce.
Thank you Nia for this interview and we pray you continued success.
Thank you Darian!
After reading Nia’s story regarding Cocoa Babies, we are almost certain that this woman of substance is poised to leave her mark on the world. In a time where brands come a dime a dozen Legends Icons and Role Models publicly hail her brand the best gift to give as a gift this season and beyond.
http://www.cocoababies.com/
www.facebook/cocoababies
www.twitter.com/cocoababies
No comments
Post a Comment