If you are a fan of Dragon’s Den (and who isn’t?) you may already be familiar with Cuddledry, who turned down not one, but two offers for £100,000 in order to continue doing it their way. And they succeeded. An idea that was born one night bathing their children together has turned the lifelong friends into Mumpreneurs. Not only that, but Helen and Polly are also keen to help other mums who want to succeed in business, and indeed Young Enterprise, who they credit with injecting the seed of growing business in their brains at school. To someone who is trying to get her own project off the ground, with the help of the Become a Mumpreneur course, this is awe inspiring stuff.
Also awe-inspiring is the fact that Cuddledry have been nominated for a Tommy award in the Best Nursery brand category. In itself this is not amazing, since the luxurious apron-style towel is a much better design than the conventional hooded towel that babies have, and is organic to boot (so it could also have been nominated for most green product). But what is amazing is some of the global brands they are up against, brands we all know. It’s a real acknowledgement of their hard work, juggling motherhood with getting a business off the ground, that they have been nominated. It’s inspiring to think that, if these Mumpreneurs can succeed, then so can I. And so can you. They are trying to lead a Mummy Revolution, and I am getting on the band wagon.
You can vote for Cuddledry at the Tommy Award website. There’s something in it for you too, since everyone who votes gets entered in a draw to win a holiday.
I’m a little sad that I never had a chance to use a Cuddledry towel with my newborn, since they are such a great idea. Imagine how delighted I was when I saw that they have invented an apron towel for dogs! I know! If The Wonder Hound enjoyed baths, I’m sure she’d be delighted too. Mind you, I’m also quite tempted by the very clever SPF50+ poncho towels. Or perhaps the colour changing bath mats. Oh how I love the internet: you can shop at any hour!!
Now, go and vote whilst I dig out DH’s credit card. The voting closes on 21st February 2011. You might win that holiday.
****************************************************************************************************************
Since writing this post I have learned that Polly has been nominated for a Best Business Mum award, and High Growth Award. Erica Douglas, who runs the invaluable Become a Mumpreneur course, is also up for an award, so get voting! Voting closes on 22nd February 2011.
Go on! You know you want to tell me what you think!