It's not too often a "mompreneur" with a baby product wins an award for being so original. But Tsawwassen's Marcie Weinstein Smith of Lovey's baby products has made it to the top 10 among 60 businesses competing for Small Business BC's "Best Concept" Award.
"Just over a year ago all I had in my hands was a sample of a new idea I planned to take to market," says Weinstein Smith.
She speaks of the Tushi Stick, her all natural baby product that also serves as Canada's first diaper ointment in a roll-up stick format. She developed her line of natural baby products out of a personal need - her own son suffered from sensitive skin that traditional baby products only made worse.
The Tushi Stick caught on quickly with customers who loved the way it soothed skin so effectively, while also giving the benefit of mess-free diaper changing.
In mid-November, with only a few weeks left to generate online votes, Weinstein Smith entered the contest with crossed fingers. She and her marketing manager worked hard on an email and social media campaign to get as much support as possible, even though they were behind other applicants time-wise.
"I even got an email from Small Business BC telling me I was getting a lot of votes," says Weinstein Smith.
"The support was wonderful. I think many moms want to see a truly natural product win this one. It gives them a voice to say that they really want to stop chemicals in baby products too."
This is now the ninth year Small Business BC has run its Successful You Awards.
"Since its inception in 2003, over 1,900 entrepreneurs have participated in this province-wide awards competition in areas as diverse as retail trade, manufacturing, technology services, arts, entertainment and recreation," says Sara Couper, communications co-ordinator at Small Business BC.
To date, the Tushi Stick sells in 50 stores across Canada.
To read more about Lovey's or to order online, visit loveys.ca.
