1. Full name and company name: Tanya Burmaster Snuggle Bugz
2. Web site address: www.snugglebugz.ca
3. Why did you start your company? My husband and I had been looking into a couple business ideas when we had our first child 5 years ago! At that point we were driving all over the GTA looking for quality product for our 1st baby, and realized other must be doing the same. So, the concept of Snuggle Bugz began, and a few short months later we opened our first location, now 4 years later we have locations in both Burlington and Milton, and a website that ships all across Canada.
4. What does your company do?
We are a Baby store that offers all products necessary (and some extra wants that are fun to have) for the first few years for baby. From Car Seats, strollers and furniture to beautiful linens, cloth diapers and designer diaper bags. We educate our staff extensively so that they can answer almost all your questions and make preparing for new baby relaxing and stress free.
5. What's the best thing about being your own boss?
The best part about being my own boss is being able to schedule around assemblies and performances at school. I may have to work at night once the munchkins fall asleep, but I have the "flexibility" to be a part of our children's lives!
6. What advice can you give to entrepreneurs that are starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is to expect to work many, many more hours than you think, but it is so worth it. We often see ourselves sitting at the counter at midnight, trying to get everything finished for the day... don't give up, keep going and make your dreams come true!!
7. How do you manage family life and work?
This is a balance we continually struggle with. Not only are we entrepreneurs, but we work together as a husband and wife team, because of this we are always thinking and processing work! We make supper time with the Snuggle Kidz, a time to focus on them, but work and family life do a lot of mixing together!
8. Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
Wow, in 10 years? I can barely focus on what lunches need to be packed, and clothes out for tomorrow, let alone where I will be in 10 years! :) I guess it still comes back to family, at that point I will be living with a house of teenagers, and I just pray they are wonderful children with kind hearts known for their thoughtfulness. As for work one day at a time in the life of a Snuggle Mom!
