Crib Sheet #14: The Baby Planners’ Ellie Miller & Melissa Gould.

Ellie & Melissa are The Baby Planners who put a new spin on the old concierge business, with a brilliant slogan to boot. You can read their blog, check out their site, or watch them on the one and only Rachael Ray show (scroll down for the clip). For all you momtrepreneurs thinking about teaming up with a partner, you can get a glimpse from these moms about what it’s like to work together.

What business did you start up?

Ellie & Melissa, The Baby Planners, a full-service baby concierge and consulting business. What wedding planners are to newly engaged couples, The Baby Planners are to parents-to-be. From the first trimester to days before a baby’s arrival, The Baby Planners guide clients through the overwhelming maze of baby products and services available. Whether it is creating the baby registry, recommending products, or simply answering questions, we take the labor out of your delivery©.

What motivated you to do it?

We were motivated quite simply by our own experiences as working women, attempting to juggle demanding jobs, pregnancy and the multitude of preparations necessary for our babies’ arrivals. We both wasted precious time and energy searching for the best baby products, which seemed to change on a daily basis. This emotional, anxiety-ridden time was the inspiration behind The Baby Planners ™. Our goal is to provide our clients with the research, recommendations and reassurance we wish we had.

How many children do you have, and how old are they?

We have 3 children between the two of us. Melissa has an 8-year old daughter and Ellie has an 8-year old daughter and a 7-year old son.

How long have you been running your business? Are there other Baby Planners out there?

It was in the fall of 2006 and we like to say that from conception to birth, it took close to 9 months to really get rolling. We spent a lot of time researching baby products, meeting industry insiders from manufactures to vendors and preparing a solid business plan. There weren’t any other baby planners when we started, but we’re proud to say we started an international trend!

What makes your business unique?

First of all, that baby planning/concierge business had NEVER been done before and secondly, we personalize each of our clients’ plans to truly make theirs a unique baby planning experience.

How long did it take you to start becoming profitable and/or successful, however you choose to measure success?

Thanks to an early phone call from the Rachael Ray Show, we got off to a quick and successful start when we were not quite one year old.

How did your family react to you starting your own business?

Our husbands and kids have been very supportive from the beginning. Little did they know how often we’d be on the phone or computer with each other – constantly! But our kids are all in on what we do and know how important it is to us. They have been part of the process since it was just an idea and get a kick out of watching, hearing and experiencing it all. Not to mention it is fun to see Mommy on TV occasionally!

Easiest part of your job?

Having a partner to share it all with!

Hardest part of your job?

Having a partner to share it all with!

What, if any, tools or advice do you wish you knew then that you know now?

Know your worth! And charge accordingly!

Can you recommend 3 essential websites for moms in, or going into, business?

Ladies Who Launch
Inc. Magazine
Perez Hilton – gotta have some fun!

Anything else I should have asked you that you should answer?

How do people tell you apart and where can I get one of your orange t-shirts??

Melissa is the blonde, Ellie is the brunette and if you still get it wrong, we both answer to either name:) As for the tees, they’re coming soon…

A few more questions, just because American Express should be featuring more momtrepreneurs…

Childhood ambition….to create a booming business.

Fondest memory…..we’re The Baby Planners – the birth of our kids!

Indulgence…..cosmos, coffee, and chocolate:)

Last purchase…..a diet coke from McDonald’s.

Favorite magazine…..In Style.

Inspiration…..each other!

My Life…..Ellie & Melissa, The Baby Planners.