Her Big Idea Blog

This week’s show was a re-broadcast of a live interview with President and Founder Karin from Ah Goo Baby from earlier in the day. We had some minor technical difficulties with the live show but luckily I was able to fix show and keep Karin’s great interview. And a special thank you to Karin for being patient during those minor difficulties!

As I mentioned, Karin’s company is Ah Goo Baby (named after the sweet sound her first daughter made while learning to talk). Karen and her husband invented The Plush Pad, a portable baby changing station with a patented memory foam insert.  Any baby would love getting changed in comfort, luxury and style with The Plush Pad.

Not only is The Plush Pad for alll those on the go changes but the portable changing station can be used as a second diaper changing station in the home or a permanent changing station for parents with limited space. The Plush Pad also comes in adorable prints and is machine washable!!!

Karin felt there was a void in the marketplace for a comfortable, affordable yet luxurious changing pad. While recovering from two c-section Karen was bothered that she had to go up and down the stairs of her two-story house. With her second child Karin improvised and put a foam-changing pad on her kitchen table. But unfortunately the foam rubbed the varnish off her table! She thought, “There has got to be a better way!”

Eventually Karin found a prototype company to create the very first Plush Pad. After about a year of prototypes being mailed back and forth and about seven renditions later, she had her final product. In retrospect, Karin mentioned she probably could have used a local seamstress but was happy with the quality of the end result.

One tip Karin gave during the interview was to always improve your product. “Each time The Plush Pad goes to the manufacturer. We always make subtle improvements to make it better and better each time,” said Karin.

Recently Karin has hired sales reps because after a year of selling, Karin discovered The Plush Pad had to be touched and seen. Her husband did much of the research, cold calling and commission negotiation with the reps. In choosing the reps, they opted for reputable reps who did not represent competing products. The Plush Pad is now in over 50 stores all around the world.

“We expect to be in 150 stores by the end of the year,” said Karin.

To purchase The Plush Pad online or to find a store near you, please go to http://www.ahgoobaby.com.

And remember to live your life to aspire and inspire with HerBigIdea.com!

P.S. Click the player below to listen to the full interview or go to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/herbigidea to listen to this show and others!

[audio:http://www.blogtalkradio.com/HerBigIdea/2008/05/08/Show-006-An-Interview-with-Karin-from-Ah-Goo-Baby-Inventor-of-The-Plush-Pad.mp3]