Jasmine Snow was an accessories editor for 8 years, and style is her nature. She, like many other women, couldn’t understand why there were so many unattractive bib options for her new baby when she first became a mother. She would purchase these adorable outfits for her baby, and spend all of this time dressing her up, and then slap on these colorful, printed bibs the second they got to a restaurant. She wanted to create a chic and unisex option, a forever baby accessory, and The Black Bib was born! This black leather bib, much like a great leather moto jacket, looks great with any outfit, and isn’t distracting. They are totally baby-proof, and can be cleaned with a wet wipe. My girls, even at this age, get very messy, so I’m waiting for Jasmine to make a few in their size!
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
Less than 1 year. We just launched November 2018.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
The Inspiration for The Black Bib came fairly easily once I had my daughter. I was an accessories editor in print magazines for 8 years, until eventually going freelance. Once I had my daughter, I found myself craving cool pieces that were not necessarily the frilly and pastel I was finding everywhere, but chic and stylish like the little New Yorker that she is. I would have custom pieces made, was constantly searching Etsy for unique pieces I didn’t find in regular stores and started sharing my finds, and my style as a mom on a blog called TheBlackBib.com. I put a lot of effort into shopping for and dressing her. I never intended to dress her like a mini adult but wanted to have a bib that felt like a chic accessory that would add to her outfit and not distract away from it. Just like we have our go to leather jacket in our closets, I wanted her to have the same type of staple piece to elevate any outfit. Once I started sharing content about mini style it only felt natural to create the actual bib itself as a part of this new world I had been creating and living in.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
I think spending so much time in magazines creating fashion pages really helped to train my brain into thinking about how people shop. It helps even more when I think about how other moms like myself will shop and what they’ll want when starting to shop for their mini. I give women the option to have a luxury fashion piece for their babe and it still be attainable, and not intimidating at all.
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
We are still so new, but I think relatability is what will give The Black Bib longevity. I always want this to feel lux, and a very special piece, but also always still attainable. The DNA of the brand is all about the mix of high/low fashion, the mix of having great style as a mom but still somehow finding yogurt on your jacket halfway through the day, (because we all have those days!) Everyone can relate to that and if they don’t feel intimidated by a brand I think they’ll fall in love with it.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
By taking the idea of going out to a restaurant with your child and making it just a bit more chic. Through all the crayons, spills and possible tantrums at least you know your babe looks good!
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love the flexibility of making my own schedule and rules, because it works so much for my life right now as a new mom (especially with number 2 on the way!). Now with The Black Bib, I love learning something totally new about the fashion industry. It’s something I’ve never done and I’m learning and creating as I go along which has been such an amazing experience to see what I’m capable of accomplishing!
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
Suite 16. It’s a private members only club in Madison Square Garden that’s like watching your favorite band, artist or sporting event but right from your living room couch. It’s a hidden gem with amazing food!
How do you benefit mamas?
Giving them one less thing to think about packing in the diaper bag and one less thing to wash! All of our bibs can be cleaned with a wipe right after use and thrown back into the bag to stay for the next time you need it!
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
Again, because it’s so new, the feedback of how much everyone loves the bibs, and thinks they’re so stylish has been really exciting. When creating, you never know how people will receive your idea and if they’ll like it just as much as you!
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field.
Jackie Cohen, Designer and Founder of My Story Jewelry. She’s a mama that has hustled to produced this beautiful jewelry line to tell the story of your life!
Amri & Katya, Founders of Hey Mama Co. They’ve both made such an impact on the idea of working mothers and not only created a community to lean on for support but also a huge resource for women getting things done!
Zanna Roberts Rassi. Founder of Milk Beauty. Not that she needs any sort of shout out, but I am a huge admirer of hers and have been for many years. I think she just does it right. She seems to balance life as a fashion editor, style correspondent, founder of a massive beauty brand and most importantly a mommy… with such grace and style.
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
I have a few mantras but the one I like the most is actually stolen from my husband. He has always said that Success is "when we’re all there together." I like this one the most because what is success if you can’t share it with the people you love!?
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
Prep. Prep. Prep. Being prepared makes me feel like I can handle anything the day has in store for me. Whether it’s packing bags, laying out outfits, writing email drafts to send out in the morning or pre-planning dinner. It all helps to tackle the day!
How can our readers purchase a bib of their own?
To purchase a bib, visit Shoptheblackbib.com.