There are plenty of kid’s products on the market and I’ve tried them all! Most brands claim to be “natural” or “organic” but if you study up on what the regulations are in this country, you will soon realize that although these companies market their products as safe, that is rarely the case. Anything with an artificial fragrance is a big red flag and completely unsafe, containing many carcinogens. I have recently been on the hunt for new and improved, kid-safe skincare and bath products, and was so happy to find Bubbsi, a female-founded business with an aim to keep our kids safe from toxins. I actually love using their lotion and oils as well, because I know it contains healthy coconut oils, and won’t have harmful effects. Their packaging is brilliant, as each product also doubles as great bath toys. My kids are totally obsessed, so I’m sold!
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
This is our first year! Bubbsi officially launched in April 2019.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
I spent a large part of my career developing skincare and fragrance products for large beauty brands, but when my daughter Juhi developed eczema as an infant, I was disappointed by the natural skincare options for babies. Everything clean & natural felt watered down; I was still searching for something highly natural and moisturizing.
Instead, we turned to organic coconut oil, and gave her moisture massages twice a day. It truly helped her skin, but pure coconut oil was a mess to use! This is when I started to conceive of Bubbsi – I wanted to give parents the ability to use coconut oil, but without all the mess.
I also wanted to create a line that kids would actually have fun with, something that would make them excited about their daily skincare rituals. I mean, why should self-care only be for adults?
Bubbsi is a line of clean coconut oil products that turns skincare into playtime. Our formulas are highly natural, EU compliant, and luxuriously moisturizing. They come in playfully soft squeezable silicone bottles that kids love; and their parents love that the bottles are refillable with our value sizes.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
We’re the first skincare brand that is effective + natural + fun – the ultimate trifecta! Many parents want to use natural skincare, but end up back with synthetic products to combat their children’s dry skin effectively. Bubbsi products use higher levels of active natural ingredients (like organic coconut oil) and less water than typical natural products, making them more rich, luxurious and effective.
Rather than just marketing to parents, Bubbsi’s unique products are built to engage kids of all ages. Our soft silicone bottles and delightful (all-natural) coconut vanilla scent make moisturization fun. Plus, they’re refillable, which makes the line eco-friendly too!
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
Bubbsi is unique because I’m able to combine my expertise in skincare with perspective as a wellness-conscious mother of young children, especially one with eczema. I’ve spent years learning about women’s skincare preferences at a deep level and I believe my passion and expertise come through in every aspect of Bubbsi’s product—from our rich, efficacious formulas to the light, delectable, all-natural scent to our playful, refillable packaging.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
With skin sensitivity and eczema on the rise, early childhood skincare is increasingly important. But putting lotion on wiggly kids can be a real chore. By giving kids skincare products they love, we’re engaging them in self-care at a really young age.
I’m thrilled when customers tell me that their children are now asking for Bubbsi lotion every day, because it means we’re transforming a parenting chore into a moment that is fun for parents and kids alike. And if we’re not making life easier for parents...why are we even here?
What is your favorite part of your job?
My brand is really active on social media, and it’s an amazing way to stay close to my customers! When mamas find a product they love, they’re excited to share it. I’ve gotten so many messages from women about how my products are impacting their daily rituals and it makes this journey so fulfilling.
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
We love going for pizza and a glass of Montepulciano at Spunto in the W. Village. Their thin crust pizza is to die for, and unlike every other great restaurant in NYC, there is never a wait there.
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
Recently a mama whose infant has been diagnosed with alopecia, an autoimmune disorder which causes hair loss, reached out to give me feedback on our products. Her baby was losing hair and her doctor had recommended that she keep the baby’s scalp nourished and moisturized. She discovered the Bubbsi Oil Balm was perfect for this, and the baby’s hair has been healthy and growing back in as a result! There’s nothing more gratifying than making even the smallest positive impact on someone’s life.
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field.
I’m so grateful for the generosity of all the successful female founders I’ve met in the past few years. Some of my favorite mentors are Denise Woodard (founder of Partake Foods) and Laura Lisowski (co-founder of Oars + Alps).
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
“Don’t mistake kindness for weakness”: I believe that treating people with kindness and respect is the most important quality one can have, but at the same time, that doesn’t mean you should let others take advantage of you.
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
FOCUS! My biggest “trick” is to define 1-3 goals for each day and forcing myself to complete them as fully as possible before moving on. It’s so tempting to hop around to different tasks, but then at the end of the day, you feel like you have nothing to show for it. When I can successfully focus on 1-2 things a day and fully cross them off my list, I find that I’m much more efficient in the long run.